Abstract.Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a metabolic bone disease characterized by failure of bone
calcification and vitamin B6 dependent seizures. It is caused by loss-of-function
mutations in the ALPL gene. A newborn girl required respiratory support
by nasal-directional positive airway pressure at birth, and pyridoxine hydrochloride
administration for vitamin B6-dependent seizures observed from day two. Umbilical cord
blood showed low alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and high pyridoxal phosphate levels.
Radiographs showed severe rickets-like appearance of the bones. Genetic analysis of the
ALPL gene revealed compound heterozygous mutations,
c.1559delT/p.Ser188Pro. We diagnosed her with perinatal severe HPP, and started the
patient on asfotase alfa from day six. Following enzyme replacement therapy (ERT),
skeletal mineralization and respiratory insufficiency improved with no remarkable
side-effects. Crying vital capacity (CVC) was used to evaluate respiratory status, which
continuously improved from 13.3 mL/kg (day 22) to 20.6 mL/kg (day 113). Since no seizures
occurred, pyridoxine hydrochloride was tapered off at one year of age. Strategies to
manage perinatal severe HPP cases following ERT have not been established till date. A
review of the literature shows that CVC may be a good indicator for weaning from
ventilatory support. In addition, ERT will most likely enable withdrawal of pyridoxine
treatment.