MONITORINGPKU Services
 |
Tools
for a
Normal
Life |
Panhandle Health District gives children and adults with PKU the tools to lead a normal life.
What is PKU?
PKU is a genetic disorder. It stands for Phenylketonuria and occurs in about one of every 15,000 infants in the United States.
What does it cause?
People with PKU don't process protein in foods correctly, which can cause a buildup in the bloodstream of the amino acid phenylalanine, which can damage the brain. The genetic disorder in irreversible.
How do you know if you have PKU?
A blood test that babies undergo at birth shows an elevated level of phenylalanine. A second blood test is given to confirm the results. Positive PKU results are sent to pediatricians and the Panhandle Health District (PHD).
Is is common?
At present, six people in the five nothern counties of Idaho have PKU.
How do you treat PKU?
There is no cure for the disorder, but people with PKU can live a normal life with careful diet management. Protein is restricted. People with PKU drink a special formula to meet dietary needs. In the five northern counties, the formula is distributed through PHD only.
How do you know how much formula you need?
A person with PKU works with a metabolic doctor and dietitian along with the local dietitian from PHD to determine the amount of protein the person can tolerate from food and formula.
How do people with PKU make sure they're doing OK?
People with PKU are encouraged to check phenylalanine levels in their blood at least once a month. A simple poke in the finger is all it takes. PHD can teach the procedure to anyone with PKU. PHD keeps forms on which the blood is collected. The forms are mailed to the University of Oregon.
Contact with questions
Mary Monroe - (208) 415-5136
Links to PKU Resources