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*

*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

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 11
20s 9
30s 26
40s 40
50s 42
60s 51
70+ 47

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 115
Female 110