Analysis of urine from an infant whose mother reported a blue staining on the diapers showed increased levels of indican and a generalized aminoaciduria.On the basis of these findings,the infant was diagnosed as having:
A) An intestinal obstruction
B) A protein malabsorption syndrome
C) Fanconi syndrome
D) Hartnup disease

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hartnup disease is a rare genetic disorder characterized by impaired transport of neutral amino acids, including tryptophan. This results in a generalized aminoaciduria and decreased levels of tryptophan, the precursor to the metabolic pathway leading to indole derivatives such as indican. Indican is commonly excreted in the urine and can cause blue staining on diapers. Symptoms of Hartnup disease can include skin rashes and neurologic symptoms due to decreased tryptophan levels. An intestinal obstruction would likely present with more specific symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting. A protein malabsorption syndrome may lead to aminoaciduria, but would not explain the increased levels of indican. Fanconi syndrome is also a possibility due to the aminoaciduria, but typically results in glucose and electrolyte abnormalities as well.

Analysis of Urine from an Infant Whose Mother Reported a Blue