Two novel BTD mutations causing profound biotinidase deficiency in a Chinese patient

Background Biotinidase deficiency (OMIM 253260) is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder affecting about 1/60,000 people worldwide. The absence or deficiency of biotinidase impairs free biotin recycling and affects biotin-dependent carboxylase functions. Methods A Chinese patient with spontaneous recurrent epilepsy, an eczema-like rash, hair loss, hypotonia, and hearing loss began at three months of age. Her biotinidase activity was 1.0 nmol/ml/min, 9.5% of the mean control activity, which confirmed profound biotinidase deficiency. Results Compound heterozygous for c.250-1G > C and c.878dupT variants in the BTD gene were identified in this patient. These two variants were novel and absent in the population matched controls and any databases. Conclusions This study expanded the mutation spectrum of alterations of the BTD gene. Our patient also emphasized the critical role of biotinidase activity measurement combined with mutation analysis in early diagnosis of biotinidase deficiency.