Arthavan Selvanathan is a Metabolic Geneticist based in Westmead, NSW, Australia. He looks after people with rare metabolic and genetic conditions, especially when they can affect the way the body breaks down food and handles energy.
In many cases, these conditions show up in childhood, but they can also be found later on. Some conditions can lead to episodes of illness, where the body struggles to manage certain substances. This is why care often needs to be steady and well planned, not rushed.
Arthavan’s work covers a range of inborn errors of metabolism. This includes urea cycle disorders (UCD), which can affect how ammonia is cleared from the body. He also supports families dealing with specific genetic conditions like orotic aciduria type 1, and ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. These are complex problems, and symptoms can vary from person to person.
He also helps with disorders such as aspartylglucosaminuria, N-acetylglutamate synthase deficiency, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase deficiency. Over time, these can be linked with things like developmental concerns, muscle weakness, and problems with how the body uses fats and other fuel sources. At times, people may experience metabolic acidosis, including lactic acidosis and other types of metabolic acidosis.
Some referrals are for neurological impacts as well. For example, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) can be part of the bigger picture in certain metabolic genetic conditions, so care can be coordinated alongside other support services. He also looks after situations involving hypotonia, which is low muscle tone, and can affect day-to-day movement and development.
Cholesteryl ester storage disease is another condition that may come through this clinic. It affects how the body stores and handles fats, and it can lead to ongoing health needs that take time to manage.
Alongside assessment and long-term care planning, Arthavan’s work includes support for bone marrow transplant. This can be considered in some situations, but it’s always a careful decision based on the individual case and what the team thinks will help most.
His location in Westmead means he’s well placed to work with local hospitals and multidisciplinary care teams. For metabolic genetic problems, having clear plans and follow-up matters, and that’s something he focuses on.