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Sacharow S, Zhu E, Hollander S. The challenge of adults with phenylketonuria who have been lost to care; a single center's attempt to reach those diagnosed with PKU over 60 years of newborn screening. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2024; 40:101099. [PMID: 38962402 PMCID: PMC11219965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2024.101099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Those diagnosed with PKU in the early years of newborn screening (NBS) were often discharged from clinic in childhood. Long-term lost to clinic patients may be impacted by untreated PKU and uninformed about current recommendations. We aimed to contact adults away from clinic for 5-50+ years, share current recommendations, offer clinical care, and elicit factors underlying not returning to clinic. Methods Former patients were identified and offered a virtual meeting with a physician and dietitian for structured interview and education about current guidelines and treatments. Results We identified 53 eligible patients who had PKU and had not returned to clinic in ≥5 years. Of those 53, 27 were successfully contacted, 16 completed the educational intervention, and 5/16 returned to clinic. Reasons for having been away from clinic included discharge from clinic in childhood and inadequate insurance coverage. Experiences varied and some denied negative impacts after diet discontinuation. Individuals expressed a desire for convenient treatments that aligned with overall health goals. Most participants who completed the educational intervention expressed interest in returning to clinic; however, most did not return within the timeframe of the project. All 27 individuals successfully contacted agreed to be re-contacted with future updates or research opportunities. Discussion We successfully contacted half of individuals identified as having been lost to clinic follow-up long-term. Limitations included inability to make initial contact, and unwillingness to re-engage by some we reached. Those who agreed to participation desired ongoing PKU clinic and community connection. This experience will inform our process to engage current patients and re-engage those currently lost to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Sacharow
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
| | - E. Zhu
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
| | - S. Hollander
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
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Ilgaz F, Ford S, O’Driscoll MF, MacDonald A. Adult PKU Clinics in the UK-Users' Experiences and Perspectives. Nutrients 2023; 15:4352. [PMID: 37892429 PMCID: PMC10610305 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adults with PKU require life-long management, and ideally, their care should be in a specialised adult metabolic clinic. Their outcomes and co-morbidities have received much attention, but data are lacking on their experience, satisfaction and expectations about the care they receive. This survey reports the experiences and care adults with PKU receive from specialist metabolic clinics in the UK. The online survey developed by the UK NSPKU (National Society for Phenylketonuria), was placed on the NSPKU website from February 2021 to December 2022, and was completed by adults with PKU (≥18 years) or their carers/family members. Sixty-five adult PKU patients and 9 caregivers of adult patients completed the questionnaire (63% female in total). Only 32% of respondents were following a Phe-restricted diet with protein substitute intake as prescribed; the rest were partially adherent or not on dietary restrictions. Nineteen per cent (n = 14/74) had not been reviewed in clinic for two years. Half of the respondents (50%) described their experience in adult clinics as "good". Half of the patients were unable to contact their dietitians with questions or concerns, and only 24% considered that they received adequate support. Clinic reviews usually included anthropometric (82%) and dietary assessments (64%), discussion on management of PKU in daily life (78%) and a blood test (71%). Eighty-eight per cent reported they had at least one neurocognitive, mental health or behavioural co-morbidity but less than half of the patients reported an assessment on their neurocognitive functioning or mental health issues. Adult male patients appeared to have less detailed clinic review than females. Less than half (44%) of the respondents reported that they performed a blood spot for blood Phe at least monthly, but only 32% considered they had been informed about the risk of high Phe levels in adulthood. Although time, cost and stress related to travelling were barriers to a face-to-face review, more than 40% of patients had concerns about remote appointments. The frequency and extent of monitoring of adults with PKU, attending specialist adult services, were less than those specified by the PKU European guidelines. The care of women of reproductive age is prioritised over men. Adult metabolic health services require further attention, development and resources to provide a high standard and equitable service to patients with PKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Ilgaz
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Suzanne Ford
- Southmead Hospital North Bristol Trust, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK;
- National Society for Phenylketonuria (NSPKU), Sheffield S12 9ET, UK
| | - Michael F. O’Driscoll
- Department of Adult Child & Midwifery, School of Health Social Care & Education, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, UK;
| | - Anita MacDonald
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK;
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3
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Rocha JC, Ahring KK, Bausell H, Bilder DA, Harding CO, Inwood A, Longo N, Muntau AC, Pessoa ALS, Rohr F, Sivri S, Hermida Á. Expert Consensus on the Long-Term Effectiveness of Medical Nutrition Therapy and Its Impact on the Outcomes of Adults with Phenylketonuria. Nutrients 2023; 15:3940. [PMID: 37764724 PMCID: PMC10536918 DOI: 10.3390/nu15183940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many adults with phenylketonuria (PKU) rely on medical nutrition therapy (MNT; low phenylalanine (Phe) diet with protein substitutes/medical foods) to maintain blood Phe concentrations within recommended ranges and prevent PKU-associated comorbidities. Despite disease detection through newborn screening and introduction of MNT as early as birth, adherence to MNT often deteriorates from childhood onwards, complicating the assessment of its effectiveness in the long term. Via a modified Delphi process, consensus (≥70% agreement) was sought on 19 statements among an international, multidisciplinary 13-member expert panel. After three iterative voting rounds, the panel achieved consensus on 17 statements related to the limitations of the long-term effectiveness of MNT (7), the burden of long-term reliance on MNT (4), and its potential long-term detrimental health effects (6). According to the expert panel, the effectiveness of MNT is limited in the long term, is associated with a high treatment burden, and demonstrates that adults with PKU are often unable to achieve metabolic control through dietary management alone, creating an unmet need in the adult PKU population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio César Rocha
- NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Reference Centre of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Rua Jacinta Marto, 1169-045 Lisboa, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Nutrition and Metabolism, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Kirsten K. Ahring
- Departments of Paediatrics and Clinical Genetics, PKU Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Heather Bausell
- Division of Genetics, Genomics, and Metabolism, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Deborah A. Bilder
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Utah Huntsman Mental Health Institute, 501 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Cary O. Harding
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, 3222 SW Research Drive, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Anita Inwood
- Queensland Lifespan Metabolic Medicine Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, 501 Stanley St., South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- School of Nursing and Social Work, The University of Queensland, Chamberlain Building, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nicola Longo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Ania C. Muntau
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - André L. Santos Pessoa
- Albert Sabin Children’s Hospital, R. Tertuliano Sales, 544—Vila União, Fortaleza 60410-794, CE, Brazil
- Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, 1700—Itaperi, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza 60714-903, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Serap Sivri
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Gevher Nesibe Cd., 06230 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Álvaro Hermida
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Metabolic Diseases Unit (UDyTEMC), Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela, CIBERER, MetabERN, Institute of Clinical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Rúa de San Francisco s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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4
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Merkel M, Berg D, Brüggemann N, Classen J, Mainka T, Zittel S, Muntau AC. Characterisation and differential diagnosis of neurological complications in adults with phenylketonuria: literature review and expert opinion. J Neurol 2023:10.1007/s00415-023-11703-4. [PMID: 37081197 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11703-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterised by elevated phenylalanine (Phe) concentrations that can exert neurotoxic effects if untreated or upon treatment discontinuation. This systematic review supported by expert opinion aims to raise awareness among the neurological community on neurological complications experienced by adults with PKU (AwPKU). METHODS The PubMed database was searched for articles on neurological signs and symptoms in AwPKU published before March 2022. In addition, two virtual advisory boards were held with a panel of seven neurologists and two metabolic physicians from Germany and Austria. Findings are supported by three illustrative patient cases. RESULTS Thirty-nine articles were included. Despite early diagnosis and treatment, neurological signs and symptoms (e.g. ataxia, brisk tendon reflexes, tremor, visual impairment) can emerge in adulthood, especially if treatment has been discontinued after childhood. In PKU, late-onset neurological deficits often co-occur with cognitive impairment and psychiatric symptoms, all of which can be completely or partially reversed through resumption of treatment. CONCLUSION Ideally, neurologists should be part of the PKU multidisciplinary team, either to bring lost to follow-up patients back to clinic or to manage symptoms in referred patients, considering that symptoms are often reversible upon regaining metabolic control. The current findings have been combined in a leaflet that will be disseminated among neurologists in Germany and Austria to create awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Merkel
- Endokrinologikum Hamburg, Lornsenstraße 6, 22767, Hamburg, Germany.
- Asklepios Campus Hamburg, Semmelweis University, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Daniela Berg
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Joseph Classen
- Department of Neurology, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tina Mainka
- Department of Neurology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Zittel
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ania C Muntau
- University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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5
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Lamont AE, Hsu LL, Jacobs S, Gibson R, Treadwell M, Chen Y, Lottenberg R, Axelrod K, Varughese T, Melvin C, Smith S, Chukwudozie IB, Kanter J. What does it mean to be affiliated with care?: Delphi consensus on the definition of "unaffiliation" and "specialist" in sickle cell disease. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272204. [PMID: 36367870 PMCID: PMC9651581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Accruing evidence reveals best practices for how to help individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD); yet, the implementation of these evidence-based practices in healthcare settings is lacking. The Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium (SCDIC) is a national consortium that uses implementation science to identify and address barriers to care in SCD. The SCDIC seeks to understand how and why patients become unaffiliated from care and determine strategies to identify and connect patients to care. A challenge, however, is the lack of agreed-upon definition for what it means to be unaffiliated and what it means to be a "SCD expert provider". In this study, we conducted a Delphi process to obtain expert consensus on what it means to be an "unaffiliated patient" with SCD and to define an "SCD specialist," as no standard definition is available. Twenty-eight SCD experts participated in three rounds of questions. Consensus was defined as 80% or more of respondents agreeing. Experts reached consensus that an individual with SCD who is unaffiliated from care is "someone who has not been seen by a sickle cell specialist in at least a year." A sickle cell specialist was defined as someone with knowledge and experience in SCD. Having "knowledge" means: being knowledgeable of the 2014 NIH Guidelines, "Evidence-Based Management of SCD", trained in hydroxyurea management and transfusions, trained on screening for organ damage in SCD, trained in pain management and on SCD emergencies, and is aware of psychosocial and cognitive issues in SCD. Experiences that are expected of a SCD specialist include experience working with SCD patients, mentored by a SCD specialist, regular attendance at SCD conferences, and obtains continuing medical education on SCD every 2 years." The results have strong implications for future research, practice, and policy related to SCD by helping to lay a foundation for an new area of research (e.g., to identify subpopulations of unaffiliation and targeted interventions) and policies that support reaffiliation and increase accessibility to quality care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lewis L. Hsu
- University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sara Jacobs
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America
| | - Robert Gibson
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| | - Marsha Treadwell
- UCSF School of Medicine, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA, United States of America
| | - Yumei Chen
- UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Kathleen Axelrod
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America
| | - Taniya Varughese
- Washington University St Louis, St. Louis MO, United States of America
| | - Cathy Melvin
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Sharon Smith
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | | | - Julie Kanter
- University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
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6
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Crefcoeur LL, Melles MC, Bruning TA, Pereira RR, Langendonk JG. Primary carnitine deficiency is a life-long disease. JIMD Rep 2022; 63:524-528. [PMID: 36341172 PMCID: PMC9626665 DOI: 10.1002/jmd2.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary carnitine deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disease associated with acute hypoketotic hypoglycaemia, cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death. Effective treatment with carnitine supplementation is available. An 18 months old boy, who presented with cardiomyopathy was diagnosed with primary carnitine deficiency, and carnitine supplementation resulted in a full recovery. At age 13 years, he discontinued his medication and at 20 years, he discontinued clinical monitoring. Nine years later, age 29, he presented with heart failure and atrial fibrillation and was admitted to an intensive care unit, where he was treated with furosemide, enoximone and intravenous carnitine supplementation, this lead to improved cardiac function within 2 weeks, and with continued oral carnitine supplements, his left ventricular ejection fraction normalised. The last 8 years were uneventful and he continued to attend his regular follow-up visits at a specialised metabolic outpatient clinic. We report recurrent reversible severe heart failure in a patient with primary carnitine deficiency; it was directly related to non-compliance to carnitine supplementation (and monitoring). This case report emphasises first, the importance of continued monitoring of metabolic disease patients, second, the potential reversibility of cardiomyopathy in an adult patient, and third, the potential risks in the period of transition from the paediatric to adult care. This is an age where young adults desire to be healthy and ignore the need for ongoing medical treatment, even as simple as oral suppletion. Before they reach this age, adequate disease insight and self-management of the disease should be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loek L. Crefcoeur
- Department of Metabolic DiseasesWilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic DiseasesAmsterdam UMC location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and MetabolismAmsterdamNetherlands
| | | | | | | | - Janneke G. Langendonk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic DiseasesErasmus MC, University Medical Centre RotterdamRotterdamNetherlands
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7
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X-Linked Hypophosphatemia Transition and Team Management. ENDOCRINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/endocrines3030032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common form of inherited disorders that are characterized by renal phosphate wasting, but it is a rare chronic disease. XLH presents in multisystemic organs, not only in childhood, but also in adulthood. Multidisciplinary team management is necessary for the care of patients with XLH. Although XLH has often been perceived as a childhood disease, recent studies have demonstrated that it is a long-term and progressive disease throughout adulthood. In the past 20 years, the importance of the transition from pediatric care to adult care for patient outcomes in adulthood in many pediatric onset diseases has been increasingly recognized. This review describes transitional care and team management for patients with XLH.
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Dahir K, Dhaliwal R, Simmons J, Imel EA, Gottesman GS, Mahan JD, Prakasam G, Hoch AI, Ramesan P, Díaz-González de Ferris M. Health Care Transition From Pediatric- to Adult-Focused Care in X-linked Hypophosphatemia: Expert Consensus. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:599-613. [PMID: 34741521 PMCID: PMC8852209 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is an inherited skeletal disorder that can lead to lifelong deleterious musculoskeletal and functional consequences. Although often perceived as a childhood condition, children and adults both experience the negative effects of XLH. Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) benefit from effective health care transition (HCT) preparation to support the transfer from pediatric- to adult-focused care. Whereas transition timelines, milestones, and educational tools exist for some chronic conditions, they do not meet the unique needs of patients with XLH. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION To produce the first expert recommendations on HCT preparation for AYAs with XLH developed by clinical care investigators and transition experts, a formal literature search was conducted and discussed in an advisory board meeting in July 2020. A modified Delphi method was used to refine expert opinion and facilitate a consensus position. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS We identified the need for psychosocial and access-related resources for disease education, genetic counseling, family planning, and AYA emancipation from caregiver-directed care. Additionally, we recognized that it is necessary to facilitate communication with patients through channels familiar and accessible to AYAs and teach patients to advocate for their health care/access to specialists. CONCLUSION Clear HCT preparation guidelines and treatment-related goals are defined. Individualized timelines and practical strategies for HCT preparation are proposed to optimize health outcomes resulting from continuous clinical care throughout the patient lifecycle. We provide an expert consensus statement describing a tailored HCT preparation program specifically for AYAs with XLH to aid in the effective transfer from pediatric- to adult-focused health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Dahir
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
- Correspondence: Kathryn Dahir, MD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, South Tower, 1215 21st Ave S, Ste 8210, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Ruban Dhaliwal
- SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA
| | - Jill Simmons
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Erik A Imel
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
| | - Gary S Gottesman
- Shriners Hospitals for Children–St Louis, St Louis, Missouri 63110,USA
| | - John D Mahan
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA
| | | | - Allison I Hoch
- Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc, Novato, California 94949, USA
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9
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Rovelli V, Zuvadelli J, Paci S, Ercoli V, Re Dionigi A, Selmi R, Salvatici E, Cefalo G, Banderali G. Telehealth and COVID-19: Empowering Standards of Management for Patients Affected by Phenylketonuria and Hyperphenylalaninemia. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:1407. [PMID: 34828453 PMCID: PMC8622759 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9111407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rovelli
- Clinical Department of Pediatrics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy; (J.Z.); (S.P.); (V.E.); (A.R.D.); (R.S.); (E.S.); (G.C.); (G.B.)
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10
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Urine Phenylacetylglutamine Determination in Patients with Hyperphenylalaninemia. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163674. [PMID: 34441968 PMCID: PMC8396897 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU), an autosomal-recessive inborn error of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism is the most prevalent disorder of amino acid metabolism. Currently, clinical follow-up relies on frequent monitoring of Phe levels in blood. We hypothesize that the urine level of phenylacetylglutamine (PAG), a phenyl-group marker, could be used as a non-invasive biomarker. In this cross-sectional study, a validated liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was used for urinary PAG quantification in 35 participants with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) and 33 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We have found that (a) PKU patients present higher urine PAG levels than healthy control subjects, and that (b) there is a significant correlation between urine PAG and circulating Phe levels in patients with HPA. In addition, we show a significant strong correlation between Phe levels from venous blood samples and from capillary finger-prick dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected at the same time in patients with HPA. Further research in order to assess the potential role of urine PAG as a non-invasive biomarker in PKU is warranted.
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11
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Beghini M, Resch FJ, Möslinger D, Konstantopoulou V, Karall D, Scholl-Bürgi S, Brunner-Krainz M, Plecko B, Spenger J, Kautzky-Willer A, Scherer T, Hufgard-Leitner M. Project "Backtoclinic I": An overview on the state of care of adult PKU patients in Austria. Mol Genet Metab 2021; 133:257-260. [PMID: 34083143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High rates of lost to follow-up (LTFU) adult patients are a major concern in the long-term management of phenylketonuria (PKU). To address this issue, we designed the project "Backtoclinic" with the purpose of identifying LTFU adult PKU patients in Austria as a first step to reestablish appropriate treatment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Individuals born between 1966 and 1999 and diagnosed with PKU through the National Austrian Newborn Screening Program (NANSP) were identified using the NANSP's database. Follow-up data were collected in the Austrian metabolic centers (Medical University of Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck and Salzburg). Patients with no contact to any of these centers within the previous two years were classified as LTFU. Epidemiological characteristics of the whole study population as well as of LTFU- and currently in follow-up patients were analyzed. RESULTS Between 1966 and 1999, 281 individuals were diagnosed with PKU through the NANSP. Two patients died in their first year of life and were excluded from the analysis. Of the remaining 279 patients (mean age ± SD: 36.7 ± 9.1 y, 42.7% females), 177 (63.4%) are currently LTFU. The rate of LTFU patients is higher in men than in women (68.1% vs 57.5%), and markedly increases with age in both sexes. The gender gap is greatest in young adults (52.6% vs. 25.0% in the age range 20.0-24.9 y) and declines with age (94.4% vs. 80.0% in the age range > 45.0 y). CONCLUSIONS We found an alarming rate of 63.4% of LTFU adult PKU patients in Austria, and observed a gender gap in the PKU state of care. Our findings illustrate the urgent need for the metabolic community to identify LTFU adult PKU patients and to develop strategies to reestablish appropriate treatment for men and women with PKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Beghini
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Felix J Resch
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dorothea Möslinger
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerguertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Vassiliki Konstantopoulou
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringerguertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Daniela Karall
- Division of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Clinic of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Sabine Scholl-Bürgi
- Division of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Clinic of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Michaela Brunner-Krainz
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 34/2, 8036 Graz, Austria.
| | - Barbara Plecko
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 34/2, 8036 Graz, Austria.
| | - Johannes Spenger
- University Children's Hospital, Salzburger Landeskliniken (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Alexandra Kautzky-Willer
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Thomas Scherer
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Miriam Hufgard-Leitner
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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12
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Treatment adherence in tyrosinemia type 1 patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:256. [PMID: 34082789 PMCID: PMC8173906 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01879-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While therapeutic advances have significantly improved the prognosis of patients with hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1), adherence to dietary and pharmacological treatments is essential for an optimal clinical outcome. Poor treatment adherence is well documented among patients with chronic diseases, but data from HT1 patients are scarce. This study evaluated pharmacological and dietary adherence in HT1 patients both directly, by quantifying blood levels nitisinone (NTBC) levels and metabolic biomarkers of HT1 [tyrosine (Tyr), phenylalanine (Phe), and succinylacetone]; and indirectly, by analyzing NTBC prescriptions from hospital pharmacies and via clinical interviews including the Haynes-Sackett (or self-compliance) test and the adapted Battle test of patient knowledge of the disease. RESULTS This observational study analyzed data collected over 4 years from 69 HT1 patients (7 adults and 62 children; age range, 7 months-35 years) who were treated with NTBC and a low-Tyr, low-Phe diet. Adherence to both pharmacological and, in particular, dietary treatment was poor. Annual data showed that NTBC levels were lower than recommended in more than one third of patients, and that initial Tyr levels were high (> 400 µM) in 54.2-64.4% of patients and exceeded 750 µM in 25.8% of them. Remarkably, annual normalization of NTBC levels was observed in 29.4-57.9% of patients for whom serial NTBC determinations were performed. Poor adherence to dietary treatment was more refractory to positive reinforcement: 36.2% of patients in the group who underwent multiple analyses per year maintained high Tyr levels during the entire study period, and, when considering each of the years individually this percentage ranged from 75 to 100% of them. Indirect methods revealed percentages of non-adherent patients of 7.3 and 15.9% (adapted Battle and Haynes tests, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Despite initially poor adherence to pharmacological and especially dietary treatment among HT1 patients, positive reinforcement at medical consultations resulted in a marked improvement in NTBC levels, indicating the importance of systematic positive reinforcement at medical visits.
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Rovelli V, Zuvadelli J, Ercoli V, Montanari C, Paci S, Dionigi AR, Scopari A, Salvatici E, Cefalo G, Banderali G. PKU and COVID19: How the pandemic changed metabolic control. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2021; 27:100759. [PMID: 33907667 PMCID: PMC8063433 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2021.100759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID19 pandemic urged the need to take severe measures for reducing the epidemic spread. Lockdowns were imposed throughout countries and even Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) affected patients had to face it and adapt, with management strategies changes coming along. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism causing, when not treated, blood Phe increases and consequent central nervous system (CNS) damage. Dietary intervention is the main recognized treatment and must be maintained long-life, however adherence is often suboptimal in adulthood. Aim of this study was to evaluate whether and how the pandemic had impacted PKUs metabolic control and what factors may have played a role as potential modifiers. METHODS Patients ≥4 yo and in follow-up at our Metabolic Clinic were enrolled in this study, divided into subgroups according to age (GROUP A < 12 yo; GROUP B ≥ 12 yo). Videoconsults were conducted on a minimum monthly basis and collected DBS were studied and compared to previous year same time-period in order to evaluate possible changes. RESULTS 39% of patients (n = 121) increased the number of performed DBS. "Non-compliant" patients were reduced (11-3%) with a - 14% of patients with mean Phe levels >600 umol/l and a - 8% of patients with 100% DBS above same level. GROUP A maintained substantially unchanged metabolic control among two analyzed time-periods. On the contrary, GROUP B demonstrated significant reductions in mean blood Phe concentrations (p < 0.0001) during the pandemic (mean 454 umol/l, SD ± 252, vs. 556.4 umol/l, SD ± 301). DISCUSSION COVID19 pandemic strongly impacted people's life with lifestyle habits changing consistently. PKU patients had to adapt their dietary restrictions to the new environment they were exposed to and, if younger patients could have been less exposed (meals strictly according to diet plan independently from setting), adolescent and adults strongly reflected the obligation to stay home by showing better metabolic control. Multiple factors could have played a role in that and the availability of teleconsultancy may have contributed allowing easier connections, but our data demonstrate how the pandemic and the environment can strongly impact PKUs adherence to treatment and how removing distance barriers can ameliorate and optimize metabolic compliance.
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Key Words
- Adherence
- CNS, Central Nervous System
- COVID-19
- DBS, Dried Blood Spot
- Diet
- IEM, Inborn errors of metabolism
- LD, Lockdown
- Lockdown
- MAM-2019, March–April-May 2019
- MAM-2020, March–April-May 2020.
- Metabolic control
- PAH, phenylalanine hydroxylase
- PKU
- PKU, Phenylketonuria
- Phe, phenylalanine
- Tyrosine, (Tyr)
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rovelli
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, Clinical Department of Pediatrics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Juri Zuvadelli
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, Clinical Department of Pediatrics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Vittoria Ercoli
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, Clinical Department of Pediatrics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Montanari
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, Clinical Department of Pediatrics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paci
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, Clinical Department of Pediatrics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Re Dionigi
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, Clinical Department of Pediatrics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Scopari
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, Clinical Department of Pediatrics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Salvatici
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, Clinical Department of Pediatrics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Graziella Cefalo
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, Clinical Department of Pediatrics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Banderali
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, Clinical Department of Pediatrics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
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14
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Zubarioglu T, Hopurcuoglu D, Uygur E, Ahmadzada S, Oge-Enver E, Isat E, Cansever MS, Kiykim E, Aktuglu-Zeybek C. The Impact of Telemedicine for Monitoring and Treatment of Phenylketonuria Patients on Metabolic Outcome During Coronavirus Disease-19 Outbreak. Telemed J E Health 2021; 28:258-265. [PMID: 33719565 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2020.0569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The prognosis of phenylketonuria (PKU) in terms of neurocognitive outcome is directly related to lifelong phenylalanine (Phe) levels and adherence to treatment. Monitoring and treatment of PKU patients can be complicated in challenging circumstances as pandemics. This study aims to evaluate the impact of telemedicine for monitoring and treatment of PKU patients on metabolic outcome during coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak. Materials and Methods: Patients who were diagnosed as PKU and treated with low Phe diet, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), or BH4 adjunct with low Phe diet were enrolled. Study period was divided into two periods: prepandemic period wherein patients were followed up in outpatients' clinic and during pandemic wherein telemedicine was used. Demographic findings, laboratory results, and therapy responses were reviewed retrospectively and compared between the two periods. All procedures were in accordance with the ethical standards of the local ethical committee of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty (17/11/2020-151640) and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2013. Results: Ninety-three (n = 93) patients were enrolled to this study. The ratio of the samples with Phe levels in the recommended ranges was found to be statistically higher during the pandemic wherein an online monitoring system was used in all treatment modalities (p < 0.05). The decrease in Phe washout frequency was statistically significant during the pandemic in the low Phe diet group (p < 0.05). Considering the relationship between Phe tolerance before and during the pandemic, a significant increase in Phe tolerance was noted during the pandemic in the low Phe diet group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Telemedicine can be an appropriate and effective monitoring option for PKU patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanyel Zubarioglu
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Division of Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Duhan Hopurcuoglu
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Division of Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esma Uygur
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Division of Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Saffa Ahmadzada
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Division of Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ece Oge-Enver
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Division of Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Isat
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Division of Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Serif Cansever
- Division of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Department of Medical Documentation and Techniques, The Vocational School of Health Services, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ertugrul Kiykim
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Division of Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cigdem Aktuglu-Zeybek
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Division of Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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