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Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive (AR) disorder characterized by the formation and hyperexcretion of 2,8-dihydroxyadenine (2,8-DHA) in urine, causing urolithiasis and crystalline nephropathy.
Features include always present findings: Reduced kidney function (renal insufficiency), Blood in the urine (hematuria), Urolithiasis, and 2,8-dihydroxyadenine crystalluria and others. 10 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Kidneys and urinary system | 5 | Reduced kidney function (renal insufficiency), Blood in the urine (hematuria), Elevated urinary 2,8-dihydroxyadenine level |
Metabolism | 1 | Metabolic acidosis |
Lab test results | 1 | Elevated creatinine (kidney function marker) (elevated circulating creatinine concentration) |
Digestive system | 1 | Abdominal pain |
More than 400 individuals with adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency have been reported in the medical literature [, , , , , , , , ].
Table 2.
Presenting Renal Manifestations in APRT Deficiency
Presenting Renal Manifestation | Approximate Frequency
Kidney stone disease1 | 60%-90%
Chronic kidney disease2,3 | 50%
Acute kidney injury4 | 30%5
End-stage renal disease | 15%
1. In both children and adults
2. In adult life
3. Due to DHA crystal nephropathy
4. Due to urinary tract obstruction
5.
Age at presentation. APRT deficiency may present at any age; there is no typical age of clinical onset. However, in at least 50% of affected individuals, symptoms do not occur until adulthood.
Source: GeneReviews — "Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase Deficiency"
APRT encodes adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (180 aa). Catalyzes a salvage reaction resulting in the formation of AMP, that is energically less costly than de novo synthesis Highest expression in Skin Not Sun Exposed Suprapubic (252.7 TPM) and Skin Sun Exposed Lower leg (244.1 TPM).
Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency is associated with mutations in the APRT gene on chromosome 16.
The APRT protein participates in APRT catalyzes the conversion of adenine to AMP pathway.
APRT is classified as a druggable target (Druggable Genome and Enzyme categories) with score 1.9.
No genotype-phenotype correlations have been established; clinical features are known to vary greatly among individuals with the same pathogenic variants .
Source: GeneReviews — "Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase Deficiency"
Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency (also known as 2,8-dihydroxyadeninuria) should be suspected in individuals with the following clinical, radiographic, laboratory, and pathology findings [, , , ].
Clinical manifestations
Kidney stone disease and renal colic
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Crystal nephropathy (confirmed by kidney biopsy; see Pathology)
Reddish-brown diaper stain in infants and young children
Allograft dysfunction following kidney transplantation
Radiographic findings
Radiolucent kidney stones, detected by ultrasound or computed tomography (CT). Stones are not seen on a plain abdominal x-ray.
Ultrasound examination frequently demonstrates increased echogenicity of the kidneys.
Laboratory findings
Source: GeneReviews — "Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase Deficiency"
Differential diagnosis of APRT deficiency includes other known causes of radiolucent kidney stones such as uric acid nephrolithiasis (OMIM 605990) and xanthinuria (OMIM PS278300). The diagnosis of APRT deficiency should be considered in all individuals with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, particularly in those with renal histopathologic features of crystal nephropathy, even in the absence of a history of nephrolithiasis. Pathologists and physicians must be aware that kidney biopsy findings in persons with APRT deficiency may have a similar appearance to and be confused with those of primary hyperoxaluria type 1, type 2, and type 3 .
Source: GeneReviews — "Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase Deficiency"
Genetic testing for APRT is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Biomarker and diagnostic research for adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs of an individual diagnosed with adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency, the evaluations (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 3. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with APRT Deficiency
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Renal | Measurement of serum creatinine (/or cystatin C) concentration | Urine screening for DHA crystalluria albuminuria or proteinuria |
Eyes | Consider ophthalmologic consultation. | In those w/ocular or vision symptoms Miscellaneous/ |
Other | Consultation w/clinical geneticist /or genetic counselor | DHA = 2,8-dihydroxyadenine Treatment of Manifestations Table 4. |
Targeted Treatment for Prevention/Reduction of Kidney Stones in Individuals with APRT Deficiency Goal | Treatment | Dosage |
Reduction of renal DHA excretion1 | Allopurinol2,3,4 | 5-10 mg/kg/day (max dose: 800 mg/day) either 1x/day or in 2 divided doses |
Source: GeneReviews — "Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase Deficiency"
Azathioprine and mercaptopurine should be avoided by individuals taking XOR inhibitors (allopurinol or febuxostat). Inhibition of xanthine oxidase may cause increased plasma concentrations of azathioprine or mercaptopurine, leading to toxicity.
Source: GeneReviews — "Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase Deficiency"
6 trials found
No consensus surveillance guidelines have been established.
Table 6.
Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with APRT Deficiency
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency
| Measurement of eGFR derived from serum creatinine /or serum cystatin C | Every 6-12 mos or as clinically indicated
Urine microscopy for assessment of DHA crystalluria1,2,3 if direct DHA measurements not available4
Renal ultrasound5 | Periodically
| Assess medication compliance. | At least annually
eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate
1. Using first morning void urine specimen, if possible
2. In those receiving pharmacotherapy
3. Although not optimal, the absence of DHA crystals on urine microscopy can be considered indicative of adequate treatment. A highly significant correlation between 24-hour urinary DHA excretion and DHA crystalluria has been observed .
4. See for information about the UPLC-MS/MS assay for therapeutic monitoring .
5. To evaluate for new, asymptomatic kidney stones
Source: GeneReviews — "Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase Deficiency"
Phenotype severity distribution: 9 always present features.
Estimated prevalence: 1-9 in 100,000 (Uncommon).
6 clinical trials registered, 5 recruiting. Interventions under study include other interventions. Research is primarily sponsored by academic and government institutions.
NCT ID | Title | Phase | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
[NCT03655223](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03655223) | Early Check: Expanded Screening in Newborns | — | RTI International | ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING |
[NCT06092346](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06092346) | A Natural History Study Seeks to Understand the Clinical, Genomic, Pharmacological, Laboratory, and Dietary Determinates of Pyrimidine and Purine Metabolism Disorders | — | National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) | RECRUITING |
[NCT02026388](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02026388) | Rare Kidney Stone Consortium Biobank | — | Mayo Clinic | RECRUITING |
[NCT06065852](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06065852) | National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases | — | UK Kidney Association | RECRUITING |
[NCT00588562](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00588562) | Rare Kidney Stone Consortium Patient Registry | — | Mayo Clinic | RECRUITING |
19 publications have been identified in PubMed for adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (42%), Review / Meta-Analysis (32%), and Basic Science / Preclinical (11%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 8 | 42% |
Research summaries | 6 | 32% |
Laboratory research | 2 | 11% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 1 | 5% |
Clinical study results | 1 | 5% |
Disease patterns and progression | 1 |
Bramley R (2026). [PMID: 40810356](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40810356/). *Ann Clin Biochem*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Edvardsson VO (2026). [PMID: 41820602](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41820602/). *Pediatr Nephrol*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Hawkins-van der Cingel G (2026). [PMID: 41498064](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41498064/). *Clin Kidney J*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Helgudottir HR (2026). [PMID: 41495575](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41495575/). *J Mol Med (Berl)*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Thorsteinsdottir UA (2025). [PMID: 40611456](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40611456/). *J Inherit Metab Dis*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Uesugi N (2025). [PMID: 40393441](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40393441/). *Nephron*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Deepthi B (2025). [PMID: 39912277](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39912277/). *Indian Pediatr*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Leow EH (2025). [PMID: 39982660](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39982660/). *Int Urol Nephrol*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Lajmi K (2025). [PMID: 41339242](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41339242/). *Arch Esp Urol*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Alder H (2025). [PMID: 40366599](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40366599/). *J Nephrol*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Data assembled from 8 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 3:04 AM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency
Febuxostat2 |
80 mg/day5 |
May be more efficacious than allopurinol6. Febuxostat dose should not routinely be reduced in those w/impaired kidney function. |
Reduction of urine DHA supersaturation crystallization | Ample fluid intake | NA |
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with APRT Deficiency Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Consideration/Other DHA kidney |
stones1 | Standard surgical management | Incl extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy |
CKD2 | Aggressive management of hypertension | Consider ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers in those w/proteinuria. Standard reduction of cardiovascular risk factors |
ESRD3 | Dialysis | It is not known if patients on dialysis benefit from allopurinol /or febuxostat therapy, unless a kidney transplant is planned. Kidney transplant |
Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with APRT Deficiency System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
Renal | Measurement of eGFR derived from serum creatinine /or serum cystatin C | Every 6-12 mos or as clinically indicated Urine microscopy for assessment of DHA crystalluria1,2,3 if direct DHA measurements not available4 Renal ultrasound5 |
Other | Assess medication compliance. | At least annually eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate 1. |