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Living with Deficiency of beta-ureidopropionase

A condition that releases extra molecules in urine and can cause mild to severe neurological problems.

Understanding Deficiency of beta-ureidopropionase

Deficiency of beta-ureidopropionase is a condition in which large amounts of certain molecules are released in the urine, with neurological problems in some people.

Neurological problems range from mild to severe. Some people have a small head size or brain differences seen on imaging. Damage to the optic nerve can lead to vision loss. In some people, the condition causes no neurologic problems. GARD lists onset in the newborn or infant period.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these as the most common:

  • Delayed development overall
  • Intellectual disability
  • Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
  • Seizures

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists, genetic specialists and seizure and epilepsy specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in UPB1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Epilepsy Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Seizure and epilepsy specialists (epileptologist)
Expert care
Expert lists: Epilepsy Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Epilepsy Foundation
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing of the UPB1 gene confirm the diagnosis?
How should vision and the optic nerve be monitored?
What therapies can help with development and seizures?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesUPB1

Changes in the UPB1 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

GeneticNeurologicalInherited Metabolic

Also known as: beta-alanine synthase deficiency; beta-ureidopropionase deficiency; upb1d

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Deficiency of beta-ureidopropionaseGARD ID 16669 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

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