There are many different options available for treating UCDs. By talking to your doctor about your symptoms, they will be able to make sure that you are taking the most suitable UCD medicine to keep your ammonia levels under control.
Closely following the treatment plan given to you by your doctor will help you get the most out of your treatment and give you the best opportunity to control your ammonia levels and avoid UCD symptoms, allowing you to live life to the fullest.
LOW-PROTEIN DIET – FIND A BALANCE
Since a high intake of protein can elevate the ammonia levels, it is important to limit the protein intake. At the same time, protein is needed for body growth and have many other functions in our body so there must be a balance. The UCD kitchen gives advice on what to eat to stay healthy.
AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTS
Amino acids are essential nutrients that are needed to grow and maintain your health. Amino acid supplements fill the gap when the amount of protein you can eat is restricted and supply you with essential vitamins and minerals. A dietitian can help decide which supplements may be right for you.
MEDICATIONS
LIVER TRANSPLANT
A UCD can be cured with a liver transplant, because a new liver contains enzymes in the urea cycle that are working properly. It’s important to be aware that a transplant has risks, since it’s a surgical procedure. Even though a liver transplant can put a stop to any further hyperammonaemic crises, it won’t fix any health problems related to a UCD that evolved prior to the transplant. A liver transplantation is a big surgical procedure, but your doctor will speak to you about the benefits and risks if transplantation is deemed to be a suitable option for you.