Trimethylaminuria, a social disease? A case report

Authors

  • Inês Rua Médica Interna de Formação Específica em Medicina Geral e Familiar; USF Santa Joana, ACES Baixo Vouga, Aveiro, Portugal. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1922-7315
  • Rita Ribau Médica Interna de Formação Específica em Medicina Geral e Familiar; USF Santa Joana, ACES Baixo Vouga, Aveiro, Portugal. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4805-664X
  • Mariana Fonseca Silva Médica Assistente em Medicina Geral e Familiar; UCSP Anadia II, ACES Baixo Vouga, Aveiro, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5569-034X
  • Elsa Martins Médica Assistente Graduada em Medicina Geral e Familiar; USF Santa Joana, ACES Baixo Vouga, Aveiro, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8876-9866

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v38i4.13499

Keywords:

Metabolism, Inborn errors, Methylamines/urine, Primary health care

Abstract

Trimethylaminuria or ‘fish odour syndrome’ is a rare and under-recognised disease caused by a deficit of flavin monooxygenase 3 enzyme (FMO3). This disease is characterized by the presence of a fishy smell after the ingestion of foods containing trimethylamine precursors. There are no other relevant physical symptoms, however, the social and psychological consequences may be detrimental. Understanding and diagnosing the disease is key to minimising its social and psychological impact, through the implementation of symptom reduction strategies. This article presents a case report of a 6-year-old female patient with trimethylaminuria, highlighting the importance of children’s consultation done in primary care to address family concerns and early detect rare diseases, but with possible long-term complications.

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Author Biography

  • Inês Rua, Médica Interna de Formação Específica em Medicina Geral e Familiar; USF Santa Joana, ACES Baixo Vouga, Aveiro, Portugal.

    Mestrado Integrado em Medicina na Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra (2011-2017).

    Internato do Ano Comum no Centro Hospitalar Entre Douro e Vouga (2018).

    Internato de Formação Específica em Medicina Geral e Familiar na USF Santa Joana (2019 - presente).

References

Phillips IR, Shephard EA. Primary trimethylaminuria [homepage]. In: Adam MP, editor. GeneReviews®. Seattle: University of Washington, Seattle; 2007 Oct 8 [updated 2020 Nov 5]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1103/

Christodoulou J. Trimethylaminuria: an under-recognised and socially debilitating metabolic disorder. J Paediatr Child Health. 2012;48(3):E153-5.

Messenger J, Clark S, Massick S, Bechtel M. A review of trimethylaminuria: (fish odor syndrome). J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013;6(11):45-8.

Li M, Al-Sarraf A, Sinclair G, Frohlich J. Fish odour syndrome. Can Med Assoc J. 2011;183(8):929-31.

Mackay RJ, McEntyre CJ, Henderson C, Lever M, George PM. Trimethylaminuria: causes and diagnosis of a socially distressing condition. Clin Biochem Rev. 2011;32(1):33-43.

Published

2022-09-13

How to Cite

Trimethylaminuria, a social disease? A case report. (2022). Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice, 38(4), 408-11. https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v38i4.13499