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Tag: Newborn screening

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

What Exactly is PKU Treatment?

5 min read
Affecting approximately 1 in 25,000 newborns in the United States, phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic metabolic disorder that, if untreated, can cause severe intellectual disability. The cornerstone of what exactly is PKU treatment has always been a strict, low-phenylalanine diet, but advancements in medical therapy now offer additional management options.

What Happens If You Have Too Much Phenylalanine?

4 min read
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, untreated phenylketonuria (PKU), a disorder caused by too much phenylalanine, can lead to irreversible brain damage and intellectual disabilities, starting within months of birth. Understanding what happens if you have too much phenylalanine is critical for effective diagnosis and lifelong management.

Phenylketonuria: What Is a Rare Disease That Can't Have Protein?

3 min read
According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited disorder that affects approximately 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 babies born in the United States. It is the most well-known example of a rare disease that can't have protein in the conventional sense, as it involves the body's inability to metabolize a specific amino acid found in protein.

What are branched-chain amino acids in urine?

4 min read
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) affects approximately 1 in 185,000 babies worldwide. Excess branched-chain amino acids in urine, which give it a distinct sweet odor, are a hallmark of this inherited metabolic disorder, caused by a genetic inability to properly break down leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

How Is Galactosemia Diagnosed? A Step-by-Step Medical Guide

4 min read
Galactosemia affects approximately 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 60,000 newborns, making early detection through routine procedures a critical part of infant care. This guide explains how is galactosemia diagnosed, detailing the process from initial screening to confirmatory testing and follow-up.

What is the PKU start formula?

3 min read
According to a study published in the *Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases*, a strict, lifelong, low-phenylalanine diet is the principal treatment for Phenylketonuria (PKU). For infants, a specialized product is a core component of this management, raising the question: what is the PKU start formula, and how is it used?

What is a Primary Carnitine Deficiency? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

5 min read
Affecting approximately 1 in 100,000 newborns worldwide, primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) is a rare genetic condition where the body cannot effectively use certain fats for energy, particularly during periods without food. This metabolic disorder can lead to serious health complications if not diagnosed and managed appropriately.

How Much Phenylalanine Per Day in Infants? A Critical Guide

3 min read
According to a study in the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, satisfactory metabolic control and growth can be achieved in infants with PKU using a low-phenylalanine diet. For parents, understanding precisely how much phenylalanine per day in infants is crucial, as the required amount varies drastically between healthy babies and those with the genetic disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU).

Phenylketonuria: What Disease Can You Not Have Phenylalanine?

4 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health, over 1,000 variants in the PAH gene cause phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that prevents the body from breaking down the amino acid phenylalanine. This condition requires a lifelong special diet for those who can not have phenylalanine to prevent serious health complications, particularly to the brain.