6-METHYLURACIL EXCRETION IN 2-METHYLACETOACETYL-COA THIOLASE DEFICIENCY AND IN 2 CHILDREN WITH AN UNEXPLAINED RECURRENT KETOACIDAEMIA

6-Methyluracil (6MU) has been identified in urine collected during acute illness in two children with beta-ketothiolase deficiency (approximately 1 mmol/L) and in two children with recurrent infection-related ketoacidaemia of unknown aetiology (levels of 6.3 and 7.1 mmol/mmol creatinine). Significant amounts of 6MU were not detected in children with fasting ketosis in whom a metabolic disorder was excluded (normal levels less than 25 mu mol/mmol creatinine). We propose that the production of 6MU may be related to the accumulation of acetoacetyl-CoA and thus be a marker for disorders where this occurs.