Urea Cycle Disorders

Urea Cycle Disorders are rare genetic conditions where the body cannot properly remove ammonia, a waste product from protein digestion. Normally, the urea cycle in the liver converts ammonia into urea, which is then excreted through urine. When this process fails, ammonia builds up in the blood, leading to symptoms like confusion, vomiting, and in severe cases, brain damage or coma. The severity varies, but managing the disorder often involves a special diet low in protein, medications, and sometimes dialysis to reduce ammonia levels, helping to prevent toxic build-up and complications.