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Rovelli V, Dicintio A, Cazzorla C. Unmet needs in phenylketonuria: an exploratory Italian survey among patients and caregivers. Curr Med Res Opin 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38646665 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2024.2337662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) require a strict diet to maintain phenylalanine (Phe) levels within the desired range. However, the diet can be onerous, resulting in poor adherence. We carried out the first online national survey in Italy to better understand the perceptions, knowledge, and experiences of both patients with PKU and caregivers with the goal of improving patient outcomes. METHODS An online survey of 35 questions to patients and 36 questions to caregivers was distributed in September 2022 through physicians and relevant Italian associations. The information collected included knowledge and impact of PKU, unmet needs, knowledge of available drugs, and satisfaction with therapy. RESULTS Overall, 241 questionnaires were completed by 85 patients and 156 caregivers (96.0% were parents). Knowledge of the pathogenic basis of PKU was generally high. The most common patient-reported symptoms were agitation/anxiety (48.8%), fatigue (41.1%), mood disorders (39.8%), and difficulty concentrating (33.4%). Different perspectives on adherence to a low-Phe diet were observed (22.9% of patients reported strict adherence vs. 47.0% of caregivers). Drugs that allow more freedom were needed by 49.4% of patients and 61.7% of caregivers, along with a wider range of choices of non-dietary treatments (48.2% and 60.0%, respectively). Unmet informational needs of patients included PKU and pregnancy, complications, travel, sports, and transition into adult care. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed that patients with PKU and their caregivers reported difficulties in adherence to diet therapy and indicated interest in new therapeutic approaches. Apparent differences between patient and caregiver perspectives were identified. More informational resources on PKU are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rovelli
- Clinical Department of Pediatrics, Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Dicintio
- Department of Metabolic Diseases and Clinical Genetics, Giovanni XXIII Children Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Cazzorla
- Division of Inborn Metabolic Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
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Walkowiak D, Domaradzki J, Mozrzymas R, Korycińska-Chaaban D, Duś-Żuchowska M, Didycz B, Mikołuć B, Walkowiak J. Professional activity, gender and disease-related emotions: The impact on parents' experiences in caring for children with phenylketonuria. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2023; 36:100992. [PMID: 37502286 PMCID: PMC10368909 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2023.100992] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Clinical management of rare diseases often fails to acknowledge the challenges faced by caregivers. Whilst management of phenylketonuria (PKU) may not be considered as dire as other conditions, most studies primarily concentrate on clinical issues, dietary adherence, or the quality of life of the PKU patients, leaving caregivers in the background. The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychosocial effects of PKU on family caregivers. Methods Between October 30th, 2022 and February 28th, 2023, we collected data from caregivers of children with PKU using an anonymous, self-administered, computer-assisted online questionnaire. The survey was distributed among to patients during their regular visits to five Polish PKU treatment centers. Results A total of 159 Polish caregivers of children with PKU completed the survey. This research shows that while women caregivers were more likely to be unemployed due to their responsibilities for childcare (50.3% compared to 0% for men), and men caregivers were more likely to be employed full-time (93.8% compared to 40.6% for women), the former reported higher emotional engagement in caregiving (88.1% vs 56.3% respectively). Significantly, unemployed mothers reported higher levels of loneliness, helplessness, and emotional control problems, and lacked psychological/emotional support more often than employed mothers. This research also shows a statistically significant positive correlation between mothers' education level and financial situation (p < 0.05) and education level and professional activity (p < 0.01). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between perceived financial situation and feeling of happiness (p < 0.001), and between financial situation and professional activity (p < 0.001). Finally, a significant positive correlation was observed between feeling of happiness and professional activity (p < 0.05). Conclusions According to our findings, there is a link between subjective happiness, financial situation, and professional activity among female caregivers. The relationship between these factors goes beyond just the income earned from work. The results of our study imply that there could even be a therapeutic advantage for working mothers. It is crucial to recognize the emotional difficulties that employed mothers may experience while taking care of a child with PKU, and to provide them with the necessary assistance and resources to meet their needs. Additionally, our results may provide a foundation for redefining the support system for caregivers in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Walkowiak
- Department of Organization and Management in Health Care, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Renata Mozrzymas
- Research and Development Center, Regional Specialist Hospital, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Monika Duś-Żuchowska
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
| | - Bożena Didycz
- Outpatient Metabolic Clinic, University Children's Hospital, Cracow, Poland
| | - Bożena Mikołuć
- Department of Pediatrics, Rheumatology, Immunology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Jarosław Walkowiak
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
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Mardani-Hamooleh M, Heidari H. Life story of Iranian parents of a child with phenylketonuria: a qualitative study. J Community Genet 2023; 14:419-427. [PMID: 37277551 PMCID: PMC10444926 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-023-00653-z] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parents of a child with phenylketonuria (PKU) face many challenges in childcare. It is crucial for health care workers to understand the situation of parents of a child with PKU and their needs. The purpose of this study was to explore the life story of parents with a child with PKU. This qualitative study has been done with a conventional content analysis approach. Twenty-four parents were selected purposefully. A semi-structured interview was conducted. Data analysis identified three main themes, which included parental reactions, consequences of a child with PKU in parents, and parents' needs. Parents of children with PKU can be considered people at risk for mental health because of their feelings of isolation and their lonely struggle to manage the disease and its effects on their child. This study shows that mothers need more support due to the misconceptions in and attitudes of their social environment. Therefore, it is necessary to understand this group, their needs and lives, and provide further support and promote empathy in the health system for the parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Mardani-Hamooleh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Nursing, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haydeh Heidari
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Modeling in Health Research Center, Department of Nursing, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
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Pessoa ALS, Martins AM, Ribeiro EM, Specola N, Chiesa A, Vilela D, Jurecki E, Mesojedovas D, Schwartz IVD. Burden of phenylketonuria in Latin American patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:302. [PMID: 35907851 PMCID: PMC9338521 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02450-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. If untreated, the complications of PKU lead to significant neucognitive and neuropsychiatric impairments, placing a burden on both the individual’s quality of life and on the healthcare system. We conducted a systematic literature review to characterize the impact of PKU on affected individuals and on healthcare resources in Latin American (LATAM) countries. Methods Searches of the global medical literature as well as regional and local medical literature up to September 2021. Observational studies on patients with PKU from any LATAM country. Pairs of reviewers independently screened eligible articles, extracted data from included studies, and assessed their risk of bias. Results 79 unique studies (47 cross-sectional studies, 18 case series, 12 case reports, and two cohort studies) with a total of 4090 patients were eligible. Of these studies, 20 had data available evaluating early-diagnosed PKU patients for meta-analysis of burden outcomes. Intellectual disability in the pooled studies was 18% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.04–0.38; I2 = 83.7%, p = 0.0133; two studies; n = 114]. Motor delay was 15% [95% CI 0.04–0.30; I2 = 74.5%, p = 0.0083; four studies; n = 132]. Speech deficit was 35% [95% CI 0.08–0.68; I2 = 93.9%, p < 0.0001; five studies; n = 162]. Conclusions There is currently evidence of high clinical burden in PKU patients in LATAM countries. Recognition that there are many unmet neuropsychological needs and socioeconomic challenges faced in the LATAM countries is the first step in planning cost-effective interventions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-022-02450-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L S Pessoa
- Albert Sabin Children's Hospital / Ceara State University, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.,State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - A M Martins
- Reference Center in Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - E M Ribeiro
- Albert Sabin Children's Hospital / Ceara State University, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.,Center Medical School, Christus University, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - N Specola
- Hospital de Niños de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - A Chiesa
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinologicas "Dr Cesar Bergadá" CEDIE -CONICET- FEI: Division de Endocrinologia Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutièrrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D Vilela
- BioMarin Farmacêutica, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - E Jurecki
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, Novato, CA, USA
| | | | - I V D Schwartz
- Medical Genetics Service, HCPA, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil.
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Torab M, Jafari-Sabet M, Najafizadeh P, Sadegipour A, Rahimi-Moghaddam P, Ebrahimi SA. Oral administration of phenylalanine molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) benefits PKU mouse model. J Inherit Metab Dis 2022; 45:696-709. [PMID: 35527480 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a defect in the metabolism of phenylalanine (Phe). Currently, the most commonly used treatment for PKU is dietary Phe restriction. Problems associated with Phe restricted diets include lack of universal availability, high treatment costs, and reduced adherence to continued treatment with age and finally the development of psychological and neurological problems in a significant proportion of patients despite early start of treatment. One possible approach to decreasing blood Phe level, is inhibition of GI tract absorption of this amino acid. We had previously shown that a Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer was able to bind Phe in the GI tract and attenuate its plasma concentration. In this work, we used different orally administered Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer doses in a PKU mouse model to further study the effects of this treatment on biochemical profile and cognitive function in test animals. Treatments started 21 days postnatally. After 3 weeks, brain and plasma amino acid profiles and brain monoaminergic neurotransmitter concentrations were measured. Behavioral profile was also evaluated. Treatment with 2% and 5% Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer significantly reduced levels of blood Phe in PKU model animals (46% and 48% respectively) meanwhile levels of other amino acids remained unchanged. Brain dopamine concentrations in hippocampus was effectively restored by supplementation of Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer. Finally, polymer treatment improved locomotor dysfunction in PKU model animals. Our data suggest that the Phe selective molecularly imprinted polymer can be a new candidate for treatment of PKU patients. Take home message: Orally administered Phenylalanine Selective Molecularly Imprinted Polymer is able to inhibit absorption of phenylalanine from the GI tract and may offer a new treatment, in conjunction with dietary restriction, for PKU patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour Torab
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Jafari-Sabet
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Najafizadeh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Sadegipour
- Department of Pathology, Oncopathology Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Soltan A Ebrahimi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ramos-Álvarez R, Kapp M, Rodríguez-Ruiz MM, Fausor R, Bueno-Delgado MA, Ahring K, Waisbren SE. Adaptation and Validation of a Questionnaire to Evaluate Knowledge of the Low Phe Diet in PKU. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082719. [PMID: 34444879 PMCID: PMC8400675 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive disorder of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism, causing a build-up of Phe in the body. Treatment consists of a Phe-restricted diet for life and regular determination of blood Phe levels to monitor the intake of Phe. Despite the fact that diet is the cornerstone of treatment, there are no studies examining common knowledge about food items and whether they are allowed as part of the PKU diet. Improving parents’ and patients’ knowledge and competence about the diet enables them to make appropriate food choices. This study validates a food-knowledge questionnaire first developed in Spanish and modified for English speaking populations. The questionnaire potentially helps parents to prepare appropriate meals and healthcare providers to create individualized educational programs about PKU for children and adolescents with this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Ramos-Álvarez
- Department of Social Psychology, Melilla Campus, Granada University, 52005 Melilla, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.R.-Á.); (S.E.W.)
| | - Maili Kapp
- Teaching Innovation Project (Code: 14–82), Melilla Campus, Granada University, 52005 Melilla, Spain;
| | | | - Rocío Fausor
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Clinical Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Kirsten Ahring
- Center for PKU, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2600 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Susan E. Waisbren
- Genetics and Metabolism Programs, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence: (R.R.-Á.); (S.E.W.)
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