Skip to main content

Adults with late diagnosed PKU and severe challenging behaviour: a randomised placebo-controlled trial of phenylolanine-restricted diet.

Lee, P.J., Amos, Allayne, Robertson, L., Fitzgerald, Brian, Hoskins, Rosemary, Lilburn, Maggie, Weetch, E., Murphy, Glynis H. (2009) Adults with late diagnosed PKU and severe challenging behaviour: a randomised placebo-controlled trial of phenylolanine-restricted diet. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 80 (6). pp. 631-635. ISSN 0022-3050. (doi:10.1136/jnnp.2008.151175) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:32253)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.2008.151175

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although early diagnosis and treatment in phenylketonuria (PKU) leads to excellent outcomes, a population of adults born before the introduction of newborn screening exists. They can have severe intellectual disabilities and behavioural problems, and are often dependent on full-time carers. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a diet that lowers blood phenylalanine concentration can have significant benefits upon behaviour.

METHODS: A prospective double-blind randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial of phenylalanine-restricted diet was performed in a group of 34 adults (aged 21-61 years, median 49) with late diagnosed PKU with severe challenging behaviour.

RESULTS: Only 17 completed the 60 week study: seven withdrew before the end of the baseline period; five withdrew during the first diet period; five withdrew during the second diet period (after moving into placebo phase). The mean (SD) blood phenylalanine was 1570 (222) micromol/l during baseline, 553(158) mumol/l during the active phase and 1444 (255) micromol/l during the placebo phase. In the 22 participants exposed to both active and placebo phases, no differences were demonstrated in behaviour assessed by the Aberrant Behavior Checklist and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, behaviour diaries or on video analysis of direct observations. However, 76% of carers' comments were scored as positive during the active phase, compared with 54% during the placebo phase (chi(2) = 38.06, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: There are significant challenges in studying people with intellectual disabilities and considerable difficulties in instituting phenylalanine-restricted diet in this population. However, if attempted, there are potential benefits to quality of life for the individuals with PKU and their carers.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1136/jnnp.2008.151175
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > HV1568 Disability studies
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Tizard
Depositing User: Jo Ruffels
Date Deposited: 03 Dec 2012 11:04 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:10 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/32253 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.