Prevalence of Alkaptonuria among group of patients with low back pain in Erbil

Abstract

ALKAPTONURIA (AKU) It is an autosomal recessive disorder due to deficiency of homogentisic acid oxidase, The homogentisic acid retained in the body is deposited as a pigmented polymer in the cartilage, skin and sclera in addition passing dark urine or when fresh urine turns black on standing or on alkalization. The darkening of the tissues by this pigment is designated Ochronosis
This is across sectional  study carried on 7500 patients  presented with low back pain in Rzgary General Teaching Hospital and private clinic in the period from May 2005- march 2010 (57 months) ,in Erbil Governorate ,Iraq.
The  study  was  conducted  to  record  information  regarding  the  gender,  age,  race, incidence, frequency of joint involvement. 
Complete history were taken from all  patients of passing dark urine or when fresh urine  turns  black  on  standing  or  on  alkalization  ,and  finding  of  characteristic radiographic changes to the spine
The lumber spine and hip joint were the most frequently affected joints in the study group while sacroiliac joint and peripheral joints were spared
CONCLUSIONS:
This study indicates that AKU also present in Erbil-Iraq .a question for urine colure changes is advise when taking history from patients with low back pain specially when diagnosing patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Early detection is important for prevention and treatment of multisystem. As the administration of unnecessary drugs can be avoided