Sustaining benefits of nutritional therapy in young adults with phenylketonuria - A 2 year prospective study.

introductionPhenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of metabolism, which is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). Life-long Phe-free diet impairs quality of life, especially in adolescents and young adults which take responsibility over their diet and therapy from their parents, but expect freedom in daily routine. METHODS AND

results105 patients with PKU were screened for eligibility for participating in this study. Data of 21 patients with genetic predictive value (GPV) ≤5 and age between 14 and 30 years were included in the analysis. Mean age of the study population was 22.6 ± 7.5 years, 8 patients (38%) were female. At baseline, structured counselling by a professional nutrionist was performed.Mean Phe-level at baseline was 926 ± 432 μmol/l, after six months Phe-levels were significantly reduced to 709 ± 314 μmol/l (

conclusionCounselling by a professional nutrionist in young adults with PKU has clear short-term effects on plasma Phe-levels. Easy applicable therapeutic recommendations, as additional intake of amino acid supplement, are well tolerated and result in strict therapy adherence up to 24 months. Apart from that, the effects on Phe-levels seem only to sustain for about 6 months. More frequent nutritional counselling, i.e. at least two times per year, is recommended to preserve positive effects on Phe-levels. Lack of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D still are common in PKU patients, but not necessarily need to be substituted. They can effectively be equalized by a well-balanced diet within 24 months.