Neuro-Arthritic Diathesis

Neuro-arthritic diathesis (or uric acid, uraturic, uricemic diathesis) is a genetically determined disease that is characterized by dysfunction of the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of purines and the synthesis of uric acid. This disease occurs in approximately 0.5-3% of children.

With neuro-arthritic diathesis, instability of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, a tendency to ketoacidosis and reduced activity of acetylation processes in the liver are noted. A high level of uric acid in the blood increases the excitability of the nervous system, promotes kidney stone formation, has a diabetogenic effect and increases the sensitivity of vessel walls to catecholamines.

Children with neuro-arthritic diathesis may be capricious, excitable and have a decreased appetite. However, as they get older, they may become predisposed to obesity. They may also experience tic-like hyperkinesis, logoneurosis, affective convulsions, acetonemic vomiting, and increased blood pressure. Clinical markers of diathesis include uric acid infarction in newborns, urinary and cholelithiasis, arthrosis, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, gastric and duodenal ulcers, neurasthenic and spastic syndromes. Hidden markers include uraturia, oxaluria, and high blood uric acid levels.

The diagnosis of neuro-arthritic diathesis is based on genealogical history, clinical and hidden markers of the disease.

Treatment of neuro-arthritic diathesis includes a diet with limited foods rich in purine bases (offal, poultry, herring, sardines, cocoa, chocolate), abundant alkaline drinks, especially in the afternoon, cranberries, lemons, citrate mixture and vitamin B in the morning. If the level of uric acid in the blood is high, allopurinol is indicated.

In general, neuroarthritic diathesis is a rare but serious disease that requires diagnosis and treatment under the supervision of a qualified physician.