Blue Diaper Syndrome

Definition

Definition of Blue Diaper Syndrome
Blue diaper syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive metabolic disorder characterized in infants by bluish urine-stained diapers.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Blue Diaper Syndrome
Common symptoms of blue diaper syndrome include vomiting, fussy infant, failure to thrive, poor weight gain, malnutrition, irritability, blue-tinged urine, fever, constipation, vision problems, and poor feeding in infants.

Causes

Causes of Blue Diaper Syndrome
It is caused by a defect in tryptophan absorption. Bacterial degradation of tryptophan in the intestine leads to excessive indole production and thus to indicanuria which, on oxidation to indigo blue, causes a peculiar bluish discoloration of the diaper. Symptoms typically include digestive disturbances, fever and visual problems.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Blue Diaper Syndrome
A full description of this syndrome is still pending due to its rarity.  Affected infants are identified by a blue discoloration of diapers during the newborn period. A pediatrician can order urine and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment consists of following a diet low in the amino acid tryptophan.

Treatment

Treatment of Blue Diaper Syndrome
Treatment for blue diaper syndrome includes a diet that is low in tryptophan.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Blue Diaper Syndrome
Consult with your doctor.

Prevention

Prevention of Blue Diaper Syndrome
Consult with your doctor.