What is alkaptonuria?
Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by homogentisic acid oxidase deficiency, a substance that is part of tyrosine metabolism. Homogentisic acid oxidation products accumulate in and darken skin, and crystals precipitate in joints. Urine exposed to air takes on a dark color.
How do members experience alkaptonuria?
Top 5 symptoms reported by people with alkaptonuria*
Common symptoms
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Common symptom
Pain
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Common symptom
Fatigue
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Nothing reported yet
Common symptom
Stress
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Nothing reported yet
Common symptom
Depressed mood
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Nothing reported yet
*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.
Top treatments taken by people for alkaptonuria*
Who has alkaptonuria on PatientsLikeMe?
| Age | Proportion | # of patients |
|---|---|---|
| <20 | 11 | |
| 20s | 9 | |
| 30s | 26 | |
| 40s | 40 | |
| 50s | 42 | |
| 60s | 51 | |
| 70+ | 47 |
Distribution of sex
| Sex | Proportion | # of patients |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 115 | |
| Female | 110 |