Solutions/Treatment
Causes/ Symptoms
Statistics/Types
When it develops and how, problems they encounter
100

What are some high-protein foods someone with PKU should avoid? (5 listed)

1.) Milk

2.) Eggs

3.) Cheese

4.) Poultry, beef, pork

5.) Nuts

100

What is PKU caused by?

PKU is caused by a gene mutation that produces the PAH enzyme.

100

Which type of PKU is the most severe?

Classic PKU.

100

How does PKU develop? 

PKU develops when the newborn inherits the gene from both of its parents. (both parents are carriers)

200

How long should somebody with PKU follow a low-protein diet?

A low-protein diet is followed for life.

200

What are some symptoms of PKU? (4 Listed)

1.) A musty odor in breath

2.) Skin rashes, eczema

3.) Lighter skin, hair, eye colour

4.) Unusually small head size

200

Does PKU affect a specific gender over another? 

No, it does not affect a specific gender over another 

200

At which time period do signs and symptoms of PKU appear in a baby?

At 6 months
300

What artificial sweetener should people with PKU avoud?

Aspartame.

300

What happens when somebody has PKU?

Phenylalanine accumulates in hazardous amounts in the blood. 

300

Which ethic groups are more common to develop PKU?

Irish, European, Turkish, and Indigenous ancestry.

300

When does PKU develop?

It occurs when the sperm and the egg are combined (which is called a zygote).

400

Which type of medication for PKU helps lower the level of phenylalanine in the blood?

Kuvan.

400

What can untreated PKU lead to? (4 listed)

1.) Hyperactivity

2.) Intellectual disability

3.) Delayed development

4.) Mental health disorders

400

Which countries have the highest rates of PKU?

Turkey, Ireland, and Italy have the highest rates of PKU

400

What are some problems that people with PKU encounter every day?

  • A certain diet - much restricted diet with low protein
  • Intellectual disabilities - limitations in communication and understanding 
  • Irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system 
  • Behavioural & Social difficulties (may continue further into their life)
500

Which type of medication takes the position of the enzyme that aids in the breakdown of phenylalanine?

Pegvaliase.

500

What are the types of PKU?

1.) Classic PKU

2.) Variant PKU

3.) Non PKU Hyperphenylalaninemia

500

Which type of PKU is defined by high phenylalanine levels, but not enough to meet the minimum requirement for the other two types?

Non PKU Hyperphenylalaninemia.

500

What are some problems babies encounter at first?

  • Significant cognitive impairment
  • Delayed learning achievements for a growing baby 
  • Behavioural & Social difficulties 
  • Can lead to serious health concerns such as:
    • Cataracts 
    • Enlarged liver 
    • Kidney Damage 
  • Seizures and much more