Question
What is phenylketonuria? Can it be cured? What precautions should be taken?
Answer
Phenylketonuria is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the metabolism of phenylalanine in the body. If left untreated or treated too late, most patients will have intellectual, motor, and language developmental delays. However, if diagnosed and treated before symptoms appear, nearly 90% of patients can reach normal intelligence levels. The earlier the treatment, the better the prognosis. Most children who receive treatment within the first month after birth can avoid intellectual impairment.