WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is phenylketonuria? Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a condition that prevents your child's body from breaking down phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is a substance the body uses to make other proteins that are needed for normal growth. Phenylalanine is found in many foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, beans, nuts, and seeds. When phenylalanine is not broken down properly, it builds up in the body. It can cause brain damage and lead to serious growth and learning problems, such as mental retardation. What causes PKU? PKU is caused by a defect in the gene that makes the enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine. The enzyme that breaks down phenylalanine may be present only in small amounts, or it may be absent. A child inherits PKU when both parents have the defective gene. What are the signs and symptoms of PKU? A child with PKU may look normal and completely healthy for the first few months of life. If left untreated, signs and symptoms may appear between 3 to 6 months of age. Your child may be less active and develop more slowly than other children. He may lose interest in the things around him. He may also have any of the following: - Learning, speech, or behavior problems
- More irritable, fussy, or restless than normal
- Musty odor of his breath, hair, skin, or urine
- Light or pale skin
- Short length or small head
- Skin may be dry or have rashes
- Vomiting, muscle stiffness, or seizures
How is PKU diagnosed? - Blood tests are usually done during your child's first days of life. A sample of your child's blood is taken and sent to a lab. This helps your child's healthcare provider learn if your child is at risk for PKU or other genetic disorders. Other blood tests may be needed if the PKU screening is positive.
- Urine tests help diagnose PKU and other disorders your child may have.
- Genetic tests may be needed to check your child's genes. This test may also help your child's healthcare providers decide on a treatment plan.
How is PKU treated? - A special diet is needed to keep the amount of phenylalanine in your child's body low. It is started as early as the first few days of life or a few weeks after birth. Your baby will need to drink formulas that have little or no phenylalanine. These formulas have the right amino acids, calories, vitamins, and minerals your child needs. Ask your child's healthcare provider for more information about these formulas.
- Your child will need to eat foods low in phenylalanine for the rest of his life. Phenylalanine is found mostly in foods that contain protein. The amount of protein your child can have depends on your child's phenylalanine levels, age, weight, and other factors. Your child's dietitian will plan and adjust the amount of protein your child is allowed to eat.
When should I contact my child's healthcare provider? - Your child becomes more irritable and fussy than usual.
- You have problems feeding your child.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care or call 911? - Your child cannot eat or drink.
- Your child has a seizure.
- Your child is vomiting everything he eats or drinks.
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