Analysis of treatment methods for arginase deficiency

Abstract

Arginase deficiency is a rare, critical and highly lethal inherited metabolic disorder which may lead to impaired motor skills and neurodevelopmental deficits. Three mainstay treatment options have been arisen: drugs, liver transplantation surgery, and dietary control. Drugs are categorized as nitrogen scavengers and recombinant human arginase pharmaceuticals. They are fast-acting and less harmful but costly and may have complications. Liver transplantation has become possible in recent years with the development of minimally invasive surgery. This approach is highly effective but harmful to the patient. Dietary control is the least expensive and less harmful but less effective. The researchers should continue to focus on the long-term effects of the medications that are already available, improve surgical treatments and procedures, and investigate the effects of long-term dietary control on the disease. This article briefly analyzes and evaluates the therapeutic options that have already been developed, and looks forward to new treatments that may be developed in the future.