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Background: A diagnosis of phenylketonuria (PKU) in an infant is a devastating and overwhelming event for their parents. Providing appropriate information and support is paramount, especially at the beginning of a child’s life. Investigating if parents are receiving the right support is important for continued care. Methodology: An online survey was distributed to explore parents’ perceptions of current support and information provided by their healthcare provider and to rate sources of other support (n = 169 participants). Results: Dietitians received the highest (85%) rate of “very helpful” support. Overall, parents found Facebook to be helpful for support but had mixed reactions when asked if healthcare professionals (HCPs) should provide advice as part of the groups. When rating the most effective learning methods, the top three were 1:1 teaching sessions (n = 109, 70%), picture books (n = 73, 50%), and written handouts (n = 70, 46%). Conclusion: Most parents are happy with the support and information they receive from their dietitian but required more support from other HCPs. Facebook groups provide parents with the social support that HCPs and their family may be unable to offer, suggesting a place for social media in future PKU care.

BACKGROUND: Large neutral amino acid (LNAA) treatment has been suggested as alternative to the burdensome severe phenylalanine-restricted diet. While its working mechanisms and optimal composition have recently been further elucidated, the question whether LNAA treatment requires the natural protein-restricted diet, has still remained.OBJECTIVE: Firstly, to determine whether an additional liberalized natural protein-restricted diet could further improve brain amino acid and monoamine concentrations in phenylketonuria mice on LNAA treatment. Secondly, to compare the effect between LNAA treatment (without natural protein) restriction and different levels of a phenylalanine-restricted diet (without LNAA treatment) on brain amino acid and monoamine concentrations in phenylketonuria mice.DESIGN: BTBR Pah-enu2 mice were divided into two experimental groups that received LNAA treatment with either an unrestricted or semi phenylalanine-restricted diet. Control groups included Pah-enu2 mice on the AIN-93 M diet, a severe or semi phenylalanine-restricted diet without LNAA treatment, and wild-type mice receiving the AIN-93 M diet. After ten weeks, brain and plasma samples were collected to measure amino acid profiles and brain monoaminergic neurotransmitter concentrations.RESULTS: Adding a semi phenylalanine-restricted diet to LNAA treatment resulted in lower plasma phenylalanine but comparable brain amino acid and monoamine concentrations as compared to LNAA treatment (without phenylalanine restriction). LNAA treatment (without phenylalanine restriction) resulted in comparable brain monoamine but higher brain phenylalanine concentrations compared to the severe phenylalanine-restricted diet, and significantly higher brain monoamine but comparable phenylalanine concentrations as compared to the semi phenylalanine-restricted diet.CONCLUSIONS: Present results in PKU mice suggest that LNAA treatment in PKU patients does not need the phenylalanine-restricted diet. In PKU mice, LNAA treatment (without phenylalanine restriction) was comparable to a severe phenylalanine-restricted diet with respect to brain monoamine concentrations, notwithstanding the higher plasma and brain phenylalanine concentrations, and resulted in comparable brain phenylalanine concentrations as on a semi phenylalanine-restricted diet.

Laurie Bernstein,1,2 Joyanna Hansen,3 Christian Kogelmann,4 Margret Ellerbrok,4 Maria Gizewska,5 Sommer Gaughan,6 Julio Cesar Rocha,7– 9 Amaya Belanger,10 Fran Rohr2 1Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; 2Met Ed Co, Boulder, CO, USA; 3Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; 4University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; 5Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology of the Developmental Age, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland; 6Inherited Metabolic Diseases Clinic, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; 7Nutrition and Metabolism, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1169-056, Portugal; 8CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal; 9Reference Centre of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, 1169-045, Portugal; 10Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, SpainCorrespondence: Fran Rohr Email fran.rohr@met-ed.netAbstract: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is one of the most common inherited metabolic disorders, and historically has required affected individuals to follow a severely protein-restricted diet with medical food for life. A novel enzyme substitution therapy, pegvaliase, allows many adults with PKU on therapy to have a reduction in blood phenylalanine (Phe) while on an unrestricted diet. However, there is limited information on optimal nutrition management of individuals with PKU on pegvaliase therapy. This manuscript summarizes a virtual European meeting focused on nutrition management of individuals on pegvaliase therapy, including three case studies and a patient perspective that together provide clinical insights into the real-world management of individuals with PKU on pegvaliase.Keywords: PKU, phenylketonuria, pegvaliase, medical nutrition therapy

Our study estimated size of impairment for different cognitive functions in early-treated adults with PKU (AwPKU) by combining literature results in a meta-analytic way. We analysed a large set of functions (N = 19), each probed by different measures (average = 12). Data were extracted from 26 PKU groups and matched controls, with 757 AwPKU contributing 220 measures. Effect sizes (ESs) were computed using Glass’ ∆ where differences in performance between clinical/PKU and control groups are standardized using the mean and standard deviation of the control groups. Significance was assessed using measures nested within independent PKU groups as a random factor. The weighted Glass’ ∆ was − 0.44 for all functions taken together, and − 0.60 for IQ, both highly significant. Separate, significant impairments were found for most functions, but with great variability (ESs from −1.02 to −0.18). The most severe impairments were in reasoning, visual-spatial attention speed, sustained attention, visuo-motor control, and flexibility. Effect sizes were larger with speed than accuracy measures, and with visuo-spatial than verbal stimuli. Results show a specific PKU profile that needs consideration when monitoring the disease.

There is a lack of evidence on the impact on body composition of high protein intake and types of protein substitutes in PKU patients—particularly in adolescents, who are more inclined to dietary transgressions. In this observational, cross-sectional study, PKU patients were observed during prepubertal age (p) or after the pubertal spurt (P), assessing body composition and bone quality and correlating these parameters with dietary compliance and types of protein substitutes. Anthropometric and dietary data were evaluated together with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). A total of 36 patients (16 males, 17 prepubertal and 19 post-pubertal; mean ± SD age 11.4 ± 3.9 years) were included. A higher BMI was observed in adolescents (p-value: 0.018). The BIA revealed a significant increase in total body water (TBW) and muscle mass (MM) in P subjects either compliant (p-value: 0.001) or non-compliant with the diet (p-value: 0.001). MM content correlated with increased Phe intake (r = 0.63; p < 0.001). In the subgroup of five patients taking L-AAs and glycomacropeptides (GMPs), BCAA values tended to be lower than those taking only L-AA mixtures, with a significant trend for valine. Maintenance of body composition parameters within the normal range—for both fat and muscle mass—and levels of BCAAs can be helpful in reducing the risk of becoming overweight in adulthood. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Funding Information: This work was supported by BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc . Funding Information: The content of this manuscript was based on preparatory pre-meeting activities and presentations and discussions during two advisory board meetings that were coordinated and funded by BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. All authors or their institutions received funding from BioMarin to attend at least one or both meetings. Additional disclosures: BKB received consulting payments from BioMarin, Shire, Genzyme, Alexion, Horizon Therapeutics, Denali Therapeutics, JCR Pharma, Moderna, Aeglea BioTherapeutics, SIO Gene Therapies, Taysha Gene Therapy, Ultragenyx, and Inventiva Pharma, participated as clinical trial investigator for BioMarin, Shire, Denali Therapeutics, Homology Medicines, Ultragenyx, and Moderna as well as received speaker fees from BioMarin, Shire, Genzyme, and Horizon Therapeutics. AH received consulting payments from BioMarin, Chiesi, Shire, Genzyme, Amicus, and Ultragenyx, participated as clinical trial investigator for Ultragenyx as well as received speaker fees from Alexion, Amicus, BioMarin, Genzyme, Nutricia, Sobi, and Takeda. ABQ received consulting payments from BioMarin, speaker fees from BioMarin, Nutricia, Vitaflo, Sanofi, Takeda, Recordati, and travel support from Vitaflo . SEC received consulting payments and speaker fees from BioMarin as well as consulting payments from Synlogic Therapeutics. COH was clinical trial investigator for BioMarin and received consulting and speaker payments from BioMarin. SCJH received consulting payments and travel support from BioMarin and Homology Medicines. NL received consulting payments from Alnylam, Amicus, Astellas, BioMarin, BridgeBio, Chiesi, Genzyme/Sanofi, HemoShear, Horizon Therapeutics, Jaguar, Moderna, Nestle, PTC Therapeutics, Reneo, Shire, Synlogic, and Ultragenyx, participated as clinical trial investigator for Aeglea, Amicus, Astellas, BioMarin, Genzyme/Sanofi, Homology, Horizon, Moderna, Pfizer, Protalix, PTC Therapeutics, Reneo, Retrophin/Travere therapeutics, Shire, and Ultragenyx, as well as received speaker fees from Cycle Pharmaceuticals, Leadiant and Recordati. MCM II received consulting payments from BioMarin, Horizon Therapeutics, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Applied Therapeutics, Cycle Therapeutics, and Ultragenyx. ALSP received speaker fees from BioMarin. JCR received consulting payments from Applied Pharma Research, Merck Serono, BioMarin, Vitaflo, and Nutricia, speaker fees from Applied Pharma Research, Merck Serono, BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Vitaflo, Cambrooke, PIAM, LifeDiet, and Nutricia, as well as travel support from Applied Pharma Research, Merck Serono, BioMarin, Vitaflo, Cambrooke, PIAM, and Nutricia. SS received consulting payments, research grants, speaker fees, and travel support from BioMarin and participated as clinical trials investigator for BioMarin. ASV received consulting payments from BioMarin, Horizon Therapeutics, and Ultragenyx and participated as clinical trial investigator for Acadia, Alexion, BioMarin, Genzyme, Homology Medicines, Kaleido, Mallinckrodt, and Ultragenyx. JV received consulting payments from BioMarin, LogicBio Pharmaceuticals, Sangamo Therapeutics, Orphan Labs, Synlogic Therapeutics, Sanofi, Axcella Health, Agios Pharmaceuticals, and Applied Therapeutics as well as travel grants from BioMarin and LogicBio Pharmaceuticals. MW received consulting payments, speaker fees, and travel support from BioMarin, and participated as clinical trial investigator for Mallinckrodt, Roche, Wave, Cycle Therapeutics, and Intrabio. ACM participated in strategic advisory boards and received honoraria as a consultant and as a speaker for Merck Serono, BioMarin, Nestlé Health Science (SHS), Applied Pharma Research, Actelion, Retrophin, Censa, PTC Therapeutics, and Arla Food. Funding Information: Ideally, access to (neuro)psychological/psychiatric support should assist adolescents with identifying, understanding, and reporting of PKU-specific challenges (Table 3), offering individualized recommendations on managing these challenges. Although there is no replacement for mental health services for patients with identified needs, psychosocial support from PKU peers, e.g., through PKU camps, virtual social events, etc., can at least in the short-term help to improve metabolic control by providing individuals an opportunity to participate in supportive PKU-related educational activities potentially reducing perceived social isolation [91]. In addition to PKU camps, which may be very specific to certain regions or countries, HCPs should consider encouraging involvement in local, regional, national and international PKU patient/family advocacy and social support organizations, introducing adolescents and young adults to national/international patient registries [92,93]. Besides support from PKU peers, patients can benefit from non-PKU peer support, although some adolescents and young adults with PKU may not disclose to others and may avoid eating in with others or eating in public due to potential feelings of anxiety or feelings of being ashamed of their disease. In addition, patients with PKU of all ages, but particularly vulnerable adolescents and young adults, can benefit from having the opportunity to learn about and practice strategies that help promote feelings of empowerment and self-efficacy that can be used in both familiar and unfamiliar environments where they may experience peer pressure and feel the need to ‘fit in’. For example, a role-play approach involving behavioral rehearsal, self-monitoring, goal setting, and training in problem-solving skills with emphasis on initiation and inhibition (i.e., how to say no) could be provided by parents, PKU peers, or even members of the PKU team. These types of activities can be used to teach adolescents with PKU how to react in social situations, such as dining out, helping to avoid indulging and increased risk-taking behavior, a hallmark of the adolescent period [94].This work was supported by BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.The content of this manuscript was based on preparatory pre-meeting activities and presentations and discussions during two advisory board meetings that were coordinated and funded by BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. All authors or their institutions received funding from BioMarin to attend at least one or both meetings. Additional disclosures: BKB received consulting payments from BioMarin, Shire, Genzyme, Alexion, Horizon Therapeutics, Denali Therapeutics, JCR Pharma, Moderna, Aeglea BioTherapeutics, SIO Gene Therapies, Taysha Gene Therapy, Ultragenyx, and Inventiva Pharma, participated as clinical trial investigator for BioMarin, Shire, Denali Therapeutics, Homology Medicines, Ultragenyx, and Moderna as well as received speaker fees from BioMarin, Shire, Genzyme, and Horizon Therapeutics. AH received consulting payments from BioMarin, Chiesi, Shire, Genzyme, Amicus, and Ultragenyx, participated as clinical trial investigator for Ultragenyx as well as received speaker fees from Alexion, Amicus, BioMarin, Genzyme, Nutricia, Sobi, and Takeda. ABQ received consulting payments from BioMarin, speaker fees from BioMarin, Nutricia, Vitaflo, Sanofi, Takeda, Recordati, and travel support from Vitaflo. SEC received consulting payments and speaker fees from BioMarin as well as consulting payments from Synlogic Therapeutics. COH was clinical trial investigator for BioMarin and received consulting and speaker payments from BioMarin. SCJH received consulting payments and travel support from BioMarin and Homology Medicines. NL received consulting payments from Alnylam, Amicus, Astellas, BioMarin, BridgeBio, Chiesi, Genzyme/Sanofi, HemoShear, Horizon Therapeutics, Jaguar, Moderna, Nestle, PTC Therapeutics, Reneo, Shire, Synlogic, and Ultragenyx, participated as clinical trial investigator for Aeglea, Amicus, Astellas, BioMarin, Genzyme/Sanofi, Homology, Horizon, Moderna, Pfizer, Protalix, PTC Therapeutics, Reneo, Retrophin/Travere therapeutics, Shire, and Ultragenyx, as well as received speaker fees from Cycle Pharmaceuticals, Leadiant and Recordati. MCM II received consulting payments from BioMarin, Horizon Therapeutics, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Applied Therapeutics, Cycle Therapeutics, and Ultragenyx. ALSP received speaker fees from BioMarin. JCR received consulting payments from Applied Pharma Research, Merck Serono, BioMarin, Vitaflo, and Nutricia, speaker fees from Applied Pharma Research, Merck Serono, BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Vitaflo, Cambrooke, PIAM, LifeDiet, and Nutricia, as well as travel support from Applied Pharma Research, Merck Serono, BioMarin, Vitaflo, Cambrooke, PIAM, and Nutricia. SS received consulting payments, research grants, speaker fees, and travel support from BioMarin and participated as clinical trials investigator for BioMarin. ASV received consulting payments from BioMarin, Horizon Therapeutics, and Ultragenyx and participated as clinical trial investigator for Acadia, Alexion, BioMarin, Genzyme, Homology Medicines, Kaleido, Mallinckrodt, and Ultragenyx. JV received consulting payments from BioMarin, LogicBio Pharmaceuticals, Sangamo Therapeutics, Orphan Labs, Synlogic Therapeutics, Sanofi, Axcella Health, Agios Pharmaceuticals, and Applied Therapeutics as well as travel grants from BioMarin and LogicBio Pharmaceuticals. MW received consulting payments, speaker fees, and travel support from BioMarin, and participated as clinical trial investigator for Mallinckrodt, Roche, Wave, Cycle Therapeutics, and Intrabio. ACM participated in strategic advisory boards and received honoraria as a consultant and as a speaker for Merck Serono, BioMarin, Nestlé Health Science (SHS), Applied Pharma Research, Actelion, Retrophin, Censa, PTC Therapeutics, and Arla Food. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Authors Background: Early treated patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) often become lost to follow-up from adolescence onwards due to the historical focus of PKU care on the pediatric population and lack of programs facilitating the transition to adulthood. As a result, evidence on the management of adolescents and young adults with PKU is limited. Methods: Two meetings were held with a multidisciplinary international panel of 25 experts in PKU and comorbidities frequently experienced by patients with PKU. Based on the outcomes of the first meeting, a set of statements were developed. During the second meeting, these statements were voted on for consensus generation (≥70% agreement), using a modified Delphi approach. Results: A total of 37 consensus recommendations were developed across five areas that were deemed important in the management of adolescents and young adults with PKU: (1) general physical health, (2) mental health and neurocognitive functioning, (3) blood Phe target range, (4) PKU-specific challenges, and (5) transition to adult care. The consensus recommendations reflect the personal opinions and experiences from the participating experts supported with evidence when available. Overall, clinicians managing adolescents and young adults with PKU should be aware of the wide variety of PKU-associated comorbidities, initiating screening at an early age. In addition, management of adolescents/young adults should be a joint effort between the patient, clinical center, and parents/caregivers supporting adolescents with gradually gaining independent control of their disease during the transition to adulthood. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary international group of experts used a modified Delphi approach to develop a set of consensus recommendations with the aim of providing guidance and offering tools to clinics to aid with supporting adolescents and young adults with PKU. publishersversion published

Therapeutic enzymes are currently used in the treatment of several diseases. In most cases, the benefits are limited due to poorAmong the delivery systems, we focused on red blood cells for the delivery of therapeutic enzymes. Erythrocytes possess a long circulation time, a reduced immunogenicity, there is no need of chemical modifications and the encapsulated enzyme remains active because it is protected by the cell membrane. Here we discuss some representative applications of the preclinical developments of the field. Some of these are currently in clinic, others are approaching the clinic and others are illustrative of the development process. The selected examples are not always the most recent, but they are the most useful for a comparative approach.The results discussed confirm the central role that red blood cells can play in the treatment of several conditions and suggest the benefit in using a natural cellular carrier in terms of pharmacokinetic, biodistribution, safety, and efficacy.

Phenylketonuria (PKU), caused by variants in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene, is the most common autosomal-recessive Mendelian phenotype of amino acid metabolism. We estimated that globally 0.45 million individuals have PKU, with global prevalence 1:23,930 live births (range 1:4,500 [Italy]–1:125,000 [Japan]). Comparing genotypes and metabolic phenotypes from 16,092 affected subjects revealed differences in disease severity in 51 countries from 17 world regions, with the global phenotype distribution of 62% classic PKU, 22% mild PKU, and 16% mild hyperphenylalaninemia. A gradient in genotype and phenotype distribution exists across Europe, from classic PKU in the east to mild PKU in the southwest and mild hyperphenylalaninemia in the south. The c.1241A>G (p.Tyr414Cys)-associated genotype can be traced from Northern to Western Europe, from Sweden via Norway, to Denmark, to the Netherlands. The frequency of classic PKU increases from Europe (56%) via Middle East (71%) to Australia (80%). Of 758 PAH variants, c.1222C>T (p.Arg408Trp) (22.2%), c.1066−11G>A (IVS10−11G>A) (6.4%), and c.782G>A (p.Arg261Gln) (5.5%) were most common and responsible for two prevalent genotypes: p.[Arg408Trp];[Arg408Trp] (11.4%) and c.[1066−11G>A];[1066−11G>A] (2.6%). Most genotypes (73%) were compound heterozygous, 27% were homozygous, and 55% of 3,659 different genotypes occurred in only a single individual. PAH variants were scored using an allelic phenotype value and correlated with pre-treatment blood phenylalanine concentrations (n = 6,115) and tetrahydrobiopterin loading test results (n = 4,381), enabling prediction of both a genotype-based phenotype (88%) and tetrahydrobiopterin responsiveness (83%). This study shows that large genotype databases enable accurate phenotype prediction, allowing appropriate targeting of therapies to optimize clinical outcome. Fil: Hillert, Alicia. No especifíca; Fil: Anikster, Yair. No especifíca; Fil: Belanger Quintana, Amaya. No especifíca; Fil: Burlina, Alberto. No especifíca; Fil: Burton, Barbara K.. No especifíca; Fil: Carducci, Carla. No especifíca; Fil: Chiesa, Ana Elena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Fundación de Endocrinología Infantil. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada"; Argentina Fil: Christodoulou, John. No especifíca; Fil: Dordevic, Maja. No especifíca; Fil: Desviat, Lourdes R.. No especifíca; Fil: Eliyahu, Aviva. No especifíca; Fil: Evers, Roeland A.F.. No especifíca; Fil: Fajkusova, Lena. No especifíca; Fil: Feillet, Francois. No especifíca; Fil: Bonfim Freitas, Pedro E.. No especifíca; Fil: Gizewska, María. No especifíca; Fil: Gundorova, Polina. No especifíca; Fil: Karall, Daniela. No especifíca; Fil: Kneller, Katya. No especifíca; Fil: Kutsev, Sergey I.. No especifíca; Fil: Leuzzi, Vincenzo. No especifíca; Fil: Levy, Harvey L.. No especifíca; Fil: Lichter Koneck, Uta. No especifíca; Fil: Muntau, Ania C.. No especifíca; Fil: Namour, Fares. No especifíca; Fil: Oltarzewsk, Mariusz. No especifíca; Fil: Paras, Andrea. No especifíca; Fil: Perez, Belén. No especifíca; Fil: Polak, Emil. No especifíca; Fil: Polyakov, Alexander V.. No especifíca; Fil: Porta, Francesco. No especifíca; Fil: Rohrbach, Marianne. No especifíca; Fil: Scholl Bürgi, Sabine. No especifíca; Fil: Spécola, Norma. No especifíca; Fil: Stojiljkovic, Maja. No especifíca; Fil: Shen, Nan. No especifíca; Fil: Santana da Silva, Luiz C.. No especifíca; Fil: Skouma, Anastasia. No especifíca; Fil: van Spronsen, Francjan. No especifíca; Fil: Stoppioni, Vera. No especifíca; Fil: Thöny, Beat. No especifíca; Fil: Trefz, Friedrich K.. No especifíca; Fil: Vockley, Jerry. No especifíca; Fil: Yu, Youngguo. No especifíca; Fil: Zschocke, Johannes. No especifíca; Fil: Hoffmann, Georg F.. No especifíca; Fil: Garbade, Sven F.. No especifíca; Fil: Blau, Nenad. No especifíca

Background Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of phenylalanine metabolism caused by deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase that converts phenylalanine into tyrosine. Main body In 2017 the first European PKU Guidelines were published. These guidelines contained evidence based and/or expert opinion recommendations regarding diagnosis, treatment and care for patients with PKU of all ages. This manuscript is a supplement containing the practical application of the dietary treatment. Conclusion This handbook can support dietitians, nutritionists and physicians in starting, adjusting and maintaining dietary treatment.

Background Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the conversion of phenylalanine (Phe) to tyrosine. Medical nutrition therapy, consisting of a Phe‐restricted diet with medical formula, is the primary treatment for PKU. The Simplified Diet is an approach to PKU nutrition management that allows certain fruits, vegetables, and low‐protein foods to be eaten without measuring or tracking, referred to as free/uncounted foods. There is no consensus on how to implement this approach in metabolic centers in the United States (U.S.), and clinical practice varies. Aim This study describes the clinical experience of metabolic dietitians in U.S.‐based metabolic centers related to the use and implementation of the Simplified Diet. Methods A survey was developed and sent out to metabolic dietitians to query current clinical practices related to the Simplified Diet. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses. Results Sixty‐three dietitians managing ≥5 patients with PKU in U.S.‐based metabolic centers responded to the survey. Ninety‐eight percent of survey respondents reported using some version of the Simplified Diet in clinical practice. The survey identified areas of strong agreement, including introduction of the Simplified Diet at 6 to 12 months of age. The survey also identified areas of widespread variability, including specific Phe or protein thresholds for free/uncounted foods, and whether or not to set daily quantity limits on these foods. Conclusions Significant variability related to implementation of the Simplified Diet exists across U.S.‐based metabolic centers. This practice variability may contribute to differences in the patient experience across centers and may indicate a need for development of clinical guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism. Besides dietary treatment, some patients are responsive to and treated with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). Our primary objective was to examine whether the 48-hour BH4 loading test misses BH4-responsive PKU patients. Secondary, we assessed if it would be beneficial to 1) use a cut-off value of 20% Phe reduction instead of commonly used 30%, and 2) extend the loading test to 7 days.METHODS: 24 patients with a 20-30% decrease of blood Phe levels during their initial 48-hour BH4 loading test or at least one mutation associated with long-term BH4 responsiveness, were invited to participate. 22 of them underwent the 7-day BH4 loading test. During the BH4 loading test, BH4 was administered orally once daily for 7 days (20 mg/kg/day). Blood samples on filter paper were collected at 13 time points. Potential BH4 responders (≥20% decrease in blood Phe concentrations at ≥1 moment within the first 48 h or ≥30% at ≥1 moment during the entire test) underwent a treatment trial to assess true long-term responsiveness (≥30% decrease of Phe levels compared to baseline and/or ≥50% increase in natural protein tolerance in accordance with the Dutch guidelines before 2017). The duration of the treatment trial varied from 2 to 18 months.RESULTS: Of the 22 patients who completed the 7-day BH4 loading test, 2 were excluded, 8 had negative tests and 12 were considered to be potential BH4 responders. Of these 12 potential BH4-responsive PKU patients, 5 turned out to be false positive, 6 true-responder and 1 was withdrawn.CONCLUSION: Even though the 48-hour BH4 loading test has proven its efficacy in the past, a full week may be necessary to detect all responders. So, if blood Phe concentrations during the 48-hour BH4 test shows a clear tendency, but not sufficient decrease, a full week (with only measurements each 24 h) could be offered. A threshold of ≥20% decrease within 48 h is not useful for predicting true BH4 responsiveness.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a condition that results in the build-up of phenylalanine in the blood. This can cause severe brain damage and neurological issues if left untreated. Management can be complex and many individuals may turn to the internet to access further information. It is important that resources are understood as misinterpretation could result in harm to health. The aim of this study was to assess the readability of online resources for PKU and to assess their visual appearance using a communication sciences assessment framework. We searched the top five websites through Google using the search term “phenylketonuria/PKU”. We then analysed the text content of the identified websites using five readability formulae to determine the USA and UK reading grade. The median readability level across the five websites was US grade/UK grade 10.6/11.6, with individual grades ranging from 10/11 to 13.3/14.3. We found wide differences in the focus, layout and general appearance of the websites. The readability of resources was much higher than the recommended US 6th grade level. Online resources for PKU need to be simplified to ensure they can be easily understood.

PurposeDefective function of phenylalanine hydroxylase in phenylketonuria (PKU) results in the accumulation of phenylalanine (Phe) and the reduction of tyrosine (Tyr) in the blood, interfering in the normal development and function of organs and tissues in the body. Tyr is the precursor of catecholamines, secreted in response to stress by the adrenal medulla and paraganglia. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma catecholamine and amino acid response to an escalating series of sympathetic stress tests in PKU patients.MethodsTwelve males with classical PKU (aged 18–41 years) and ten healthy male controls were included in this study. The subjects were exposed to three different sympathetic stress stimulations: cold pressor, isometric handgrip, and peak treadmill tests to exhaustion. Physiological, metabolic, and hormonal changes were determined.ResultsAerobic capacity (VO2max) was significantly lower in the PKU group (p = 0.018); however, relative VO2maxwas similar in the two groups during the spiroergometric test. No significant differences in norepinephrine or in epinephrine response were found between the two groups during the different stimulation tests. Blood Phe increased significantly in the PKU group compared with controls (p = 0.027) during the spiroergometric test, while Tyr levels remained stable in both groups.ConclusionPKU itself might not influence stress-induced catecholamine changes. Only strenuous exercise increased blood Phe levels in PKU subjects.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a disease caused by phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme deficiency in newborn infants and is the most important cause of treatable mental retardation. One of the causes of the disease comes from the defects of the PTPS in the metabolic pathway of phenilalanine metabolisms. Treatment of the disease is not feasible, and life-time tetrahydrobiopterin loading is performed in chronic patients. Today, tetrahydrobiopterin is chemically synthesized. Biological production is a different point of view due to the long duration of chemical synthesis, costs, and exposure to chemical pollutants. For this reason, the gch-I gene from the thermophilic A. flavithermus DSM 2641T was identified by PCR method. We cloned the gchI gene that was 603 bp and its open reading frame has 200 amino acids. The gene was cloned into pET28a(+) expression vector with 6xHis tags and transform in E. coli BL21(DE3)pLys host cells to express with 1 mM IPTG induction. After purification with Ni-NTA resin, we determined that GCH-I is 24 kDa, its optimum pH is 8.0 and temperature is 65C.Under optimal conditions, GCH-I exhibited enzymatic activity with Km- and Vmax- values of 243 ± 23,25 μM and 100,93 ± 3,5 nM/min/mg protein, respectively., Fenilketonüri (FKU) yenidoğan bebeklerde fenilalanin hidroksilaz enzim eksikliğinin neden olduğu bir hastalıktır ve tedavi edilebilir zihinsel geriliğin en önemli nedenidir. Hastalığın nedenlerinden biri, fenilalanin metabolizmasının metabolik yolundaki PTPS'nin kusurlarından kaynaklanmaktadır. Hastalığın tedavisi mümkün değildir ve kronik hastalarda yaşam boyu tetrahidrobiyopterin yüklemesi yapılır. Bugün, tetrahidrobiyopterin kimyasal olarak sentezlenir. Biyolojik üretim, uzun süre kimyasal sentez, maliyetler ve kimyasal kirleticilere maruz kalma nedeniyle farklı bir bakış açısıdır. Bu nedenle, termofilik A. flavithermus DSM 2641T'den gchI geni PCR yöntemi ile tanımlandı. 603 bp olan gchl genini klonlandı ve açık okuma çerçevesi 200 amino aside sahip olduğu tespit edildi. AfgchI geni, 6xHis etiketleri ile pET28a(+) ekspresyon vektörüne klonlandı ve 1 mM IPTG indüksiyonu ile eksprese etmek için E. coli BL21 (DE3)pLys konakçı hücrelerine transforme edildi. Ni-NTA afinite kromatografisi ile saflaştırıldıktan sonra GCH-I’in 24 kDa, optimum pH’sının 8,0 ve optimum sıcaklık isteminin 65C olduğu belirlendi. Optimal koşullar altında GCH-I, Km- ve Vmax- değerleri sırasıyla 243 ± 23,25 μM ve 100,93 ± 3,5 nM/dak/mg protein olarak tespit edildi.

Background and Aim:Phenylketonuria is a type of autosomal recessive congenital and genetically induced fungal disease that has not been converted to tyrosine by the lack or lack of the phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme and has been shown to increase phenylalanine levels in the blood, especially in the brain. The aim of this study was to compare the IQ scores of children with phenylketonuria and healthy children referring to Besat hospital clinic in Sanandaj in 2017-2018.Methods:This historic cohort study wasperformed on all of the patients at the time of birth, referred to PKU and pediatric clinics, as well as healthy children (for phenylketonuria) referred to other clinics of the children's hospital. The control group was done.Goodinow’s intelligence test was used to measure cognitive, mental and children's intelligence. Finally, the results of the two groups were analyzed by the statistical consult.Results:The results showed that 46 (69.7%) were male and 20 (30.3%) were female. The mean age of the subjects was 6.34±2.52of years. Result from the current study showed that there was not significant differences between IQ mean in two groups of study(p>0.05).Conclusion:According to the results of this study, the timely identification and treatment of patients with phenylketonuria has been able to prevent the complications of this disease to a large extent, and keep the children's IQs intact, thereby providing timely andaccurate identification and treatment of this disease is necessary among children.

Laurie Bernstein,1,2 Joyanna Hansen,3 Christian Kogelmann,4 Margret Ellerbrok,4 Maria Gizewska,5 Sommer Gaughan,6 Julio Cesar Rocha,7– 9 Amaya Belanger,10 Fran Rohr2 1Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; 2Met Ed Co, Boulder, CO, USA; 3Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; 4University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; 5Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Cardiology of the Developmental Age, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland; 6Inherited Metabolic Diseases Clinic, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; 7Nutrition and Metabolism, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1169-056, Portugal; 8CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal; 9Reference Centre of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, 1169-045, Portugal; 10Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, SpainCorrespondence: Fran Rohr Email fran.rohr@met-ed.netAbstract: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is one of the most common inherited metabolic disorders, and historically has required affected individuals to follow a severely protein-restricted diet with medical food for life. A novel enzyme substitution therapy, pegvaliase, allows many adults with PKU on therapy to have a reduction in blood phenylalanine (Phe) while on an unrestricted diet. However, there is limited information on optimal nutrition management of individuals with PKU on pegvaliase therapy. This manuscript summarizes a virtual European meeting focused on nutrition management of individuals on pegvaliase therapy, including three case studies and a patient perspective that together provide clinical insights into the real-world management of individuals with PKU on pegvaliase.Keywords: PKU, phenylketonuria, pegvaliase, medical nutrition therapy

In phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency, an easily feasible method to access the progression of neurodegeneration is warranted to contribute to current discussions on treatment indications and targets. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures as markers of neurodegeneration differ between patients with PAH deficiency and healthy controls (HCs) according to phenotype and metabolic control. In this single-center cross-sectional study, 92 patients with different phenotypes of PAH deficiency [PAH deficiency not requiring treatment, early treated phenylketonuria (ETPKU), and late-diagnosed phenylketonuria (PKU)] compared with 76 HCs were examined using spectral-domain OCT. Indices of phenylalanine elevation and variability were correlated with OCT parameters. Late-diagnosed PKU patients showed reduced peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and combined ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) volume. Adult ETPKU patients were found to have lower GCIPL volume (p = 0.016), which correlated with the indices of phenylalanine control. In pediatric ETPKU patients with poor metabolic control, pRNFL was significantly reduced (p = 0.004). Patients with PAH deficiency not requiring treatment did not exhibit retinal degeneration. Inner nuclear layer (INL) was significantly increased in the pediatric ETPKU patients, driven by those with current poor metabolic control (p = 0.006). Our data provide evidence of retinal neuroaxonal degeneration and INL swelling, depending on the phenotype, current age, and metabolic control. These findings suggest that OCT is suitable to investigate neurodegeneration in PKU and we propose OCT as a sensitive, reliable, safe, low-burden, and low-cost examination for future multicenter studies.

In phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency, an easily feasible method to access the progression of neurodegeneration is warranted to contribute to current discussions on treatment indications and targets. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures as markers of neurodegeneration differ between patients with PAH deficiency and healthy controls (HCs) according to phenotype and metabolic control. In this single-center cross-sectional study, 92 patients with different phenotypes of PAH deficiency [PAH deficiency not requiring treatment, early treated phenylketonuria (ETPKU), and late-diagnosed phenylketonuria (PKU)] compared with 76 HCs were examined using spectral-domain OCT. Indices of phenylalanine elevation and variability were correlated with OCT parameters. Late-diagnosed PKU patients showed reduced peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and combined ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) volume. Adult ETPKU patients were found to have lower GCIPL volume (p = 0.016), which correlated with the indices of phenylalanine control. In pediatric ETPKU patients with poor metabolic control, pRNFL was significantly reduced (p = 0.004). Patients with PAH deficiency not requiring treatment did not exhibit retinal degeneration. Inner nuclear layer (INL) was significantly increased in the pediatric ETPKU patients, driven by those with current poor metabolic control (p = 0.006). Our data provide evidence of retinal neuroaxonal degeneration and INL swelling, depending on the phenotype, current age, and metabolic control. These findings suggest that OCT is suitable to investigate neurodegeneration in PKU and we propose OCT as a sensitive, reliable, safe, low-burden, and low-cost examination for future multicenter studies.

Introduction: Current clinical outcome assessments (COAs) are not effectively capturing the complex array of symptoms of adults with phenylketonuria (PKU). This study aimed to identify concepts of interest relevant to adults with PKU. Based on these concepts, COAs for patient-reported outcomes (PROs), observer-reported outcomes (ObsROs), and clinician-reported outcomes (ClinROs) were selected or developed and content validity was assessed. Materials and methods: Concept-elicitation interviews were conducted with an international cohort of adults with PKU (n = 30), family member observers (n = 14), and clinical experts (n = 8). Observers and clinical experts were included to overcome the risk of lack of self-awareness among adults with PKU. The concepts of interests endorsed by ≥30% of patients, observers, and/or clinical experts were selected, mapped to items in existing COAs, and used to develop global impression items for patients, observers, and clinicians. Next, the content validity of the COAs and global impression items was evaluated by cognitive interviews with patients (n = 22), observers (n = 11), and clinical experts (n = 8). All patients were categorized according to blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels (i.e., 1200 μmol/L). Results: Concepts of interests were identified across four domains: emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral. After mapping, eight existing COAs were selected based on the concept coverage (six PROs, one ObsRO, and one ClinRO). The six PRO measures were considered as potentially fit-for-purpose. The ObsRO measure was not deemed relevant for use in observers of adults with PKU and only a subscale of the ClinRO measure was considered valid for assessing adults with PKU by clinicians. Due to the lack of existing COAs covering all concepts of interests, global impression items for symptom severity and change in symptoms were developed, which were limited to one question covering in total 14 concepts. Upon validation, some of the patient and observer global impression items were excluded as they were subject to lack of insight or could not be reported by observers. Due to the limited interaction time between clinician and patient, use of the clinician global impression items was not supported. Conclusion: Existing COAs relevant to adults with PKU were selected and PKU-specific global impression items were developed by mapping the most frequently identified concepts of interests from internationally-conducted in-depth interviews. Future studies should address the appropriateness of the selected COAs and global impression items to assess if these can be used as efficacy endpoints in PKU clinical trials.

The first pandemic lockdown dramatically impacted many aspects of everyday life, including healthcare systems. The purpose of this study was to identify problems of patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) and their parents/caregivers during that time. We aimed to analyse potential differences in the self-reported compliance and characteristics of contacts with a doctor/dietitian before and during the pandemic lockdown and the perception of access to special food and opinions on remote contacts between a particular group of respondents. All participants (n = 614) were asked to complete an online questionnaire that consisted of 31 questions on pandemic-related events and circumstances which may have directly or indirectly impacted health and treatment. The people who completed the survey were divided into three groups: parents of PKU children (n = 403), parents of PKU adults (n = 58) and PKU patients older than 16 years (n = 153). The differences among the three analysed groups were found in the number of contacts, the way of contacting a doctor/dietitian during the pandemic and satisfaction with remote contact. Caregivers of children with PKU reported better therapy compliance, more frequent contacts with specialists and more satisfaction with remote visits than adult patients. We also observed a relationship between satisfaction from remote contact and self-reported frequency of contacts with a doctor/dietitian, as well as a relationship between satisfaction from remote contact and recommended blood Phe levels reported by both patients and caregivers. Travel time exceeding three hours from the respondents’ location to their doctor was associated with higher odds of their recognition of remote contact as a method of PKU treatment only in the group of caregivers. In the caregiver groups, the reported worse access to low-Phe products during the lockdown was linked to the perceived difficulty of maintaining the diet. However, such a relationship was not found among patients. In conclusion, significant differences in the perception of the pandemic lockdown and its impact on health and treatment-related issues were found.

The mainstay of phenylketonuria treatment is a low protein diet, supplemented with phenylalanine (Phe)-free protein substitutes and micronutrients. Adhering to this diet is challenging, and even patients with good metabolic control who follow the dietary prescriptions in everyday life ignore the recommendations occasionally. The present study explores the ability of slow-release large neutral amino acids (srLNAAs) to prevent Phe increase following a Phe dietary load. Fourteen phenylketonuric patients aged ≥13 years were enrolled in a 6-week protocol. Oral acute Phe loads of 250 and 500 mg were added to the evening meal together with srLNAAs (0.5 gr/kg). Phe and tyrosine were dosed before dinner, 2h-after dinner, and after the overnight fast. After oral Phe loads, mean plasma Phe remained stable and below 600 µmol/L. No Phe peaks were registered. Tyrosine levels significantly increased, and Phe/Tyrosine ratio decreased. No adverse events were registered. In conclusion, a single oral administration of srLNAAs at the dose of 0.5 gr/kg is effective in maintaining stable plasma Phe during acute oral loads with Phe-containing food and may be added to the dietetic scheme in situations in which patients with generally good adherence to diet foresee a higher than prescribed Phe intake due to their commitments.

Children spend a substantial part of their childhood in school, so provision of dietary care and inclusion of children with phenylketonuria (PKU) in this setting is essential. There are no reports describing the dietary support children with PKU receive whilst at school. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the experiences of the dietary management of children with PKU in schools across the UK. Data was collected using an online survey completed by parents/caregivers of children with PKU. Of 159 questionnaire responses, 92% (n = 146) of children attended state school, 6% (n = 10) private school and 2% (n = 3) other. Fourteen per cent (n = 21/154) were at nursery/preschool, 51% (n = 79/154) primary and 35% (n = 54/154) secondary school. Sixty-one per cent (n = 97/159) said their child did not have school meals, with some catering services refusing to provide suitable food and some parents distrusting the school meals service. Sixty-one per cent of children had an individual health care plan (IHCP) (n = 95/155). Children were commonly unsupervised at lunchtime (40%, n = 63/159), with snacks (46%, n = 71/155) and protein substitute (30%, n = 47/157), with significantly less supervision in secondary than primary school (p &lt, 0.001). An IHCP was significantly associated with improved supervision of food and protein substitute administration (p &lt, 0.01), and better communication between parents/caregivers and the school team (p &lt, 0.05). Children commonly accessed non-permitted foods in school. Therefore, parents/caregivers described important issues concerning the school provision of low phenylalanine food and protein substitute. Every child should have an IHCP which details their dietary needs and how these will be met safely and discreetly. It is imperative that children with PKU are supported in school.

Monitoring phenylalanine (Phe) concentrations is critical for the management of phenylketonuria (PKU). This can be done in dried blood spots (DBS) or in EDTA plasma derived from capillary or venous blood. Different techniques are used to measure Phe, the most common being flow-injection analysis tandem mass spectrometry (FIA-MS-MS) and ion exchange chromatography (IEC). Significant differences have been reported between Phe concentrations in various sample types measured by different techniques, the cause of which is not yet understood. We measured Phe concentrations in 240 venous blood samples from 199 patients with hyperphenylalaninemia in dried blood spots, EDTA plasma and erythrocytes by FIA-MS-MS and IEC. Phe concentrations were significantly lower in erythrocytes than in plasma leading to about 19% lower Phe DBS concentrations compared with plasma independent from the method used for quantification. As most therapy recommendations for PKU patients are based on plasma concentrations reliable conversion of DBS into plasma concentrations is necessary. Variances of Phe concentrations in plasma and DBS are not linear but increases with higher concentrations indicating heteroscedasticity. We therefore suggest the slope of the 75th percentile from quantile regression as a correction factor.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) and Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) are inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) due to mutations in the PAH gene resulting in increased blood phenylalanine (Phe) concentrations. Depending on the Phe levels, a lifelong dietary intervention may be needed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, finding new strategies to ensure follow-up and metabolic control for such patients became mandatory and telehealth was identified as the most eligible tool to provide care and assistance beyond barriers. The aim of this study was to evaluate how telehealth use may have impacted disease follow-ups. Seven hundred and fifty-five patients affected by PKU/HPA in follow-ups at the Clinical Department of Pediatrics (San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Italy) were included in this study. The data regarding the used telehealth model, type of performed consultations and patients’ perspectives were retrospectively collected and analyzed after a one-year experience of implemented follow-ups. The results demonstrated that telehealth seemed to be a useful tool to improve the adherence to treatment and that it could guarantee continuous assistance and care beyond the surrounding epidemiological status. Patients expressed great satisfaction with the offered services and requested that they were implemented in standards of care on a long-term basis. Our results suggested the implementation of telehealth in the management guidelines for PKU/HPA patients.

Funding Information: Outside the submitted work, the authors disclose the following. Bausell H received personal fees from BioMarin, Ultragenyx, Horizon and Vitaflo. Bélanger-Quintana A reports personal fees from BioMarin, Nutricia, Vitaflo, Orphan Europe, Takeda and Genzyme. Rocha JC received research grants from BioMarin, Glutamine and Cambrooke, as well as personal fees from BioMarin, Applied Pharma Research, Nutricia, Merck Serono, Vitaflo, Cambrooke, PIAM and Lifediet. MacDonald A reports research funding from BioMarin, Nutricia, Applied Pharma Research, Vitaflo, Galen, Metax, Mevalia and Arla, as well as lecture fees from BioMarin, Applied Pharma Research, Nutricia and Vitaflo, and consultancy fees from BioMarin, Applied Pharma Research, Arla, Nutricia and Vitaflo. Met Ed reports grant funding from BioMarin, Nutricia, Vitaflo and Horizon Pharmaceuticals. Bernstein L and Rohr F report lecture fees from Vitaflo. Publisher Copyright: © 2021 The Authors Copyright: Copyright 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved. Background: The metabolic dietitian/nutritionist (hereafter ‘dietitian’) plays an essential role in the nutritional management of patients with phenylketonuria (PKU), including those on pegvaliase. Currently, more educational support and clinical experience is needed to ensure that dietitians are prepared to provide optimal nutritional management and counselling of pegvaliase-treated patients. Methods: Via a face-to-face data-review meeting, followed by a virtual consolidation meeting, a group of expert dietitians and one paediatrician discussed and developed a series of recommendations on the nutritional evaluation and management of patients receiving pegvaliase. The consensus group consisted of 10 PKU experts: six dietitians and one paediatrician from Europe and three dietitians from the US. One European and three US dietitians had experience with pegvaliase-treated patients. Results: The consensus group recommended that a physician, dietitian and nurse are part of the pegvaliase treatment team. Additionally, a psychologist/counsellor should be included if available. Practical proposals for the nutritional evaluation of pegvaliase-treated patients at baseline, during the induction and titration phases and for long-term maintenance were developed. The consensus group suggested assessment of blood Phe at least monthly or every 2 weeks in the event of low blood Phe (i.e., blood Phe

Phenylketonuria (PKU) management aims to control phenylalanine (Phe) intakes. In newborns and infants this implies possible titration of Human milk (HM) with supplementation of Phe-free formula. HM benefits, better if prolonged, are well known in healthy populations, suggesting it may be used in PKU patients. Despite that, the current literature does not define recommendations on how best perform it in such a population. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate nutrition approaches in newborns and infants affected by PKU and to define if differences can influence the duration of breastfeeding. Data from 42 PKU infants were reviewed. Of these, 67% were breastfed with the use of three different approaches. The type of approach used impacted the duration of breastfeeding, which was longer when using a pre-measured amount of Phe-free formula administered prior to HM. This is the first study to suggest a specific method for breastfeeding in PKU. Considering widely known breastfeeding benefits, both for patients and their mothers, our data should encourage adequate awareness on how to choose correct breastfeeding modalities.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive disorder of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism, causing a build-up of Phe in the body. Treatment consists of a Phe-restricted diet for life and regular determination of blood Phe levels to monitor the intake of Phe. Despite the fact that diet is the cornerstone of treatment, there are no studies examining common knowledge about food items and whether they are allowed as part of the PKU diet. Improving parents’ and patients’ knowledge and competence about the diet enables them to make appropriate food choices. This study validates a food-knowledge questionnaire first developed in Spanish and modified for English speaking populations. The questionnaire potentially helps parents to prepare appropriate meals and healthcare providers to create individualized educational programs about PKU for children and adolescents with this disorder.

This study aimed to describe the current practices in the diagnosis and dietary management of phenylketonuria (PKU) in Latin America, as well as the main barriers to treatment. We developed a 44-item online survey aimed at health professionals. After a pilot test, the final version was sent to 25 practitioners working with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) in 14 countries. Our results include 22 centers in 13 countries. Most countries (12/13) screened newborns for PKU. Phenylalanine (Phe) targets at different ages were very heterogeneous among centers, with greater consistency at the 0–1 year age group (14/22 sought 120–240 µmol/L) and the lowest at &gt, 12 years (10 targets reported). Most countries had only unflavored powdered amino acid substitutes (10/13) and did not have low-protein foods (8/13). Only 3/13 countries had regional databases of the Phe content of foods, and only 4/22 centers had nutrient analysis software. The perceived obstacles to treatment were: low purchasing power (62%), limited/insufficient availability of low-protein foods (60%), poor adherence, and lack of technical resources to manage the diet (50% each). We observed a heterogeneous scenario in the dietary management of PKU, and most countries experienced a lack of dietary resources for both patients and health professionals.

There is agreement that the pandemic has affected the healthcare system and behaviour of patients. This study aims to identify problems encountered by patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) and their parents/caregivers during the six-week pandemic lockdown in Poland (15 March to 30 April 2020). To determine the factors that influenced health and treatment-related issues, as well as the respondents’ perception of the impact of the pandemic, study participants were asked to complete a non-validated online questionnaire comprising 31 questions (including 27 single-choice, two multiple-choice and two open-ended ones). A total of 571 patients or their parents completed the questionnaire, with 9.5% of respondents not performing any blood phenylalanine (Phe) test in the analysed period, 21.3% declaring a blood Phe increase, and 15.3% a decrease. Increased problems in contacting the doctor or dietitian were reported by 26.1% of subjects, whereas 39.3% of them felt restricted access to dietary products. Most (63.4%) participants were satisfied with remote contact with their PKU clinic. Better compliance was associated with higher odds of acceptance of remote contact and of reporting fewer problems with contacting the doctor, and with lower odds of missing Phe testing. Self-reported high stress was associated with higher odds of reporting the limited availability of low-Phe products and Phe-free formulas, as well as with increased Phe concentrations and non-PKU-related health problems. These patients also had poor dietary compliance and experienced more problems in contacting specialists. Health and treatment-related problems experienced during the pandemic lockdown were related to a higher intensity of stress in patient’s family and worse therapy compliance before the pandemic. Previous experience of remote visits resulted in a better perception of this method of contact. It seems that this form of communication should be popularized and improved to increase therapy effectiveness in case of different limitations in the future. Special attention should be paid to vulnerable patients who may be at extra risk when the provision of standard care is affected.

The present study assessed patients’ metabolic control of phenylketonuria (PKU) during the first 2020 COVID-19 lockdown in Poland. Blood (phenylalanine) Phe results of the tests of 535 patients, performed in 2019 and in the first months of 2020, were analysed. The six-week lockdown period was compared to the preceding six-week period as well as to the two corresponding periods of 2019 (three non-lockdown periods). More patients failed to perform Phe tests in the lockdown period (32.7%) than in non-lockdown periods (15.6%, 15.1%, 17.2%, p &lt, 0.001 for all). The median Phe levels for those patients who performed testing in all the four periods did not differ between periods. However, these patients tended to perform only one test during the lockdown (ORs: 1.43 to 1.60, 95% CI: from 1.01–2.04 to 1.11–2.30, p-value 0.02 to 0.005). Patients who did not take blood during the lockdown (46.7%) performed significantly fewer blood tests in the remaining periods (median &lt, IQR&gt, 1 &lt, 0–1&gt, vs. 2 &lt, 1–4&gt, 0.001). In conclusion, direct assessment of patients’ compliance based upon Phe levels during the pandemic lockdown was not possible. Pre-pandemic non-compliant patients frequently failed to perform the test during the lockdown, whereas the previously compliant ones were more likely to perform only one test. This strongly suggests that metabolic control might have worsened.

Funding Information: Funding: This research was funded by Vitaflo International as part of Ph.D. grant. Funding Information: Conflicts of Interest: A.D. research funding from Vitaflo International, financial support from Nutri-cia, Mevalia & Vitaflo International to attend study days & conferences. S.E. research funding from Nutricia, financial support from Nutricia & Vitaflo International to attend study days & conferences. A.P. has received an educational grant from Cambrooke Therapeutics and grants from Vitaflo International, Nutricia, Merck Serono, Biomarin and Mevalia to attend scientific meetings. C.A. received honoraria from Nutricia and Vitaflo International to attend study days and conferences. J.C.R. member of the European Nutritionist Expert Panel (Biomarin), the Advisory Board for Applied Pharma Research and Nutricia, and received honoraria as a speaker from APR, Merck Serono, Biomarin, Nutricia, Vitaflo, Cambrooke, PIAM and Lifediet. A.M. research funding & honoraria from Nutricia, Vitaflo International & Merck Serono, Member of European Nutrition Expert Panel (Merck Serono international), member of Sapropterin Advisory Board (Merck Serono international), member of the Advisory Board Element (Danone-Nutricia). The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results. Publisher Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. Copyright: Copyright 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved. In patients with phenylketonuria (PKU), treated by diet therapy only, evidence suggests that areal bone mineral density (BMDa) is within the normal clinical reference range but is below the population norm. Aims: To study longitudinal bone density, mass, and geometry over 36 months in children with PKU taking either amino acid (L-AA) or casein glycomacropeptide substitutes (CGMP-AA) as their main protein source. Methodology: A total of 48 subjects completed the study, 19 subjects in the L-AA group (median age 11.1, range 5–6 years) and 29 subjects in the CGMP-AA group (median age 8.3, range 5–16years). The CGMP-AA was further divided into two groups, CGMP100 (median age 9.2, range 5–16years) (n = 13), children taking CGMP-AA only and CGMP50 (median age 7.3, range 5–15years) (n = 16), children taking a combination of CGMP-AA and L-AA. Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was measured at enrolment and 36 months, peripheral quantitative computer tomography (pQCT) at 36 months only, and serum blood and urine bone turnover markers (BTM) and blood bone biochemistry at enrolment, 6, 12, and 36 months. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the three groups for DXA outcome parameters, i.e., BMDa (L2–L4 BMDa g/cm2 ), bone mineral apparent density (L2–L4 BMAD g/cm3 ) and total body less head BMDa (TBLH g/cm2 ). All blood biochemistry markers were within the reference ranges, and BTM showed active bone turnover with a trend for BTM to decrease with increasing age. Conclusions: Bone density was clinically normal, although the median z scores were below the population mean. BTM showed active bone turnover and blood biochemistry was within the reference ranges. There appeared to be no advantage to bone density, mass, or geometry from taking a macropeptide-based protein substitute as compared with L-AAs. publishersversion published

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disease caused by phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency. As the resulting high blood phenylalanine (Phe) concentration can have detrimental effects on brain development and function, international guidelines recommend lifelong control of blood Phe concentration with dietary and/or medical therapy. Sapropterin dihydrochloride is a synthetic preparation of tetrahydrobiopterin (6R-BH4), the naturally occurring cofactor of PAH. It acts as a pharmacological chaperone, reducing blood Phe concentration and increasing dietary Phe tolerance in BH4-responsive patients with PAH deficiency. Protocols to establish responsiveness to sapropterin dihydrochloride vary widely.Two meetings were held with an international panel of clinical experts in PKU management to develop recommendations for sapropterin dihydrochloride response testing. At the first meeting, regional differences and similarities in testing practices were discussed based on guidelines, a literature review, outcomes of a global physician survey, and case reports. Statements developed based on the discussions were sent to all participants for consensus (> 70% of participants) evaluation using a 7-level rating system, and further discussed during the second meeting.The experts recommend sapropterin dihydrochloride response testing in patients with untreated blood Phe concentrations of 360-2000 mu mol/L, except in those with two null mutations. For neonates, a 24-h sapropterin dihydrochloride loading test is recommended; responsiveness is defined as a decrease in blood Phe >= 30%. For older infants, children, adolescents, and adults, a test duration of >= 48 h or a 4-week trial is recommended. The main endpoint for a 48-h to 7-day trial is a decrease in blood Phe, while improved Phe tolerance is the endpoint to be assessed during a longer trial. Longer trials may not be feasible in some locations due to lack of reimbursement for hospitalization, while a 4-week trial may not be possible due to limited access to sapropterin dihydrochloride or public health regulation. A 48-h response test should be considered in pregnant patients who cannot achieve blood Phe

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting phenylalanine metabolism. The Irish incidence is 1:4500. Currently, there are 500 patients under the care of the National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders in Temple Street Children's University Hospital. Current practice is to admit PKU patients with phenylalanine (phe) levels that are consistently out of range despite an intensive multidisciplinary team input on an outpatient basis. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in phe levels pre, during, and post admissions and to examine if there was a sustained impact post discharge. Fifty‐six patients were admitted between January 2003 and December 2013. Patients were all

Background: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a heterogeneous and autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that is mainly caused by mutations in the hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene. Distribution pattern of mutations in the PAH gene are specific to each population. To date, no reports of phenylketonuria molecular analysis have been found in this population. The aim of this study was to identify PAH mutations within exon 4 in PKU patients in Guilan Province and compare it with the studies in other parts of Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional and descriptive study, 25 unrelated PKU patients (age range, 1-21 years) were identified from different regions of Guilan Province during a one-year period. After collecting blood samples and DNA extraction, the DNA fragments containing the exon 4 of the PAH gene and its flanking intronic sequences were amplified and sequenced. Results: In this study, IVS4+5G>T mutation (10%) was identified. This mutation was found in two homozygous PKU patients and one heterozygous patient; they had mPKU and cPKU phenotypes, respectively and their parents were third degree relatives. In addition, IVS4+47C>T (28%) and IVS3-22C>T (8%) polymorphisms were also detected. Conclusion: Investigation of mutations in the PAH gene can be a useful tool for molecular detection of the PKU disease and carrier detection in this population. Moreover, the other 12 remaining exons need to be analyzed to obtain the full spectrum of mutations of this gene among the PKU patients in Guilan Province.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) requires tight control to prevent neurocognitive impairment but reports show that patients may present mild cognitive defects related to higher impulsivity. We hypothesize that chronic intervention may influence the parents and child bonding and the child´s resources to face problems. To describe the PKU parenting styles perceived by the children (PS) and their coping strategies (CS) assessing their relationship with impulsivity, 30 early diagnosed and adequately treated PKU children and 30 non PKU aged-paired controls (CG) were compared. The Argentine Children´s Coping Questionnaire, Argentine Scale Perception of the Relationship with Parents, WISC IV Comprehension Subtest, and CPT II test were administered. PKU PS were based on control: strict to pathologic in the mother and acceptable in the father (both p

Contains fulltext : 235312.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Reliable measurement of phenylalanine (Phe) is a prerequisite for adequate follow-up of phenylketonuria (PKU) patients. However, previous studies have raised concerns on the intercomparability of plasma and dried blood spot (DBS) Phe results. In this study, we made an inventory of differences in (pre-)analytical methodology used for Phe determination across Dutch laboratories, and compared DBS and plasma results. METHODS: Through an online questionnaire, we assessed (pre-)analytical Phe measurement procedures of seven Dutch metabolic laboratories. To investigate the difference between plasma and DBS Phe, participating laboratories received simultaneously collected plasma-DBS sets from 23 PKU patients. In parallel, 40 sample sets of DBS spotted from either venous blood or capillary fingerprick were analyzed. RESULTS: Our data show that there is no consistency on standard operating procedures for Phe measurement. The association of DBS to plasma Phe concentration exhibits substantial inter-laboratory variation, ranging from a mean difference of -15.5% to +30.6% between plasma and DBS Phe concentrations. In addition, we found a mean difference of +5.8% in Phe concentration between capillary DBS and DBS prepared from venous blood. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study point to substantial (pre-)analytical variation in Phe measurements, implicating that bloodspot Phe results should be interpreted with caution, especially when no correction factor is applied. To minimize variation, we advocate pre-analytical standardization and analytical harmonization of Phe measurements, including consensus on application of a correction factor to adjust DBS Phe to plasma concentrations.

I denna studie undersöks värdet av diagnostik vid sällsynta sjukdomar hos unga individer. Då området är mångfacetterat studeras två fall med olika karaktär. Det första fallet undersöker värdet av screening för den sällsynta sjukdomen fenylketonuri (PKU) bland nyfödda, denna screening har utförts sedan 1960-talet. Det andra fallet fokuserar på en mer modern teknologisk utveckling och utvärderar värdet av införandet av helgenomsekvensering (WGS) som genetiskt test vid sökandet efter sällsynta sjukdomar. Båda fallen använder sig av kostnadseffektivitetsanalys som metod där kostnader respektive hälsoeffekter estimeras för de utvärderade insatserna. Fallen skiljer sig åt med avseende på tillgängliga dataunderlag vilket innebär att tillvägagångssättet för att skatta kostnaderna och hälsoeffekterna är olika i de båda fallen. I fallet med PKU-screening används Markovmodellering där data från olika källor syntetiseras i en simuleringsmodell. I fallet med WGS-testning används i större utsträckning ett insamlat empiriskt datamaterial som utgörs av faktiskt uppmätta sjukvårdskostnader. Resultaten i båda fallen indikerar att de diagnostiska metoderna har en rimlig kostnad i förhållande till hälsoeffekterna. Fall ett åskådliggör att dagens screening för PKU genererar ökade hälsoeffekter till lägre kostnader i jämförelse med att inte screena för PKU. För en kohort på 100 000 nyfödda barn blir den sammanlagda hälsoeffekten en ökning med 73 QALYs och screeningen medför samtidigt en besparing på 53 376 602 kr, sett över ett livstidsperspektiv. Fall två visar att WGS som första genetiskt test i genomsnitt minskar sjukvårdskostnaderna med 15 903 kr per individ jämfört med nuvarande vård och ökar samtidigt chansen till diagnos med 9,5 procentenheter (45,7%). Resultaten bör tolkas med viss försiktighet då de är förknippade med osäkerheter, men kan samtidigt användas som en del av det underlag beslutsfattare behöver för att fatta beslut om hur hälso- och sjukvårdens resurser ska prioriteras. This study examines the value of diagnostics in rare diseases in young individuals. As the field is varied, two cases with different character are studied. The first case examines the value of screening for the rare disease phenylketonuria (PKU) among newborns, this screening has been performed since the 1960s. The second case focuses on a more modern technological development and evaluates the value of the introduction of whole genome sequencing (WGS) as a genetic test in the search for rare diseases. Both cases utilize the method of cost-effectiveness analysis where costs and health effects are estimated for the evaluated measures. The cases differ regarding available data, which means that the approach to estimating costs and health effects is different in the two cases. In the case of PKU- screening, Markov modeling is used where data from different sources are synthesized in a simulation model. In the case of WGS-testing, an empirical data material is used to a greater extent, which is based on actually measured healthcare costs. The results in both cases indicate that the diagnostic methods have a reasonable cost in relation to the health effects. Case one illustrates that today's screening for PKU generates increased health effects at lower costs compared to not screening for PKU. For a cohort of 100 000 newborns, the total health effect will be an increase of 73 QALYs and the screening will also result in cost- savings of SEK 53 376 602, seen from a lifetime perspective. Case two shows that WGS used as an initial genetic test on average reduces healthcare costs by SEK 15 903 per individual compared with current care and at the same time increases the chance of diagnosis by 9.5 percentage points (45.7%). The results should be interpreted with some caution as they are associated with some uncertainties, but can still be used as part of the basis on which decision-makers need to make decisions on how health care resources should be prioritized.

Traballo Fin de Grao en Medicina. Curso 2020-2021 Introducción: El ácido docosahexaenoico (DHA) es un ácido graso poliinsaturado de cadena larga (AGPI-CL; LC-PUFA), cuya principal fuente de entrada a nuestro organismo son los alimentos ricos en proteínas de alto valor biológico. Objetivos: Analizar los beneficios de una suplementación con ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga (LC-PUFA) en especial el ácido docosahexaenoico, en el tratamiento de la fenilcetonuria y la aciduria glutárica I; evaluando, además, la posible deficiencia de LC-PUFA, en especial el DHA, que existe de partida en esta población a estudio, y/o su causa. Métodos: Se ha realizado una exhaustiva y ordenada revisión de las publicaciones incluidas en la base de datos PUBMED en relación con los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga (LC-PUFA) y la fenilcetonuria (PKU) y la aciduria glutárica 1 (GA-1). Los criterios de inclusión de los estudios analizados fueron: estudios realizados en humanos, que estuvieran publicados en inglés o español y que tuvieran abstract disponible. Únicamente se incluyeron ensayos clínicos, ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y controlados, metaanálisis, revisiones y revisiones sistemáticas. El período de búsqueda fue desde el 01/01/2000 hasta el 01/04/2020. Resultados: Se incluyeron 22 estudios en los que se analizaron los beneficios de una suplementación con ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga (LC-PUFA) en especial el ácido docosahexaenoico, en el tratamiento de la fenilcetonuria y la aciduria glutárica I; evaluando, además, la posible deficiencia de LC-PUFA, en especial el DHA, que existe de partida en esta población a estudio, y/o su causa. No existe evidencia en cuanto a la relación de la aciduria glutárica 1 (GA-1) y los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga (LC-PUFA), por lo que es necesario que se investigue al respecto. Existe un déficit de LC-PUFA en la fenilcetonuria (PKU) con dos posibles explicaciones, y la suplementación con LC-PUFA es potencialmente útil y necesaria en estos pacientes, dado que solventa este déficit y parece tener, en general, efectos positivos en los potenciales evocados visuales. No hay datos concluyentes del efecto de la suplementación con DHA en el neurodesarrollo de pacientes con PKU. Conclusiones: La suplementación con LC-PUFA parece tener efectos positivos en los potenciales evocados visuales en los pacientes con PKU. Se necesitarán más investigaciones para dar con una dosis de LC-PUFA óptima y duración adecuada, de cara a su uso como suplemento en pacientes con PKU Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA; LC-PUFA), whose main sources of entry into our organism are foods rich in proteins of high biological value. Objectives: To analyze the benefits of supplementation with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), especially docosahexaenoic acid, in the treatment of phenylketonuria and glutaric aciduria I; evaluating, in addition, the possible deficiency of LC-PUFA, especially DHA, that exists in this study population, and/or its cause. Methods: An exhaustive and orderly review of the publications included in the PUBMED database regarding long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and phenylketonuria (PKU) and glutaric aciduria 1 (GA-1) was performed. The inclusion criteria for the studies analyzed were: studies conducted in humans, published in English or Spanish and with available abstracts. Only clinical trials, randomized and controlled clinical trials, meta-analyses, reviews and systematic reviews were included. The search period was from 01/01/2000 to 01/04/2020. Results: 22 studies were included in which the benefits of supplementation with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), especially docosahexaenoic acid, in the treatment of phenylketonuria and glutaric aciduria I were analyzed; evaluating, in addition, the possible deficiency of LC-PUFA, especially DHA, that exists in this study population, and/or its cause. There is no evidence regarding the relationship between glutaric aciduria 1 (GA-1) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), so more research is needed. There is a deficit of LC-PUFA in phenylketonuria (PKU) with two possible explanations, and LC-PUFA supplementation is potentially useful and necessary in these patients, since it solves this deficit and seems to have, in general, positive effects on visual evoked potentials. There are no conclusive data on the effect of DHA supplementation on neurodevelopment in PKU patients. Conclusions: LC-PUFA supplementation appears to have positive effects on visual evoked potentials in PKU patients. Further research will be needed to find an optimal LC-PUFA dose and appropriate duration for supplementation in PKU patients Introdución: O ácido docosahexaenoico (DHA) é un acido graxo poliinsaturado de cadena longa (AGPI-CL; LC-PUFA), no que a fonte principal para incorporarse o noso organismo son os alimentos ricos en proteínas de alto valor biolóxico. Obxectivos: Analizar os beneficios dunha suplementación con ácidos graxos poliinsaturados de cadea longa (LC-PUFA), especialmente ácido docosahexaenoico, no tratamento da fenilcetonuria e da aciduria glutárica I; avaliando, ademais, a posible deficiencia de LC-PUFA, especialmente DHA, que inicialmente existe nesta poboación a estudo e / ou a súa causa. Métodos: Realizouse unha revisión exhaustiva e ordenada das publicacións incluídas na base de datos PUBMED en relación aos ácidos graxos poliinsaturados de cadea longa (LC-PUFA) e á fenilcetonuria (PKU) e á aciduria glutárica 1 (GA-1). Os criterios de inclusión dos estudos analizados foron: estudos realizados en humanos, que foron publicados en inglés ou español e que tiñan un resumo dispoñible. Só se incluíron ensaios clínicos, ensaios clínicos aleatorios e controlados, metaanálises, revisións e revisións sistemáticas. O período de busca foi do 01/01/2000 ao 04/01/2020. Resultados: Incluíronse vinte e dous estudos nos que se incluían os beneficios da suplementación con ácidos graxos poliinsaturados de cadea longa (LC-PUFA), especialmente o ácido docosahexaenoico, no tratamento da fenilcetonuria e da aciduria glutárica. avaliando, ademais, a posible deficiencia de LC-PUFA, especialmente DHA, que inicialmente existe nesta poboación de estudo e / ou a súa causa. Non hai evidencias sobre a relación entre a aciduria glutárica 1 (GA-1) e os ácidos graxos poliinsaturados de cadea longa (LC-PUFA), polo que é necesario investigar. Hai un déficit de LC-PUFA en fenilcetonuria (PKU) con dúas explicacións posibles, e a suplementación de LC-PUFA é potencialmente útil e necesaria nestes pacientes, xa que resolve este déficit e parece ter, en xeral, efectos positivos sobre os potenciais visuais evocados. Non hai datos concluíntes sobre o efecto da suplementación con DHA no neurodesenvolvemento en pacientes con PKU. Conclusións: A suplementación con LC-PUFA parece ter efectos positivos sobre os potenciais evocados visuais en pacientes con PKU. Necesitaranse máis investigacións para atopar unha dose óptima de LC-PUFA e unha duración adecuada para a suplementación en pacientes con PKU

Questo lavoro integra gli studi sul marketing di nicchia, concentrandosi su una nicchia di particolare valore sociale, ovvero gli alimenti a fini medici speciali (Afms), che rappresentano il trattamento prevalente o unico per le persone con malattie particolari e rare. Al fine di promuovere la compliance alla terapia dietetica attraverso un miglioramento della soddisfazione delle persone interessate, diventa essenziale per le aziende che si rivolgono a questo mercato concentrarsi sul cliente e sviluppare adeguate economie di conoscenza. Dopo un inquadramento teorico e una descrizione del contesto, questo articolo presenta i risultati di una ricerca qualitativa sul mercato italiano degli Afms, destinati al trattamento terapeutico di una specifica patologia, la fenilchetonuria, la cui unica cura è l'osservanza di un rigido schema dietetico. Attraverso il metodo netnografico, applicato a un gruppo Facebook creato in Italia da utenti interessati all'argomento, sono state analizzate le molteplici voci espresse nelle conversazioni dai membri della comunità online. I risultati hanno permesso di rispondere alle domande di ricerca volte a comprendere l'atteggiamento dei consumatori verso questi alimenti, i fattori che influenzano le preferenze verso i diversi prodotti e marchi e le possibilità di contribuire alla creazione di valore per questo ristretto gruppo di clienti, anche in termini di miglioramento della loro qualità di vita. Il presente studio intende fornire un duplice contributo. Da un lato, intende integrare le conoscenze sul marketing di nicchia, con l'analisi di un settore dal significativo valore sociale, finora lasciato ad un'analisi prevalente di natura medico-sanitaria. Dall'altro, attraverso l'analisi del comportamento del paziente/consumatore, intende dare un supporto alla creazione di valore attraverso scelte strategiche focalizzate sul cliente e logiche innovative di tipo demand-pull.

Many countries do not have a newborn screening (NBS) program, and immigrants from such countries are at risk for late diagnosis of phenylketonuria (PKU). In this international survey, 52 of 259 patients (20%) with late diagnosed PKU were immigrants, and 145 of the 259 (55%) were born before NBS or in a location without NBS. ispartof: JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS vol:239 pages:231-+ ispartof: location:United States status: published

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between circulating phenylalanine and brain function as well as neuropsychiatric symptoms in adults with phenylketonuria.MethodsIn this prospective cross-sectional study, early-treated patients with phenylketonuria older than 30 years and age- and sex-matched controls were included. Extensive neurologic evaluation, neuropsychological and behavioral testing, sensory and motor evoked potentials, and MRI were performed. CSF concentrations of neurodegenerative markers were evaluated in addition in a subset of 10 patients.ResultsNineteen patients with phenylketonuria (median age 41 years) with different phenylalanine levels (median 873 μmol/L) entered the study. They showed higher prevalence of neurologic symptoms, cognitive and behavioral abnormalities, autonomic dysfunction, alterations in neurophysiologic measures, and atrophy in putamen and right thalamus compared to controls. In CSF, patients with phenylketonuria exhibited higher β-amyloid 1-42 (p= 0.003), total tau (p< 0.001), and phosphorylated tau (p= 0.032) levels compared to controls. Plasma phenylalanine levels highly correlated with the number of failed neuropsychological tests (r= 0.64,p= 0.003), neuropsychiatric symptoms (r= 0.73,p< 001), motor evoked potential latency (r= 0.48,p= 0.030), and parietal lobe atrophy.ConclusionsOur study provides strong evidence for a correlation between phenylalanine levels and clinical, neuropsychological, neurophysiologic, biochemical, and imaging alterations in adult patients with phenylketonuria.

Available literature documenting BMD in patients with PKU is mostly reported among heterogeneous populations including adults and children. We aim to describe the bone health status among adults (aged >18 years) affected with Phenylketonuria (PKU) and to evaluate the effect of diet and exercise on bone mineral density (BMD). Sample size of the study population was 27. Enrolled patients underwent multi-site Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan and laboratory tests. Nutritional and physical activity records were obtained on each subject to ascertain bone health. BMD in patients with PKU was low normal. 14% of the study subjects were found to have osteoporosis in at least one measured skeletal site. 70% had low BMD in one or more of the measured skeletal sites. BMD score was lowest at radius. Moderate correlation was observed between femoral and radial BMD and serum calcium level. Dietary intake of vitamin A was moderately correlated with BMD T-scores in femur. Our results indicate that BMD in patients with PKU is low normal with better BMD with vitamin A intake, trend towards better bone health with physical exercise and Sapropterin intake.

Objectives: The present study describes clinical, biochemical, molecular genetic data, current treatment strategies and follow-up in nine patients with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency due to various inherited genetic defects. Methods: We analyzed clinical, biochemical, and molecular data of nine patients with suspected BH4 deficiency. All patients were diagnosed at Ege University Faculty of Medicine in Izmir, Turkey and comprised data collected from 2006 to 2019. The diagnostic laboratory examinations included blood phenylalanine and urinary or plasma pterins, dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) enzyme activity measurement in dried blood spots, folic acid and monoamine neurotransmitter metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid, as well as DNA sequencing. Results: Among the nine patients, we identified one with autosomal recessive GTP cyclohydrolase I (ar GTPCH) deficiency, two with 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency, three with sepiapterin reductase (SR) deficiency, and three with DHPR deficiency. Similar to previous observations, the most common clinical symptoms are developmental delay, intellectual disability, and movement disorders. All patients received treatment with l-dopa and 5-hydroxytryptophan, while only the ar GTPCH, the PTPS, and one DHPR deficient patients were supplemented in addition with BH4. The recommended dose range varies among patients and depends on the type of disease. The consequences of BH4 deficiencies are quite variable; however, early diagnosis and treatment will improve outcomes. Conclusions: As BH4 deficiencies are rare group of treatable neurometabolic disorders, it is essential to diagnose the underlying (genetic) defect in newborns with hyperphenylalaninemia. Irreversible brain damage and progressive neurological deterioration may occur in untreated or late diagnosed patients. Prognosis could be satisfying in the cases with early diagnose and treatment. © 2021 The Authors. JIMD Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of SSIEM.

Cakes are convenience products, however, phenylketonuric patients find them difficult to consume, since most may contain ingredients with proteins such as eggs, albumin and soy-derivates that contribute to their typical sensory attributes. The substitution of these ingredients can cause loss of technological quality reducing its acceptance. The objective of this work was to analyze the sensory characteristics of three muffin formulations free of sucrose, gluten, lactose and restricted in phenylalanine (Phe), containing yam mucilage (MI) and flaxseed gel (GL). Muffin formulations in MI / GL proportions: 37.09 / 11.45 (MRF1); 10/30 (MRF2) and 30/20 (MRF3) were submitted to acceptance tests through a nine points hedonic scale and purchase intention through a five points scale, both structured. There was no significant difference (p> 0.05) for aroma, appearance and color between the muffins, but samples with more flaxseed (MRF1 and MRF3) received significantly higher scores in the attributes of flavor, texture and overall impression (p≤ 0.05). MRF3 with greater addition of MI and GL represents a new option for patients with phenylketonuria, celiac disease and lactose intolerance on the market. La torta es un producto que destaca por su conveniencia, pero a los pacientes fenilcetonúricos les resulta difícil consumirlos, ya que la mayoría pueden contener ingredientes con proteínas como huevos, albúmina y derivados de la soja que contribuyen a sus atributos sensoriales típicos. La sustitución de estos ingredientes puede provocar la pérdida del patrón de identidad reduciendo su aceptación. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las características sensoriales de tres formulaciones de muffins, libres de sacarosa, gluten, lactosa y restringidas en fenilalanina (Phe), que contienen mucílago de ñame (MI) y gel de linaza (GL). Formulaciones de torta en proporciones MI / GL: 37,09 / 11,45 (MRF1); Se sometieron a pruebas de aceptación 10/30 (MRF2) y 30/20 (MRF3) utilizando la escala hedónica de nueve puntos e intención de compra mediante la escala de cinco puntos, ambas estructuradas. No hubo diferencia significativa (p> 0,05) en aroma, apariencia y color entre las tortas, pero las muestras con más linaza (MRF1 y MRF3) recibieron puntajes significativamente más altos en los atributos de sabor, textura e impresión general (p≤ 0,05). MRF3 con la mayor adición de MI y GL representa una nueva opción para pacientes con fenilcetonuria, celíacos y intolerantes a la lactosa en el mercado. O bolo é um produto que se destaca pela conveniência, porém pacientes fenilcetonúricos encontram dificuldades para consumir tais produtos, pois a maioria pode conter ingredientes com proteínas tais como ovos, albumina e derivados de soja que contribuem para os seus atributos sensoriais típicos. A substituição destes ingredientes pode causar perda do padrão de identidade reduzindo sua aceitação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as características sensoriais de três formulações de bolo do tipo muffin, isentos em sacarose, glúten e lactose e restrito em fenilalanina (Phe), contendo mucilagem de inhame (MI) e gel de Linhaça (GL). As formulações de bolos nas proporções MI/GL: 37,09/11,45 (MRF1); 30/10 (MRF2) e 30/20 (MRF3) foram submetidas aos testes de aceitação através da escala hedônica de nove pontos e intenção de compra através da escala de cinco pontos, ambas estruturadas. Não houve diferença significativa (p> 0,05) para aroma, aparência e cor entre os bolos, mas as amostras com mais linhaça (MRF1 e MRF3) receberam notas significativamente maiores nos atributos sabor, textura e impressão global (p≤ 0,05). MRF3 com maior adição de MI e GL representa uma nova opção para os pacientes com fenilcetonúria, celíacos e intolerantes à lactose no mercado.

Gluten-free and lactose-free cakes are present in the food market, but they may contain ingredients with amino acid phenylalanine, restricting their consumption by patients with phenylketonuria. The objective of this work was to use flaxseed gel (GL) and yam mucilage (MI) to replace albumin, eggs and soy extract of muffins without the addition of sucrose, gluten and lactose. A complete central rotational design 22 (p

O bolo é um produto que se destaca pela conveniência, porém pacientes fenilcetonúricos encontram dificuldades para consumir tais produtos, pois a maioria pode conter ingredientes com proteínas tais como ovos, albumina e derivados de soja que contribuem para os seus atributos sensoriais típicos. A substituição destes ingredientes pode causar perda do padrão de identidade reduzindo sua aceitação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as características sensoriais de três formulações de bolo do tipo muffin, isentos em sacarose, glúten e lactose e restrito em fenilalanina (Phe), contendo mucilagem de inhame (MI) e gel de Linhaça (GL). As formulações de bolos nas proporções MI/GL: 37,09/11,45 (MRF1); 30/10 (MRF2) e 30/20 (MRF3) foram submetidas aos testes de aceitação através da escala hedônica de nove pontos e intenção de compra através da escala de cinco pontos, ambas estruturadas. Não houve diferença significativa (p> 0,05) para aroma, aparência e cor entre os bolos, mas as amostras com mais linhaça (MRF1 e MRF3) receberam notas significativamente maiores nos atributos sabor, textura e impressão global (p≤ 0,05). MRF3 com maior adição de MI e GL representa uma nova opção para os pacientes com fenilcetonúria, celíacos e intolerantes à lactose no mercado.

A fenilcetonúria (PKU) é uma doença genética autossómica recessiva, devido a um erro hereditário do metabolismo dos aminoácidos. A PKU caracteriza-se por um aumento de fenilalanina, em resultado de uma deficiência da enzima hepática, fenilalanina hidroxilase (PAH), uma enzima codificada pelo gene PAH. É uma das 26 patologias integradas no painel das doenças rastreadas em Portugal, a partir de sangue colhido em papel de filtro para o “teste do pezinho”. A deteção precoce da doença tem como objetivo iniciar o tratamento nutricional atempadamente, de modo a prevenir os danos neurológicos nos doentes afetados. Em Portugal, desde 1979 e até ao final de 2019, foram rastreados através do Programa Nacional de Rastreio Neonatal 3 890 677 recém-nascidos. Sendo que, 356 são doentes com PKU e 37 são hiperfenilalaninemias moderadas. A prevalência ao nascimento da PKU e da hiperfenilalaninemia moderada no nosso país é de 1:10.929 e 1:36.123 recém-nascidos, respetivamente. Na Unidade de Rastreio Neonatal, Metabolismo e Genética do Departamento de Genética Humana do INSA foram caracterizados geneticamente 223 doentes. Neste estudo, foram identificadas 56 mutações já descritas na literatura, a maioria compostos heterozigóticos (74% dos doentes). As duas mutações mais prevalentes na população portuguesa são: c.782G>A (p.Arg261Gln), c.1066-10G>A (IVS10-11G>A), seguidas pelas mutações c.1162G>A (p.Val388Met) e c.194T>C (p.Ile65Thr). Este estudo revelou uma elevada heterogeneidade quer do ponto vista do fenótipo bioquímico quer ao nível molecular, o que poderá ser importante na resposta ao tratamento destes doentes uma vez que esta estará dependente do respetivo genótipo. Os dados deste estudo, contribuem para uma melhor compreensão e conhecimento epidemiológico da PKU em Portugal. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder due to an inborn error of amino acid metabolism. This disease causes elevation of phenylalanine levels in blood and other body fluids due to impairment of the hepatic enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), codified by the PAH gene. PKU is one of the 26-blood spot screened pathologies included in the Portuguese Neonatal Screening Program (PNSP). The early diagnosis of the affected individuals is important, as it can prevent clinical manifestations of the disease, as neurological damage and severe mental retardation as well as treatment can be started shortly after birth and the patients fall within the broad normal range of general ability, attaining expected educational standards and have an independent life as adult. In Portugal, since 1979 until 2019, 3 890 677 newborns were screened for by Portuguese Neonatal Screening Program (PNSP). Through this program, findings revealed 356 PKU and 37 hyperphenylalaninaemia. The PKU birth prevalence in Portugal is estimated to be 1:10,929 and 1:36,123 newborn, respectively. In the Newborn Screening, Metabolic and Genetics Unit of Human Genetics Department of National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, 223 patients were molecular characterized. The PAH molecular analysis of these patients revealed 56 distinct variants (already described in the literature), most of them found in compound heterozygosity (74% of the patients). In this study, the two most prevalent variants are c.782G>A p. (Arg261Gln) and c.1066-11G>A, c.1162G>A, followed by the variants, p.(Val388Met) and c.194T>C p.(Ile65Thr). Our data reveal high heterogeneity at the biochemical and molecular levels and is expected to provide a better understanding of the molecular basis of this disease and to provide clues to elucidate genotype-phenotype correlations. The information obtained will also improve the diagnostic applicability of mutational analysis and the capacity to predict the evolution of the disease. The present study aims to identify and characterize the variants underlying PKU in affected individuals in the Portuguese PKU/HPA cohort, for a better understanding of this disease. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Phenylketonuria (PKU) was the first disorder for which newborn screening (NBS) was introduced in the early 1960s. Slovenia started the NBS program for PKU in 1979, and the fluorimetric method was implemented in 1992, with a phenylalanine (Phe) cut-off set at 120 mol/L. This value has been in use for almost thirty years and has never been revised. We aimed to analyze the DBS samples and review the data from a large nationwide cohort of newborns to optimize the cut-off values for HFA screening to minimize the number of false positives while maintaining the highest level of sensitivity by detecting all those who needed to be treated. In the first prospective part of the study, we analyzed samples of all newborns in Slovenia in 2019 and 2020, and in the second retrospective part, we reviewed data from all known patients with hyperphenylalaninemia (HFA) in Slovenia born from 2000 to 2018. We defined true screening-positive cases as those that required a low-Phe diet. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values of the modeling elevation of the Phe cut-off value from 120 µmol/L to 200 µmol/L were assessed. The number of recalls at the cut-off of 120 µmol/L was 108 out of 37,784 samples at NBS (2019–2020). Six newborns were defined as true positives and 102 samples as false positives. If the cut-off value was adjusted to 160 µmol/L, only 12 samples exceeded it and all six true positive newborns would be detected. Among the 360,000 samples collected at the NBS between 2000 and 2018, 72 HFA patients in need of a low-Phe diet were found. All the diagnosed cases would have been detected if the cut-off was set to 160 µmol/L. We demonstrated in a large group of newborns (400,000 in 20 years) that using the fluorimetric approach, a cut-off value of 160 µmol/L, rather than 120 mol/L, is safe and that there were no missing true positive patients who required treatment. By increasing the cut-off, this method becomes more precise, resulting in a significantly reduced rate of false positives and thus being less burdensome on both families and the healthcare system.

The nutritional composition of special low protein foods (SLPFs) is controlled under EU legislation for &lsquo, Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP)&rsquo, They are designed to meet the energy needs of patients unable to eat a normal protein containing diet. In phenylketonuria (PKU), the macronutrient contribution of SLPFs has been inadequately examined. Aim: A 3-year longitudinal prospective study investigating the contribution of SLPFs to the macronutrient intake of children with early treated PKU. Methods: 48 children (27 boys) with a mean recruitment age of 9.3 y were studied. Semi-quantitative dietary assessments and food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) were collected three to four times/year for 3 years. Results: The mean energy intake provided by SLPFs was 33% (SD &plusmn, 8), and this figure was 42% (SD &plusmn, 13) for normal food and 21% (SD &plusmn, 5) for protein substitutes (PS). SLPFs supplied a mean intake of 40% carbohydrate (SD &plusmn, 10), 51% starch (SD &plusmn, 18), 21% sugar (SD &plusmn, 8), and 38% fat (SD &plusmn, 13). Fibre intake met 83% of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) reference value, with 50% coming from SLPFs with added gums and hydrocolloids. Low protein bread, pasta and milk provided the highest energy contribution, and the intake of sweet SLPFs (e.g., biscuits, cakes, and chocolate) was minimal. Children averaged three portions fruit/vegetable daily, and children aged &ge, 12 y had irregular meal patterns. Conclusion: SLPFs provide essential energy in phenylalanine restricted diets. Optimising the nutritional quality of SLPFs deserves more attention.

Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, increasing secretion of gastrointestinal hormones and diet induced thermogenesis. In phenylketonuria (PKU), natural protein is restricted with approximately 80% of intake supplied by a synthetic protein source, which may alter satiety response. Casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP-AA), a carbohydrate containing peptide and alternative protein substitute to amino acids (AA), may enhance satiety mediated by its bioactive properties. Aim: In a three-year longitudinal, prospective study, the effect of AA and two different amounts of CGMP-AA (CGMP-AA only (CGMP100) and a combination of CGMP-AA and AA (CGMP50) on satiety, weight and body mass index (BMI) were compared. Methods: 48 children with PKU completed the study. Median ages of children were: CGMP100, (n = 13), 9.2 years, CGMP50, (n = 16), 7.3 years, and AA (n = 19), 11.1 years. Semi-quantitative dietary assessments and anthropometry (weight, height and BMI) were measured every three months. Results: The macronutrient contribution to total energy intake from protein, carbohydrate and fat was similar across the groups. Adjusting for age and gender, no differences in energy intake, weight, BMI, incidence of overweight or obesity was apparent between the groups. Conclusion: In this three-year longitudinal study, there was no indication to support a relationship between CGMP and satiety, as evidenced by decreased energy intake, thereby preventing overweight or obesity. Satiety is a complex multi-system process that is not fully understood.