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Rovelli V, Dicintio A, Cazzorla C. Unmet needs in phenylketonuria: an exploratory Italian survey among patients and caregivers. Curr Med Res Opin 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38646665 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2024.2337662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) require a strict diet to maintain phenylalanine (Phe) levels within the desired range. However, the diet can be onerous, resulting in poor adherence. We carried out the first online national survey in Italy to better understand the perceptions, knowledge, and experiences of both patients with PKU and caregivers with the goal of improving patient outcomes. METHODS An online survey of 35 questions to patients and 36 questions to caregivers was distributed in September 2022 through physicians and relevant Italian associations. The information collected included knowledge and impact of PKU, unmet needs, knowledge of available drugs, and satisfaction with therapy. RESULTS Overall, 241 questionnaires were completed by 85 patients and 156 caregivers (96.0% were parents). Knowledge of the pathogenic basis of PKU was generally high. The most common patient-reported symptoms were agitation/anxiety (48.8%), fatigue (41.1%), mood disorders (39.8%), and difficulty concentrating (33.4%). Different perspectives on adherence to a low-Phe diet were observed (22.9% of patients reported strict adherence vs. 47.0% of caregivers). Drugs that allow more freedom were needed by 49.4% of patients and 61.7% of caregivers, along with a wider range of choices of non-dietary treatments (48.2% and 60.0%, respectively). Unmet informational needs of patients included PKU and pregnancy, complications, travel, sports, and transition into adult care. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed that patients with PKU and their caregivers reported difficulties in adherence to diet therapy and indicated interest in new therapeutic approaches. Apparent differences between patient and caregiver perspectives were identified. More informational resources on PKU are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rovelli
- Clinical Department of Pediatrics, Inborn Errors of Metabolism Unit, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Dicintio
- Department of Metabolic Diseases and Clinical Genetics, Giovanni XXIII Children Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Cazzorla
- Division of Inborn Metabolic Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
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Bjoraker KJ, Eggerding C, Ellenberg E, Hollander S, Holmes BM, Lindstrom K, McNutt M, Miller S, Northrup H, Rogers M, Rose S, Scott M, Shim S, Wardley B, Wessenberg L, Bilder DA. Best practice recommendations for the management of anxiety during the pegvaliase journey. Mol Genet Metab 2024; 141:107737. [PMID: 38043481 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pegvaliase, an enzyme substitution therapy, is a treatment option for phenylketonuria (PKU). Due to the neuropathophysiology and disease burden of PKU, individuals can experience baseline anxiety unrelated to pegvaliase therapy. In addition, there are aspects of pegvaliase therapy that may be anxiety-inducing for those considering or receiving treatment. The aim of this manuscript is to present best practice recommendations for the identification and management of anxiety symptoms that can occur along the pegvaliase journey. METHODS A modified Delphi approach was used to seek consensus among a multidisciplinary panel of experts. To this end, an in-person meeting was held that was preceded by a medical specialist- and patient-specific survey to develop preliminary recommendations on ways to address anxiety along the pegvaliase journey. After the meeting, an additional survey was conducted to rank the proposed solutions and mitigation strategies from which a set of recommendations was developed. All recommendations were voted on with the aim of consensus generation, defined as achieving ≥75% agreement among experts. RESULTS The panel reached consensus on a total of 28 best practice recommendations for the management of anxiety during the pre-treatment, induction and titration, early maintenance (pre-efficacy), and late maintenance (post-efficacy) stages. The recommendations offer strategies to identify and address the most common causes of pegvaliase-related anxiety, including self-injection, side effects, the titration schedule, prescribed dietary changes, and variable time to efficacy. Overall, managing anxiety in those considering or receiving pegvaliase involves patient-centered communication, shared decision-making, and personalized treatment plans. CONCLUSIONS The best practice recommendations described herein can guide healthcare providers in proactively addressing anxiety during the different stages of pegvaliase treatment, and support providers with initiating and managing pegvaliase in individuals who may experience baseline and treatment-related anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Suzanne Hollander
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brittany M Holmes
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Markey McNutt
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Suzanne Miller
- Program for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hope Northrup
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Sarah Rose
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato, CA, USA.
| | - Mia Scott
- Individual with PKU, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Soo Shim
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Deborah A Bilder
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Bulut FD, Kor D, Kilavuz S, Cicek E, Koseci B, Kara E, Burgac E, Kaplan İ, Onenli Mungan N. Actions speak louder than words: Home visits and its effect on dietary adherence in patients with phenylketonuria. J Paediatr Child Health 2023; 59:1238-1243. [PMID: 37700622 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
AIM Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disorder in which accumulation of phenylalanine (Phe) leads to poor neurological outcomes without treatment. Dietary therapy is the main treatment and nonadherence is associated with elevated blood Phe levels and correspondingly poor neuropsychiatric outcomes. This study aimed to examine the effect of home visits on blood Phe levels in PKU patients. METHODS Sixty-five paediatric PKU patients who were on low-phenylalanine diet were visited monthly at home for 6 months. At each visit, dietary education was provided, patients' height and weight were measured and blood samples were collected. RESULTS Twenty-eight (43.1%) patients had classic PKU and 37 (56.9%) had moderate PKU. Blood Phe levels decreased statistically significant at first, second, fifth, and sixth months compared with screening visit. Blood Phe levels in moderate PKU patients decreased significantly at the last visit unlike classic PKU patients. A significant decrease in blood Phe levels was observed in patients older than 10 years. Anthropometric parameters improved. CONCLUSIONS Dietary nonadherence is the main treatment failure in PKU. Home visits for education are a promising way to improve treatment outcomes by providing quality education, better assessment, and correction of mistakes but they should be ongoing and supported by different interventions that address patients' special needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Derya Bulut
- Pediatric Metabolism and Nutrition Department, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Deniz Kor
- Pediatric Metabolism and Nutrition Department, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Sebile Kilavuz
- Pediatric Metabolism Department, Başakşehir Çam ve Sakura City Research and Education Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ebru Cicek
- Pediatric Metabolism and Nutrition Department, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Burcu Koseci
- Pediatric Metabolism and Nutrition Department, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Esra Kara
- Pediatric Metabolism and Nutrition Department, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Burgac
- Pediatric Metabolism and Nutrition Department, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - İrem Kaplan
- Pediatric Metabolism and Nutrition Department, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
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Gama MI, Daly A, Ashmore C, Evans S, Moreira-Rosário A, Rocha JC, MacDonald A. Impact on Diet Quality and Burden of Care in Sapropterin Dihydrochloride Use in Children with Phenylketonuria: A 6 Month Follow-Up Report. Nutrients 2023; 15:3603. [PMID: 37630793 PMCID: PMC10459538 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In phenylketonuria (PKU) changes in dietary patterns and behaviors in sapropterin-responsive populations have not been widely reported. We aimed to assess changes in food quality, mental health and burden of care in a paediatric PKU sapropterin-responsive cohort. METHODS In an observational, longitudinal study, patient questionnaires on food frequency, neophobia, anxiety and depression, impact on family and burden of care were applied at baseline, 3 and 6-months post successful sapropterin-responsiveness testing (defined as a 30% reduction in blood phenylalanine levels). RESULTS 17 children (10.8 ± 4.2 years) completed 6-months follow-up. Patients body mass index (BMI) z-scores remained unchanged after sapropterin initiation. Blood phenylalanine was stable. Natural protein increased (p < 0.001) and protein substitute intake decreased (p = 0.002). There were increases in regular cow's milk (p = 0.001), meat/fish, eggs (p = 0.005), bread (p = 0.01) and pasta (p = 0.011) intakes but special low-protein foods intake decreased. Anxiety (p = 0.016) and depression (p = 0.022) decreased in caregivers. The impact-on-family, familial-social impact (p = 0.002) and personal strain (p = 0.001) lessened. After sapropterin, caregivers spent less time on PKU tasks, the majority ate meals outside the home more regularly and fewer caregivers had to deny food choices to their children. CONCLUSION There were significant positive changes in food patterns, behaviors and burden of care in children with PKU and their families after 6-months on sapropterin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Inês Gama
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK; (M.I.G.); (A.D.); (C.A.); (S.E.)
- Nutrition and Metabolism, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.M.-R.); (J.C.R.)
| | - Anne Daly
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK; (M.I.G.); (A.D.); (C.A.); (S.E.)
| | - Catherine Ashmore
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK; (M.I.G.); (A.D.); (C.A.); (S.E.)
| | - Sharon Evans
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK; (M.I.G.); (A.D.); (C.A.); (S.E.)
| | - André Moreira-Rosário
- Nutrition and Metabolism, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.M.-R.); (J.C.R.)
- CINTESIS@RISE, Nutrition and Metabolism, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Júlio César Rocha
- Nutrition and Metabolism, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.M.-R.); (J.C.R.)
- CINTESIS@RISE, Nutrition and Metabolism, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Reference Centre of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, 1169-045 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Anita MacDonald
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK; (M.I.G.); (A.D.); (C.A.); (S.E.)
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Mardani-Hamooleh M, Heidari H. Life story of Iranian parents of a child with phenylketonuria: a qualitative study. J Community Genet 2023; 14:419-427. [PMID: 37277551 PMCID: PMC10444926 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-023-00653-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parents of a child with phenylketonuria (PKU) face many challenges in childcare. It is crucial for health care workers to understand the situation of parents of a child with PKU and their needs. The purpose of this study was to explore the life story of parents with a child with PKU. This qualitative study has been done with a conventional content analysis approach. Twenty-four parents were selected purposefully. A semi-structured interview was conducted. Data analysis identified three main themes, which included parental reactions, consequences of a child with PKU in parents, and parents' needs. Parents of children with PKU can be considered people at risk for mental health because of their feelings of isolation and their lonely struggle to manage the disease and its effects on their child. This study shows that mothers need more support due to the misconceptions in and attitudes of their social environment. Therefore, it is necessary to understand this group, their needs and lives, and provide further support and promote empathy in the health system for the parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Mardani-Hamooleh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Nursing, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haydeh Heidari
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Modeling in Health Research Center, Department of Nursing, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
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Tankeu AT, Pavlidou DC, Superti-Furga A, Gariani K, Tran C. Overweight and obesity in adult patients with phenylketonuria: a systematic review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:37. [PMID: 36814307 PMCID: PMC9945382 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02636-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excess weight is a rising concern in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). It is commonly observed in children and adolescents with PKU; but data on adults are inconsistent. This review aims to summarize available data on excess weight in adult PKU individuals. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of literature in English, from inception to October 2021, on PubMed and Embase to identify articles on overweight and obesity in adult PKU patients. Prevalence of overweight and obesity, body mass index (BMI) and gender differences were the outcomes of interest. RESULTS Of 260 articles identified, only 8 fulfilled quality criteria for inclusion after screening of titles, abstracts and full texts. The mean BMI of adult PKU patients in these studies ranged from 26 ± 5.4 to 30.3 ± 1.8 kg/m2. When compared to matched controls, adult PKU patients had higher BMI and higher prevalence of obesity. However, results were inconsistent when PKU adults were compared to the general population. The prevalence of obesity in the included studies varied widely between 4.5% up to 72% in individual studies. Obesity was 2-3 times more frequent in female PKU patients. CONCLUSIONS Excess weight is frequent in adult PKU patients, especially in females, even if the difference with the general population is debatable. The heterogeneity of the studies makes it difficult to interpret the results and the factors that contribute to obesity. Content of the diet, psychological status, diet-associated disordered eating, patient's social environment and lifestyle are listed as potentials contributors to excess weight in PKU adult population. Further studies are needed to better elucidate this question. In the meantime, weight control and healthy eating habits should be considered in the management and follow-up of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurel T. Tankeu
- grid.8515.90000 0001 0423 4662Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Lausanne and University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Despina Christina Pavlidou
- grid.8515.90000 0001 0423 4662Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Lausanne and University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Superti-Furga
- grid.8515.90000 0001 0423 4662Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Lausanne and University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Karim Gariani
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Service of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Therapeutic Patient Education, Geneva University Hospitals and Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christel Tran
- Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Lausanne and University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Suitability and Allocation of Protein-Containing Foods According to Protein Tolerance in PKU: A 2022 UK National Consensus. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14234987. [PMID: 36501017 PMCID: PMC9736047 DOI: 10.3390/nu14234987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: There is little practical guidance about suitable food choices for higher natural protein tolerances in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). This is particularly important to consider with the introduction of adjunct pharmaceutical treatments that may improve protein tolerance. Aim: To develop a set of guidelines for the introduction of higher protein foods into the diets of patients with PKU who tolerate >10 g/day of protein. Methods: In January 2022, a 26-item food group questionnaire, listing a range of foods containing protein from 5 to >20 g/100 g, was sent to all British Inherited Metabolic Disease Group (BIMDG) dietitians (n = 80; 26 Inherited Metabolic Disease [IMD] centres). They were asked to consider within their IMD dietetic team when they would recommend introducing each of the 26 protein-containing food groups into a patient’s diet who tolerated >10 g to 60 g/day of protein. The patient protein tolerance for each food group that received the majority vote from IMD dietetic teams was chosen as its tolerance threshold for introduction. A virtual meeting was held using Delphi methodology in March 2022 to discuss and agree final consensus. Results: Responses were received from dietitians from 22/26 IMD centres (85%) (11 paediatric, 11 adult). For patients tolerating protein ≥15 g/day, the following foods were agreed for inclusion: gluten-free pastas, gluten-free flours, regular bread, cheese spreads, soft cheese, and lentils in brine; for protein tolerance ≥20 g/day: nuts, hard cheeses, regular flours, meat/fish, and plant-based alternative products (containing 5−10 g/100 g protein), regular pasta, seeds, eggs, dried legumes, and yeast extract spreads were added; for protein tolerance ≥30 g/day: meat/fish and plant-based alternative products (containing >10−20 g/100 g protein) were added; and for protein tolerance ≥40 g/day: meat/fish and plant-based alternatives (containing >20 g/100 g protein) were added. Conclusion: This UK consensus by IMD dietitians from 22 UK centres describes for the first time the suitability and allocation of higher protein foods according to individual patient protein tolerance. It provides valuable guidance for health professionals to enable them to standardize practice and give rational advice to patients.
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Exploring the Barriers and Motivators to Dietary Adherence among Caregivers of Children with Disorders of Amino Acid Metabolism (AAMDs): A Qualitative Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14122535. [PMID: 35745265 PMCID: PMC9228574 DOI: 10.3390/nu14122535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary intervention is generally accepted as the mainstay of treatment for patients with disorders of amino acid metabolism (AAMDs). However, dietary adherence to a low-protein diet is always reported as a common challenge among these patients. This study explored the perception of barriers and motivators to dietary adherence among caregivers of AAMD patients in Malaysia. Twenty caregivers of children with AAMDs receiving ongoing treatment at the genetic clinic participated in an online focus group discussion from November to December 2021. Findings showed a total of five interrelated main themes identified from focus group discussion (FGD) exploring parents’ experiences related to the management of their child’s daily diet. The barriers to dietary adherence were burden of dietary treatment, diet and dietary behavior, parenting challenges, limited knowledge related to dietary treatment, and challenges in healthcare system delivery. Key factors facilitating good dietary adherence include good knowledge of dietary treatment, parental coping strategies, social coping, and dietary behavior. In conclusion, despite the existence of several barriers to the implementation of dietary treatment, caregivers managed to use a wide range of coping strategies to overcome some, if not all, of the challenges. The important next step is to develop, in conjunction with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, feasible implementation strategies that could address these barriers and at the same time improve the quality of life of caregivers.
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