Question

How many newborns are diagnosed with PKU?

1) 1 in every 100
2) 1 in every 1500
3) 1 in every 15,000
4) 1 in every 20,000

Answer 1

PKU affects approximately 1 in every 15,000 newborns in the United States; it is a genetic disorder requiring a strict low-phenylalanine diet to prevent neurological and intellectual issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that affects about 1 in every 15,000 newborns in the United States. It results from a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, leading to the accumulation of phenylalanine to toxic levels in the body, which can cause damage to the central nervous system and brain. Individuals with PKU must adhere to a strict diet low in phenylalanine to manage the condition and prevent the associated symptoms, which include neurological development delays, hyperactivity, intellectual disability, seizures, rash, and uncontrolled movements.