Can the PKU of a mother affect the fetus during pregnancy?

Can the PKU of a mother affect the fetus during pregnancy?

Can maternal PKU cause problems for your baby? Yes. When a pregnant woman’s phenylalanine levels get too high, they can cause serious problems in her baby, including: Intellectual disabilities.

What happens if PKU is left untreated?

Untreated PKU can lead to: Irreversible brain damage and marked intellectual disability beginning within the first few months of life. Neurological problems such as seizures and tremors. Behavioral, emotional and social problems in older children and adults.

What are the potential consequences of poorly controlled maternal Hyperphenylalaninemia for an unborn Foetus?

Maternal Hyperphenylalaninemia (MHPA) is the term used to define women with HPA who are pregnant. Very poorly controlled MHPA results in neonatal microcephaly (73%), mental retardation (92%), congenital heart defects (12%), and intrauterine growth restriction (40%) [9].

How does PKU affect the heart?

Twenty-three adult patients with PKU (age: 18–47 y; 30.8 ± 8.4 y) and 28 healthy controls (age: 18–47 y; 30.1 ± 9.1 y) were included in this study. PKU patients had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increased resting heart rate and a higher body mass index.

Can a mother with PKU breastfeed?

This study provides further evidence that mothers of infants with PKU can successfully breastfeed, allowing exposure to the benefits of breastmilk and, in many cases, breastfeeding.

What should a pregnant woman with PKU eat?

The low-phenylalanine diet involves drinking a phenylalanine-free medical protein formula and eating precisely measured amounts of fruits, vegetables, bread and pasta. The diet also eliminates all high-protein foods, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, beans and nuts.

What dietary changes are necessary for a pregnant woman who has PKU?

The diet for PKU consists of a phenylalanine-free medical formula and carefully measured amounts of fruits, vegetables, bread, pasta, and cereals. Many people who follow a low phenylalanine (phe) food pattern eat special low protein breads and pastas.

When there is a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase?

Phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency (PAH deficiency), also called phenylketonuria (PKU), is an inherited disease in which the body cannot properly process the amino acid phenylalanine due to a deficient enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase.