Can PKU cause mental illness?
Untreated PKU can lead to: Irreversible brain damage and marked intellectual disability beginning within the first few months of life. Neurological problems such as seizures and tremors. Behavioral, emotional and social problems in older children and adults.
Does PKU cause behavior problems?
Children with PKU who did not follow a strict low Phe diet may have several behavioral issues. These may include hyperactivity, stereotypy (repeated movements for no reason), and anxiety. They also may show signs of autism and aggressive behavior.
Does PKU cause mental retardation?
After all, PKU is a rare, genetic disorder of amino acid metabolism identified at birth by pediatricians and treated by geneticists. But, PKU is also a disorder that, if left untreated, leads to severe behavioral difficulties and ultimately mental retardation.
Can PKU cause schizophrenia?
The postulated pathogenesis of brain dysfunction in PKU could overlap that of schizophrenia. Our results suggest that treatment of phenylalanine imbalance may have a therapeutic potential in schizophrenia.
What is PKU medical condition?
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare but potentially serious inherited disorder. Our bodies break down the protein in foods, such as meat and fish, into amino acids, which are the “building blocks” of protein. These amino acids are then used to make our own proteins.
What is the major cause of mental retardation in phenylketonuria?
1) deficiency. PAH is a liver-specific enzyme that catalyses the hydroxylation of l-phenylalanine (Phe) to l-tyrosine in the presence of the cofactor, tetrahydrobiopterin. Accumulation of phenylalanine generates a brain damage and consequently irreversible mental retardation.
Is PKU a neurodevelopmental disorder?
Phenylketonuria is an autosomal recessive metabolic disease which may cause brain insult in the developing brain, consequently, leading to progressive neurodevelopmental delay.
What is the medical condition PKU?
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare but potentially serious inherited disorder. Our bodies break down the protein in foods, such as meat and fish, into amino acids, which are the “building blocks” of protein.