It is not known whether a mild dietary restriction from early in life would avoid or minimize later complications, but such an approach is reasonable. No medications are known to be useful in treating alkaptonuria. If treatment is successful, the patient does not need to be admitted. Transfer is not required if appropriate outpatient consultation and follow-up are obtained. No exercise restriction is necessary in the absence of cardiovascular disease.
Life expectancy is normal.
Incidence of myocardial infarction is increased later in life. The need for rigorous follow-up with a biochemical geneticist should be emphasized. Therefore, all siblings of a newly diagnosed patient should be screened biochemically. Patients treated with dietary phenylalanine and tyrosine restrictions must be monitored biochemically. The success of dietary protein restriction in alkaptonuria patients is age-dependent.