PKU

= PHENYLKETONURIA By Nikki Papadoplos and Sara Blankenstein =

Causes

 * Autosomal
 * Chromosome 10
 * PAH

Pattern of Inheritance

 * Single allele dominant

Characteristics of PKU

 * PKU
 * 1 out of 20,000 live births are born every year
 * Delayed mental and social skills
 * Head size smaller than normal
 * Mental retardation
 * Seizures
 * People with PKU have noticably lighter skin, hair and eye colors
 * Individuals with PKU can not eat foods with Phenylalanine

Treatments

 * PKU is an extrmemely treatable disease as long as the people eat a very low amount of Phenylalanine unfortunatley Phenylalanine is found in many foods such as milk and eggs.
 * The diet is commonly refered to as a "Life Long Diet" because it's true people with PKU must follow this diet escpecially in their younger years.
 * They also have to take fish oil it helps fill the protein requirements for their body
 * If PKU is not caught very young in an infant possible brain damage can occur
 * If this diet is not followed the person with PKU you will eventually become mentally retarded

Prevention

 * PKU can not be prevented it is a genetic disease so it is inherited by the parents
 * Both parents must be carriers of PKU for the child to get it

Testing

 * PKU can be detected
 * A sample of Chorionic villus can be taken from a pregnant women to see if her child will have PKU

Resources

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