Most people with phenylketonuria (PKU) are diagnosed at birth following routine newborn screening. Because a diagnosis can be made so early in life, most people with PKU can be effectively treated and the most severe complications of the disorder will be avoided. Most people live normal lives without any change in life expectancy due to PKU, although they will have to follow a special diet and supplement that diet with certain medical foods. If an infant or child is not diagnosed promptly and treated early, they can experience severe, irreversible brain damage. In these instances, these people even as adults may need supervised care.
Other Questions About Phenylketonuria
- Will my child with phenylketonuria go through puberty the same time as their peers?
- Will my child with phenylketonuria be able to live independently?
- Will my child outgrow phenylketonuria?
- Will my child have to use medical food product for phenylketonuria for their entire life or just a period of time?
- Why is phenylketonuria considered an amino acid disorder?
