1
|
Scala I, Brodosi L, Rovelli V, Noto D, Burlina A. Management of patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) under enzyme replacement therapy: An Italian model (expert opinion). Mol Genet Metab Rep 2024; 39:101065. [PMID: 38425869 PMCID: PMC10899016 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2024.101065] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder necessitating lifelong management to prevent severe neurological impairments. This paper synthesises clinical practices from Italian specialist centres to delineate a unified approach for administering pegvaliase, a novel enzyme replacement therapy for PKU. Methods Virtual meetings convened in September 2022, gathering a steering committee (SC) of experts from five Italian centres specialising in PKU. The SC reviewed, and discussed clinical practices, and formulated recommendations for pegvaliase treatment. Results The SC outlined a comprehensive treatment roadmap for PKU management with pegvaliase, emphasising the importance of multidisciplinary care teams, patient selection, pre-treatment evaluation, and education. Recommendations include initial hospital-based pegvaliase administration, regular monitoring of phenylalanine and tyrosine levels, dietary adjustments, and management of adverse events. A consensus was reached on the need for a digital database to manage treatment plans and enhance communication between healthcare professionals and patients. Conclusion The expert panel's consensus highlights the complexity of PKU management and the necessity for a coordinated, patient-centred approach. The recommendations aim to standardise care across Italian centres and provide a framework for integrating pegvaliase therapy into clinical practice, potentially informing international guidelines. Further research is warranted to evaluate the long-term impact of these practices on patient outcomes and quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris Scala
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Maternal and Child Health, “Federico II” University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Brodosi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Alma Mater” University, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
- Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Unit, IRCCS AOUBO, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovelli
- Clinical Department of Pediatrics, University of Milan, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Noto
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Health, Internal and Specialized Medicine of Excellence "G. D. Alessandro" (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Alberto Burlina
- Division of Inborn Metabolic Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Services, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Scala I, Brodosi L, Gueraldi D, Manti F, Rovelli V, Zuvadelli J, Agnelli G, Cazzorla C, Nardecchia F, Giammanco A, Biasucci G. Pegvaliase therapy for phenylketonuria: Real-world case series and clinical insights. Mol Genet Metab 2024; 142:108151. [PMID: 38522180 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2024.108151] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to present a series of case studies on the real-life use of pegvaliase in Italy in managing patients affected by phenylketonuria (PKU) and provide practical insight and support to healthcare professionals currently approaching and facing this novel enzyme substitution therapy. METHODS A panel of 11 PKU experts from seven leading Italian treatment centers attended online virtual meetings with the aim of reviewing their clinical and practical experiences with pegvaliase based on occurred cases. In selecting the cases, specific consideration was given to the nationwide representation of the centers involved and to the number of patients with PKU managed. Cases were thoroughly reviewed, with comprehensive discussions enabling the identification of key take-home messages regarding pegvaliase therapy. RESULTS The panel discussed 18 cases, 11 males and 7 females (age range 17-43 years). At the last follow-up (up to 111 weeks after pegvaliase initiation), 11 out of 18 patients (61%) reached Phe levels below 600 μmol/l. Outcomes varied significantly across cases. All cases underscore the potential of pegvaliase in reducing Phe levels, enhancing the quality of life, and promoting social skills and independence. Additionally, the cases highlight the challenges associated with pegvaliase therapy, including managing adverse events and ensuring patient motivation and adherence. CONCLUSION This is the first report about the Italian experience of managing patients affected by PKU with pegvaliase. Given the limited real-world data on the use of pegvaliase in PKU management, this case series offers valuable insights into the practical implementation and management of pegvaliase therapy in this Country. Continued research and data collection will be crucial to confirm and progress with this treatment. Despite potential challenges, pegvaliase therapy represents a substantial promise in managing PKU in Italy. Patient education, personalized treatment approaches, and careful monitoring are important to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris Scala
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Maternal and Child Health, Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Brodosi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Unit, IRCCS AOUBO, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Daniela Gueraldi
- Division of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Manti
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovelli
- Clinical Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Juri Zuvadelli
- Clinical Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Agnelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Cazzorla
- Division of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Nardecchia
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonina Giammanco
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giacomo Biasucci
- Pediatrics & Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
van Wegberg AMJ, van der Weerd JC, Engelke UFH, Coene KLM, Jahja R, Bakker SJL, Huijbregts SCJ, Wevers RA, Heiner-Fokkema MR, van Spronsen FJ. The clinical relevance of novel biomarkers as outcome parameter in adults with phenylketonuria. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024. [PMID: 38556470 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies in PKU patients identified alternative biomarkers in blood using untargeted metabolomics. To test the added clinical value of these novel biomarkers, targeted metabolomics of 11 PKU biomarkers (phenylalanine, glutamyl-phenylalanine, glutamyl-glutamyl-phenylalanine, N-lactoyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-phenylalanine, the dipeptides phenylalanyl-phenylalanine and phenylalanyl-leucine, phenylalanine-hexose conjugate, phenyllactate, phenylpyruvate, and phenylacetate) was performed in stored serum samples of the well-defined PKU patient-COBESO cohort and a healthy control group. Serum samples of 35 PKU adults and 20 healthy age- and sex-matched controls were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Group differences were tested using the Mann-Whitney U test. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed with these biomarkers as predictors of (neuro-)cognitive functions working memory, sustained attention, inhibitory control, and mental health. Compared to healthy controls, phenylalanine, glutamyl-phenylalanine, N-lactoyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-phenylalanine, phenylalanine-hexose conjugate, phenyllactate, phenylpyruvate, and phenylacetate were significant elevated in PKU adults (p < 0.001). The remaining three were below limit of detection in PKU and controls. Both phenylalanine and N-lactoyl-phenylalanine were associated with DSM-VI Attention deficit/hyperactivity (R2 = 0.195, p = 0.039 and R2 = 0.335, p = 0.002, respectively) of the ASR questionnaire. In addition, N-lactoyl-phenylalanine showed significant associations with ASR DSM-VI avoidant personality (R2 = 0.265, p = 0.010), internalizing (R2 = 0.192, p = 0.046) and externalizing problems (R2 = 0.217, p = 0.029) of the ASR questionnaire and multiple aspects of the MS2D and FI tests, reflecting working memory with R2 between 0.178 (p = 0.048) and 0.204 (p = 0.033). Even though the strength of the models was not considered strong, N-lactoyl-phenylalanine outperformed phenylalanine in its association with working memory and mental health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M J van Wegberg
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, The Netherlands
| | - J C van der Weerd
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - U F H Engelke
- Department of Human Genetics, Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K L M Coene
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - R Jahja
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, The Netherlands
| | - S J L Bakker
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - S C J Huijbregts
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies-Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Faculty of Social Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R A Wevers
- Department of Human Genetics, Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M R Heiner-Fokkema
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - F J van Spronsen
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
De Giorgi A, Nardecchia F, Romani C, Leuzzi V. Metabolic control and clinical outcome in adolescents with phenylketonuria. Mol Genet Metab 2023; 140:107684. [PMID: 37672857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107684] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The main neurological, cognitive, and behavioural consequences of phenylketonuria have been eradicated thanks to new-born screening and Phe-restricted diet therapy. However, the effects of high phenylalanine levels during adolescence and adulthood on neurocognitive functions remain a concern. This systematic review aimed at collecting clinical data suggesting the safest metabolic target for early treated PKU during the second decade of life. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria for full-text review. Relevant studies included papers that (a) examined the relationship between metabolic control and neurocognitive functions during adolescence or (b) investigated the impact of metabolic control in adolescence on adult outcomes. Most studies showed a positive correlation between metabolic control during adolescence and neurocognitive outcomes across ages. This was true both for IQ and executive functions, although data on executive functions were less clear, and it remains to be established whether they are more vulnerable to Phe than IQ. Taken together present evidence confirm brain vulnerability to Phe during adolescence and suggests that low average Phe levels and low Phe fluctuations should be maintained throughout life. While results are fully compatible with current European recommendations, clinical and methodological limitations coupled with remarkable interindividual variability prevented a clear identification of a safe threshold for Phe blood levels during adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnese De Giorgi
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Nardecchia
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Romani
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Costa-Lathan C, Vazquez-Agra N, Marques-Afonso AT, Cruces-Sande A, Martinez-Olmos MA, Araujo-Vilar D, Hermida-Ameijeiras A. The role of phenylalanine levels in the neuropsychological and neuroanatomical status of adult patients with phenylketonuria: The impact of fluctuations. J Investig Med 2023; 71:149-158. [PMID: 36647337 DOI: 10.1177/10815589221143485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the role of plasma phenylalanine (Phe) levels and its fluctuations in some neurocognitive domains and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in adult patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). It was an observational study that included patients older than 18 years with early-treated classical PKU. Plasma Phe levels were measured every other month throughout 2 years and predictor variables were the mean, maximum (max), minimum (min), range (min-max), and plasma Phe levels at the time of cognitive testing. Patients were evaluated for executive function, processing speed, visual attention, and fluid cognitive abilities using the Trail Making Test (TMT) and for the presence of brain MRI abnormalities. In all, 22 patients with a mean age of 34 years were included, of which 18 (81%) were women. Patients with higher range and maximum Phe levels had a poorer time-based performance on TMT form A and form B. Patients with brain MRI abnormalities had higher range, maximum, and mean Phe levels. Range of Phe levels showed a good performance for MRI abnormalities (area under the curve (AUC): 0.881, standard error (SE): 0.095, 95% CI: 0.695-0.999, p = 0.044) and for the poorest time-based performances on TMT form A (AUC: 0.822, SE: 0.092, 95% CI: 0.641-0.999, p = 0.024) and B (AUC: 0.816, SE: 0.094, 95% CI: 0.632-0.999, p = 0.021). Greater Phe variability may have a negative impact on some neurocognitive domains and could be related to the severity of brain structural damage in adult patients with PKU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nestor Vazquez-Agra
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | | | - Anton Cruces-Sande
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Miguel-Angel Martinez-Olmos
- Division of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain.,CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Araujo-Vilar
- Division of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain.,UETeM-Molecular Pathology Group, Department of Medicine, IDIS-CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Alvaro Hermida-Ameijeiras
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain.,UETeM-Molecular Pathology Group, Department of Medicine, IDIS-CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Romani C, Olson A, Aitkenhead L, Baker L, Patel D, Spronsen FV, MacDonald A, Wegberg AV, Huijbregts S. Meta-analyses of cognitive functions in early-treated adults with phenylketonuria. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104925. [PMID: 36283539 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104925] [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: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Our study estimated size of impairment for different cognitive functions in early-treated adults with PKU (AwPKU) by combining literature results in a meta-analytic way. We analysed a large set of functions (N = 19), each probed by different measures (average = 12). Data were extracted from 26 PKU groups and matched controls, with 757 AwPKU contributing 220 measures. Effect sizes (ESs) were computed using Glass' ∆ where differences in performance between clinical/PKU and control groups are standardized using the mean and standard deviation of the control groups. Significance was assessed using measures nested within independent PKU groups as a random factor. The weighted Glass' ∆ was - 0.44 for all functions taken together, and - 0.60 for IQ, both highly significant. Separate, significant impairments were found for most functions, but with great variability (ESs from -1.02 to -0.18). The most severe impairments were in reasoning, visual-spatial attention speed, sustained attention, visuo-motor control, and flexibility. Effect sizes were larger with speed than accuracy measures, and with visuo-spatial than verbal stimuli. Results show a specific PKU profile that needs consideration when monitoring the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Olson
- Psychology Department, University of Birmingham, UK.
| | | | - Lucy Baker
- Psychology Department, Aston University, UK.
| | | | | | - Anita MacDonald
- Birmingham Women' s and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nutrition for Brain Development. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14071419. [PMID: 35406032 PMCID: PMC9003088 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Leal-Witt M, Salazar M, Peñaloza F, Castro G, Hamilton V, Arias C, Peredo P, Valiente A, De la Parra A, Cabello J, Cornejo V. Update on Dietary Compliance, Nutritional Status, and Neuropsychological Functioning in the Chilean Phenylketonuria cohort. JOURNAL OF INBORN ERRORS OF METABOLISM AND SCREENING 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/2326-4594-jiems-2021-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|