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Çıkı K, Yıldız Y, Kahraman AB, Özgül RK, Coşkun T, Dursun A, Tokatlı A, Sivri S. Predictors of eventual requirement of phenylalanine-restricted diet in young infants with phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency initially managed with sapropterin monotherapy. Mol Genet Metab 2023; 140:107706. [PMID: 37837865 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107706] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diet is associated with lower quality of life for patients with phenylketonuria (PKU), and a concern for caregivers of recently-diagnosed infants. Sapropterin is an oral drug used as an alternative or adjunct to dietary treatment. We have observed that some of the young infants initially managed successfully with sapropterin monotherapy have required dietary treatment in long-term follow-up. We aimed to determine the baseline factors associated with future initiation of dietary treatment in these patients. METHODS Data were obtained retrospectively from the medical records of 80 PKU patients started on sapropterin monotherapy before 3 months of age between 2011 and 2021. RESULTS The patients were followed for a median of 3.9 years (Q1-Q3: 2.5-5.75 years). Sapropterin was tapered down and discontinued in 5 patients (6.3%) as their Phe levels remained below 360 μmol/L without treatment. Sapropterin monotherapy was sufficient in 62 patients (77.5%), while 13 (16.2%) required dietary treatment. Phe and tyrosine (Tyr) levels, and Phe:Tyr ratios differed significantly among the patients maintained on sapropterin monotherapy and those started on dietary treatment, but the Phe:Tyr ratio at diagnosis was the most important independent baseline variable (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.15-2.27, p = 0.006), with Phe:Tyr ratio at diagnosis >5.25 associated with dietary treatment (sensitivity: 90.0%, specificity: 81.8%). Genotypic phenotype value (GPV), unavailable at baseline, was also associated with dietary treatment (median GPV 9.2 vs. 3.8, p = 0.006), but some genotypes were not specific to the final treatment modality. DISCUSSION We propose that the Phe:Tyr ratio at diagnosis is an important indicator to predict dietary requirement in young infants initially managed with sapropterin monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kısmet Çıkı
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Yılmaz Yıldız
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ayça Burcu Kahraman
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - R Köksal Özgül
- Hacettepe University Institute of Child Health, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Turgay Coşkun
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ali Dursun
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ayşegül Tokatlı
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Serap Sivri
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Tendi EA, Morello G, Guarnaccia M, La Cognata V, Petralia S, Messina MA, Meli C, Fiumara A, Ruggieri M, Cavallaro S. Detection of Single-Nucleotide and Copy Number Defects Underlying Hyperphenylalaninemia by Next-Generation Sequencing. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1899. [PMID: 37509538 PMCID: PMC10377317 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) is the most common inherited amino acid metabolism disorder characterized by serious clinical manifestations, including irreversible brain damage, intellectual deficiency and epilepsy. Due to its extensive genic and allelic heterogeneity, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology may help to identify the molecular basis of this genetic disease. Herein, we describe the development and validation of a targeted NGS (tNGS) approach for the simultaneous detection of single-nucleotide changes and copy number variations (CNVs) in genes associated with HPA (PAH, GCH1, PTS, QDPR, PCBD1, DNAJC12) or useful for its differential diagnosis (SPR). Our tNGS approach offers the possibility to detail, with a high accuracy and in a single workflow, the combined effect of a broader spectrum of genomic variants in a comprehensive view, providing a significant step forward in the development of optimized patient care and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Anna Tendi
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95026 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanna Morello
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95026 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Guarnaccia
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95026 Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina La Cognata
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95026 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Petralia
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Anna Messina
- Regional Reference Center for the Treatment and Control of Congenital Metabolic Diseases of Childhood, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Policlinico "Rodolico-San Marco", 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Meli
- Regional Reference Center for the Treatment and Control of Congenital Metabolic Diseases of Childhood, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Policlinico "Rodolico-San Marco", 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Fiumara
- Regional Reference Center for the Treatment and Control of Congenital Metabolic Diseases of Childhood, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Policlinico "Rodolico-San Marco", 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Martino Ruggieri
- Unit of Rare Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Policlinico "Rodolico-San Marco", 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95026 Catania, Italy
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Elhawary NA, AlJahdali IA, Abumansour IS, Elhawary EN, Gaboon N, Dandini M, Madkhali A, Alosaimi W, Alzahrani A, Aljohani F, Melibary EM, Kensara OA. Genetic etiology and clinical challenges of phenylketonuria. Hum Genomics 2022; 16:22. [PMID: 35854334 PMCID: PMC9295449 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-022-00398-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, genetic etiology, and management of phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU, an autosomal recessive disease, is an inborn error of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism caused by pathogenic variants in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene. The prevalence of PKU varies widely among ethnicities and geographic regions, affecting approximately 1 in 24,000 individuals worldwide. Deficiency in the PAH enzyme or, in rare cases, the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin results in high blood Phe concentrations, causing brain dysfunction. Untreated PKU, also known as PAH deficiency, results in severe and irreversible intellectual disability, epilepsy, behavioral disorders, and clinical features such as acquired microcephaly, seizures, psychological signs, and generalized hypopigmentation of skin (including hair and eyes). Severe phenotypes are classic PKU, and less severe forms of PAH deficiency are moderate PKU, mild PKU, mild hyperphenylalaninaemia (HPA), or benign HPA. Early diagnosis and intervention must start shortly after birth to prevent major cognitive and neurological effects. Dietary treatment, including natural protein restriction and Phe-free supplements, must be used to maintain blood Phe concentrations of 120-360 μmol/L throughout the life span. Additional treatments include the casein glycomacropeptide (GMP), which contains very limited aromatic amino acids and may improve immunological function, and large neutral amino acid (LNAA) supplementation to prevent plasma Phe transport into the brain. The synthetic BH4 analog, sapropterin hydrochloride (i.e., Kuvan®, BioMarin), is another potential treatment that activates residual PAH, thus decreasing Phe concentrations in the blood of PKU patients. Moreover, daily subcutaneous injection of pegylated Phe ammonia-lyase (i.e., pegvaliase; PALYNZIQ®, BioMarin) has promised gene therapy in recent clinical trials, and mRNA approaches are also being studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser A. Elhawary
- grid.412832.e0000 0000 9137 6644Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, P.O. Box 57543, Mecca, 21955 Saudi Arabia
| | - Imad A. AlJahdali
- grid.412832.e0000 0000 9137 6644Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, P.O. Box 57543, Mecca, 21955 Saudi Arabia
| | - Iman S. Abumansour
- grid.412832.e0000 0000 9137 6644Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, P.O. Box 57543, Mecca, 21955 Saudi Arabia
| | - Ezzeldin N. Elhawary
- grid.123047.30000000103590315Faculty of Medicine, MS Genomic Medicine Program, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Nagwa Gaboon
- grid.7269.a0000 0004 0621 1570Department of Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Dandini
- Department of Laboratory and Blood Bank, Maternity and Children Hospital, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulelah Madkhali
- grid.415254.30000 0004 1790 7311Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafaa Alosaimi
- Department of Hematology, Maternity and Children Hospital, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmajeed Alzahrani
- Department of Laboratory and Blood Bank at Maternity and Children Hospital, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawzia Aljohani
- Department of Pediatric Clinics, Maternity and Children Hospital, King Salman Medical City, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehab M. Melibary
- grid.412832.e0000 0000 9137 6644Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, P.O. Box 57543, Mecca, 21955 Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama A. Kensara
- grid.412832.e0000 0000 9137 6644Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU; also known as phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency) is an autosomal recessive disorder of phenylalanine metabolism, in which especially high phenylalanine concentrations cause brain dysfunction. If untreated, this brain dysfunction results in severe intellectual disability, epilepsy and behavioural problems. The prevalence varies worldwide, with an average of about 1:10,000 newborns. Early diagnosis is based on newborn screening, and if treatment is started early and continued, intelligence is within normal limits with, on average, some suboptimal neurocognitive function. Dietary restriction of phenylalanine has been the mainstay of treatment for over 60 years and has been highly successful, although outcomes are still suboptimal and patients can find the treatment difficult to adhere to. Pharmacological treatments are available, such as tetrahydrobiopterin, which is effective in only a minority of patients (usually those with milder PKU), and pegylated phenylalanine ammonia lyase, which requires daily subcutaneous injections and causes adverse immune responses. Given the drawbacks of these approaches, other treatments are in development, such as mRNA and gene therapy. Even though PAH deficiency is the most common defect of amino acid metabolism in humans, brain dysfunction in individuals with PKU is still not well understood and further research is needed to facilitate development of pathophysiology-driven treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francjan J van Spronsen
- Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
| | - Nenad Blau
- University Children's Hospital in Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cary Harding
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics and Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Nicola Longo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Annet M Bosch
- University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Metabolic Disorders, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Manta-Vogli PD, Dotsikas Y, Loukas YL, Schulpis KH. The phenylketonuria patient: A recent dietetic therapeutic approach. Nutr Neurosci 2020; 23:628-639. [PMID: 30359206 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2018.1538196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency, commonly named phenylketonuria (PKU) is a disorder of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism inherited with an autosomal recessive trait. It is characterized by high blood and cerebral Phe levels, resulting in intellectual disabilities, seizures, etc. Early diagnosis and treatment of the patients prevent major neuro-cognitive deficits. Treatment consists of a lifelong restriction of Phe intake, combined with the supplementation of special medical foods, such as Amino Acid medical food (AA-mf), enriched in tyrosine (Tyr) and other amino acids and nutrients to avoid nutritional deficits. Developmental and neurocognitive outcomes for patients, however, remain suboptimal, especially when adherence to the demanding diet is poor. Additions to treatment include new, more palatable foods, based on Glycomacropeptide that contains limited amounts of Phe, the administration of large neutral amino acids to prevent phenylalanine entry into the brain and tetrahydrobiopterin cofactor capable of increasing residual PAH activity. Moreover, further efforts are underway to develop an oral therapy containing phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Nutritional support of PKU future mothers (maternal PKU) is also discussed. This review aims to summarize the current literature on new PKU treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope D Manta-Vogli
- Department of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics Agia Sofia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Yannis Dotsikas
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharm. Analysis, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zographou, GR 157 71, Athens, Greece
| | - Yannis L Loukas
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharm. Analysis, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zographou, GR 157 71, Athens, Greece
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Muntau AC, Adams DJ, Bélanger-Quintana A, Bushueva TV, Cerone R, Chien YH, Chiesa A, Coşkun T, de Las Heras J, Feillet F, Katz R, Lagler F, Piazzon F, Rohr F, van Spronsen FJ, Vargas P, Wilcox G, Bhattacharya K. International best practice for the evaluation of responsiveness to sapropterin dihydrochloride in patients with phenylketonuria. Mol Genet Metab 2019; 127:1-11. [PMID: 31103398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disease caused by phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency. As the resulting high blood phenylalanine (Phe) concentration can have detrimental effects on brain development and function, international guidelines recommend lifelong control of blood Phe concentration with dietary and/or medical therapy. Sapropterin dihydrochloride is a synthetic preparation of tetrahydrobiopterin (6R-BH4), the naturally occurring cofactor of PAH. It acts as a pharmacological chaperone, reducing blood Phe concentration and increasing dietary Phe tolerance in BH4-responsive patients with PAH deficiency. Protocols to establish responsiveness to sapropterin dihydrochloride vary widely. Two meetings were held with an international panel of clinical experts in PKU management to develop recommendations for sapropterin dihydrochloride response testing. At the first meeting, regional differences and similarities in testing practices were discussed based on guidelines, a literature review, outcomes of a global physician survey, and case reports. Statements developed based on the discussions were sent to all participants for consensus (>70% of participants) evaluation using a 7-level rating system, and further discussed during the second meeting. The experts recommend sapropterin dihydrochloride response testing in patients with untreated blood Phe concentrations of 360-2000 μmol/L, except in those with two null mutations. For neonates, a 24-h sapropterin dihydrochloride loading test is recommended; responsiveness is defined as a decrease in blood Phe ≥30%. For older infants, children, adolescents, and adults, a test duration of ≥48 h or a 4-week trial is recommended. The main endpoint for a 48-h to 7-day trial is a decrease in blood Phe, while improved Phe tolerance is the endpoint to be assessed during a longer trial. Longer trials may not be feasible in some locations due to lack of reimbursement for hospitalization, while a 4-week trial may not be possible due to limited access to sapropterin dihydrochloride or public health regulation. A 48-h response test should be considered in pregnant patients who cannot achieve blood Phe ≤360 μmol/L with a Phe-restricted diet. Durability of response and clinical benefits of sapropterin dihydrochloride should be assessed over the long term. Harmonization of protocols is expected to improve identification of responders and comparability of test results worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ania C Muntau
- University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Darius J Adams
- Atlantic Health System, Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, NJ, USA.
| | | | - Tatiana V Bushueva
- National Medical Research Center of Children's Health of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Roberto Cerone
- G. Gaslini Institute, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | | | - Ana Chiesa
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinologicas "Dr Cesar Bergadá" CEDIE, CONICET, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutierrez, Fundacion de Endocrinologia Infantil, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Turgay Coşkun
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Javier de Las Heras
- Hospital Universitario de Cruces, Biocruces Health Research Institute and University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vizcaya, Spain.
| | - François Feillet
- Children's University Hospital, CHU Brabois, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France.
| | - Rachel Katz
- Ann and Robert Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | | | - Flavia Piazzon
- Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais de São Paulo (APAE DE SÃO PAULO), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Fran Rohr
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Francjan J van Spronsen
- Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center of Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Paula Vargas
- Hospital Materno Infantil Presidente Vargas, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Gisela Wilcox
- University of Manchester & Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK.
| | - Kaustuv Bhattacharya
- Genetic Metabolic Disorders Service, University of Sydney, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Muntau AC, du Moulin M, Feillet F. Diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia in patients 0-4 years of age. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:173. [PMID: 30268140 PMCID: PMC6162894 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0911-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) with sapropterin dihydrochloride in responsive patients from an early age can have many advantages for the patient over dietary restriction alone. Accordingly, approval of sapropterin in the European Union was extended in 2015 to include patients aged 0-4 years, bringing the treatment age range in line with that in the USA and providing an additional treatment option for those patients with PKU who are responsive or partially responsive to treatment with sapropterin. Subsequently, European guidelines have been published on the diagnosis and management of patients with PKU. However, testing for PKU can be demanding and requires particular expertise. We have compiled experience-based, real-world guidance in an algorithmic format to complement the published guidelines, with the overall aim to achieve optimized and individualized care for patients with PKU. RESULTS Our guidance covers aspects such as how to perform, monitor and interpret appropriate biochemical measures to achieve effective patient management and desired outcomes, how to perform a tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) loading test to assess responsiveness in newborns, and how to initiate sapropterin treatment in patients from birth. We also provide our expert opinion on starting pharmacotherapy in patients who were previously managed by diet alone. CONCLUSIONS Real-world-based guidance is particularly important in managing therapeutic strategies in newborns with PKU to achieve optimal long-term outcomes and will serve as a complement to the other published guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ania C. Muntau
- University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcel du Moulin
- University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Francois Feillet
- Department of Pediatrics, Hôpital d’Enfants Brabois, CHU Nancy, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
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Porta F, Spada M, Ponzone A. Early Screening for Tetrahydrobiopterin Responsiveness in Phenylketonuria. Pediatrics 2017; 140:e20161591. [PMID: 28679641 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-1591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2007, synthetic tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) has been approved as a therapeutic option in BH4-responsive phenylketonuria (PKU) and since 2015 extended to infants younger than 4 years in Europe. The current definition of BH4 responsiveness relies on the observation of a 20% to 30% blood phenylalanine (Phe) decrease after BH4 administration, under nonstandardized conditions. By this definition, however, patients with the same genotype or even the same patients were alternatively reported as responsive or nonresponsive to the cofactor. These inconsistencies are troubling, as frustrating patient expectations and impairing cost-effectiveness of BH4-therapy. Here we tried a quantitative procedure through the comparison of the outcome of a simple Phe and a combined Phe plus BH4 loading in a series of infants with PKU, most of them harboring genotypes already reported as BH4 responsive. Under these ideal conditions, blood Phe clearance did not significantly differ after the 2 types of loading, and a 20% to 30% decrease of blood Phe occurred irrespective of BH4 administration in milder forms of PKU. Such early screening for BH4 responsiveness, based on a quantitative assay, is essential for warranting an evidence-based and cost-effective therapy in those patients with PKU eventually but definitely diagnosed as responsive to the cofactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Porta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Spada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Alberto Ponzone
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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