Question
What is the normal value for neonatal phenylketonuria screening?
Answer
Screening can be conducted before or after the baby’s birth to prevent potential issues. The normal value for neonatal phenylketonuria screening should generally be below 20mg/dl. This is an inherited metabolic disease, and infants can be fed a special low-phenylalanine formula milk, supplemented with low-protein foods such as starch, vegetables, and fruits to prevent nervous system damage. If effective measures are not taken early on, it can affect the child’s intelligence and may lead to mental retardation.