investigations
Last reviewed 01/2018
The diagnosis is often suspected because of the peculiar odour of maple syrup found in the urine and sweat.
- analysis of amino acid plasma concentrations reveals:
- raised levels of leucine, isoleucine, valine and alloisoleucine - latter is an amino acid that is not usually found in the bloodstream.
- leucine level in the plasma is usually higher than the other three amino acids.
- urinanalysis - high levels of leucine, isoleucine and valine - the ketoacids of these amino acids are also raised.