Defining tetrahydrobiopterin responsiveness in phenylketonuria: Survey results from 38 countries.

BACKGROUND: A subset of patients with phenylketonuria benefit from treatment with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), although there is no consensus on the definition of BH4 responsiveness. The aim of this study therefore was to gain insight into the definitions of long-term BH4 responsiveness being used around the world. METHODS: We performed a web-based survey targeting healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of PKU patients. Data were analysed according to geographical region (Europe, USA/Canada, other). RESULTS: We analysed 166 responses. Long-term BH4 responsiveness was commonly defined using natural protein tolerance (95.6%), improvement of metabolic control (73.5%) and increase in quality of life (48.2%). When a specific value for a reduction in phenylalanine concentrations was reported (n = 89), 30% and 20% were most frequently used as cut-off values (76% and 19% of respondents, respectively). When a specific relative increase in natural protein tolerance was used to define long-term BH4 responsiveness (n = 71), respondents most commonly reported cut-off values of 30% and 100% (28% of respondents in both cases). Respondents from USA/Canada (n = 50) generally used less strict cut-off values compared to Europe (n = 96). Furthermore, respondents working within the same center answered differently. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest a very heterogeneous situation on the topic of defining long-term BH4 responsiveness, not only at a worldwide level but also within centers. Developing a strong evidence- and consensus-based definition would improve the quality of BH4 treatment.

LC-MS/MS-based quantification of cholesterol and related metabolites in dried blood for the screening of inborn errors of sterol metabolism.

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an inherited metabolic disease in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway which is characterised by accumulation of 7- and 8-dehydrocholesterol and by reduced cholesterol concentrations in all tissues and body fluids. With this study, we developed a new, rapid, robust and high-throughput tandem mass spectrometric method as routine application for the selective SLOS screening and therapy monitoring in serum and dried blood. After protein precipitation of 10 µL serum or 4.7 mm dried blood spot, the sum of 7- and 8-dehydrocholesterol (DHC) was analysed by rapid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry. Method comparison with GC-MS was performed for 46 serum samples. A comparison between serum and corresponding dried blood spots for DHC and cholesterol was performed with 40 samples from SLOS patients. Concentrations of DHC and cholesterol were analysed in 2 dried blood samples from newborns with SLOS and 100 unaffected newborns. Intra- and inter-assay variabilities ranged between 3.7 and 17.7% for serum and dried blood spots. Significant correlations between the new LC-MS/MS method and GC-MS were determined for DHC (r = 0.937, p < 0.001) and for cholesterol (r = 0.946, p < 0.001). Significant coefficients of correlation between serum and dried blood spot samples above 0.8 were calculated for both analytes. A cut-off value of 5.95 for the ratio of DHC/cholesterol (multiplied by 1000) was found to distinguish newborns diagnosed with SLOS from normal newborns in a retrospective analysis after 5 years. The developed method enables a rapid quantification of the sum parameter 7- and 8-DHC in newborns and SLOS patients under therapy in serum as well as dried blood spot samples.

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in PKU: effect on dietary treatment, metabolic control, and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4))-sensitive phenylketonuria (PKU) can be treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride. We studied metabolic control and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PKU patients treated with BH(4). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Based on the review of neonatal BH(4) test results and mutation analysis in 41 PKU patients, 19 were identified as potentially BH(4)-sensitive (9 females, 10 males, age 4-18 years). We analyzed phenylalanine (phe) concentrations in dried blood samples, nutrition protocols, and HRQoL questionnaires (KINDL(®)) beginning from 1 year before, during the first 42 days, and after 3 months of BH(4) therapy. RESULTS: Eight BH(4)-sensitive patients increased their phe tolerance (629 ± 476 vs. 2131 ± 1084 mg, p = 0.006) while maintaining good metabolic control (phe concentration in dried blood 283 ± 145 vs. 304 ± 136 µM, p = 1.0). Six of them were able to stop dietary protein restriction entirely. BH(4)-sensitive patients had average HRQoL scores that were comparable to age-matched healthy children. There was no improvement in HRQoL scores after replacing classic dietary treatment with BH(4) supply, although personal reports given by the patients and their parents suggest that available questionnaires are inappropriate to detect aspects relevant to inborn metabolic disorders. DISCUSSION: BH(4) can allow PKU patients to increase their phe consumption significantly or even stop dietary protein restrictions. Unexpectedly, this does not improve HRQoL as assessed with KINDL(®), partly due to high scores even before BH(4) therapy. Specific questionnaires should be developed for inborn metabolic disorders.

Mutation analysis in 54 propionic acidemia patients.

Deficiency of propionyl CoA carboxylase (PCC), a dodecamer of alpha and beta subunits, causes inherited propionic acidemia. We have studied, at the molecular level, PCC in 54 patients from 48 families comprised of 96 independent alleles. These patients of various ethnic backgrounds came from research centers and hospitals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The thorough clinical characterization of these patients was described in the accompanying paper (Grünert et al. 2012). In all 54 patients, many of whom originated from consanguineous families, the entire PCCB gene was examined by genomic DNA sequencing and in 39 individuals the PCCA gene was also studied. In three patients we found mutations in both PCC genes. In addition, in many patients RT-PCR analysis of lymphoblast RNA, lymphoblast enzyme assays, and expression of new mutations in E.coli were carried out. Eight new and eight previously detected mutations were identified in the PCCA gene while 15 new and 13 previously detected mutations were found in the PCCB gene. One missense mutation, p.V288I in the PCCB gene, when expressed in E.coli, yielded 134% of control activity and was consequently classified as a polymorphism in the coding region. Numerous new intronic polymorphisms in both PCC genes were identified. This study adds a considerable amount of new molecular data to the studies of this disease.

Propionic acidemia: neonatal versus selective metabolic screening.

BACKGROUND: Whereas propionic acidemia (PA) is a target disease of newborn screening (NBS) in many countries, it is not in others. Data on the benefit of NBS for PA are sparse. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty PA patients diagnosed through NBS were compared to 35 patients diagnosed by selective metabolic screening (SMS) prompted by clinical findings, family history, or routine laboratory test results. Clinical and biochemical data of patients from 16 metabolic centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland were evaluated retrospectively. Additionally, assessment of the intelligent quotient (IQ) was performed. In a second step, the number of PA patients who have died within the past 20 years was estimated based on information provided by the participating metabolic centers. RESULTS: Patients diagnosed through NBS had neither a milder clinical course regarding the number of metabolic crises nor a better neurological outcome. Among NBS patients, 63% were already symptomatic at the time of diagnosis, and <10% of all patients remained asymptomatic. Among all PA patients, 76% were found to be at least mildly mentally retarded, with an IQ <69. IQ was negatively correlated with the number of metabolic decompensations, but not simply with the patients' age. Physical development was also impaired in the majority of patients. Mortality rates tended to be lower in NBS patients compared with patients diagnosed by SMS. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of PA through NBS seems to be associated with a lower mortality rate. However, no significant benefit could be shown for surviving patients with regard to their clinical course, including the number of metabolic crises, physical and neurocognitive development, and long-term complications.

Transient hyperammonemia due to L-asparaginase therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The standard treatment protocol for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in childhood includes intravenous therapy with asparaginase (Asp), which may cause hyperammonemia. In this study, all patients receiving asparaginase therapy at the Hospital for Children and Adolescents of the University of Leipzig between January 2002 and December 2007 were reviewed for the occurrence of hyperammonemia. Fifty-four patients were identified (22 girls, 32 boys; mean age 5.8 years). Blood ammonia concentrations were determined in 4 patients due to suspicious clinical signs. All showed hyperammonemia with NH(3) concentrations between 260 and 700 µmol/L. They received specific acute detoxification therapy consisting in protein restriction, administration of benzoic acid, glucose/insulin. All 4 recovered completely. All patients receiving therapeutic regimes that include asparaginase (Asp) should be monitored for the development of transient hyperammonemia.

Correction to: PKU dietary handbook to accompany PKU guidelines.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

PKU dietary handbook to accompany PKU guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of phenylalanine metabolism caused by deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase that converts phenylalanine into tyrosine. MAIN BODY: In 2017 the first European PKU Guidelines were published. These guidelines contained evidence based and/or expert opinion recommendations regarding diagnosis, treatment and care for patients with PKU of all ages. This manuscript is a supplement containing the practical application of the dietary treatment. CONCLUSION: This handbook can support dietitians, nutritionists and physicians in starting, adjusting and maintaining dietary treatment.

Fish oil supplementation improves visual evoked potentials in children with phenylketonuria.

Visual evoked potentials (VEP) were measured in 36 patients with early-treated phenylketonuria (PKU; aged 1 to 11 years) and good metabolic control before and after supplementation with omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) from fish oil. Patients with PKU had significantly longer P100 latencies than 22 age-matched control subjects. After 3 months of LC-PUFA supplementation, VEP latencies improved significantly in PKU patients but did not change in 12 untreated healthy children. The authors conclude that omega-3 LC-PUFA are essential substrates for nervous system function even beyond infancy.

Influence of intact left atrial appendage on hemodynamic parameters of isolated guinea pig heart.

BACKGROUND: In isolated working guinea pig heart preparations using the conventional technique of cannulating the left atrium via the atrial appendage, the resulting cardiac output is often insufficiently low (15-20 ml/min). This is a problem in ischemia reperfusion studies where small absolute differences can be responsible for large relative changes comparing pre- and postischemic values. In an attempt to increase cardiac output, the left atrium was left intact in isolated working guinea pig hearts. The two techniques were compared for hemodynamic parameters and their similarity to the physiological condition. METHODS: The left atrium was cannulated either via the orifices of the pulmonary veins or via an incision in the atrial appendage with its subsequent ligation around the cannula (n = 45-46/group). After 20 min of pressure-volume work cardiac output, heart rate and oxygen partial pressures were measured and myocardial oxygen consumption and cardiac efficiency were calculated. RESULTS: Cardiac output was higher in hearts with intact atrial appendage (64 +/- 2 ml/min) than in hearts with ligated atrial appendage (33 +/- 1 ml/min). Myocardial oxygen consumption (6.1 +/- 0.2 and 8.4 +/- 0.3 micromol/min, resp.) and cardiac efficiency (12.8 +/- 0.6% and 19.9 +/- 0.8%, resp.) were significantly higher in hearts with intact left atrial appendage. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated working guinea pig hearts with an intact left auricle exhibit higher values for important hemodynamic parameters compared to a preparation technique involving ligation of the left auricle.

Unrestricted fruits and vegetables in the PKU diet: a 1-year follow-up.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) therapy demands phenylalanine (Phe) calculation. In most countries, almost all food is taken into account, even fruits and vegetables. We investigated whether unrestricted consumption of fruits and vegetables negatively influences metabolic control. Nineteen PKU children (2-10 years) started with 2 weeks of free or restricted fruit and vegetable intake. After 2 weeks, the regime changed from free to restricted or restricted to free (cross-over design). Over the first 4 weeks, dried blood Phe concentration was measured, fruit and vegetable consumption recorded and nutrient intake calculated from diet records. Thereafter the diet was changed to free use of fruits and vegetables for all patients. Six and 12 months later, diet and Phe concentrations were monitored. Median Phe intake increased significantly by 65 mg/day (week 4, P<0.001), 68 mg/day (month 6, P<0.001) and 70 mg/day (month 12, P<0.001). Dried blood Phe concentrations remained stable (P=0.894), as did the frequency of Phe concentrations above the recommended range (P=0.592). In conclusion, PKU diet liberalization for fruits and vegetables seems unproblematic.

PKU patients on a relaxed diet may be at risk for micronutrient deficiencies.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate micronutrient supply in phenylketonuria (PKU) patients on a relaxed diet. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Sixty-seven patients (6-45 years) with a phenylalanine tolerance ≥ 600 mg/day were included in the study. From a 3-day diet record, protein supply as well as consumption of essential amino acids and several micronutrients were assessed and compared with the current recommendations and data for the healthy population. RESULTS: Protein supply and consumption of all essential amino acids were sufficient in all patients. Supply of micronutrients depended on dietary regime. Patients with a total protein supply of 120% or more of the recommended amount and at least 0.5 g protein per kg body weight from amino-acid mixture (AAM) were sufficiently supplied with all investigated micronutrients. All patients without AAM supplement showed severe micronutrient deficiencies in their diet records. CONCLUSION: PKU patients under a relaxed diet are at risk of an insufficient nutrient supply, if they have first no substitution with AAM, second a protein supply less than 0.5 g per kg body weight from AAM or third a total protein supply less than 120% of the recommendations. Therefore, close monitoring, specific dietary counseling and potential supplementation is mandatory to prevent micronutrient deficiencies in PKU patients.

Nutritional Changes and Micronutrient Supply in Patients with Phenylketonuria Under Therapy with Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)).

BACKGROUND: Since 2008 patients with BH(4)-sensitive phenylketonuria can be treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride (Kuvan®) in addition to the classic phenylalanine (Phe) restricted diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional changes and micronutrient supply in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) under therapy with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 19 children with PKU (4-18 years) and potential BH(4)-sensitivity were included, 14 completed the study protocol. Dried blood Phe concentrations as well as detailed dietary records were obtained throughout the study at preassigned study days. RESULTS: Eight patients could increase their Phe tolerance from 629 ± 476 mg to 2131 ± 1084 mg (P = 0.006) under BH(4) while maintaining good metabolic control (Phe concentration in dried blood 283 ± 145 µM vs. 304 ± 136 µM, P = 1.0), therefore proving to be BH(4)-sensitive. They decreased their consumption of special low protein products and fruit while increasing their consumption of high protein foods such as processed meat, milk and dairy products. Intake of vitamin D (P = 0.016), iron (P = 0.002), calcium (P = 0.017), iodine (P = 0.005) and zinc (P = 0.046) significantly declined during BH(4) treatment while no differences in energy and macronutrient supply occurred. CONCLUSION: BH(4)-sensitive patients showed good metabolic control under markedly increased Phe consumption. However, the insufficient supply of some micronutrients needs consideration. Long-term multicenter settings with higher sample sizes are necessary to investigate the changes of nutrient intake under BH(4) therapy to further evaluate potential risks of malnutrition. Supplementation may become necessary.

Unrestricted consumption of fruits and vegetables in phenylketonuria: no major impact on metabolic control.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) requires consistent restriction of protein intake from natural sources. Therefore, protein from all foods has to be accounted for, even the small amounts in fruits and vegetables. We studied whether free consumption of fruits and vegetables containing less than 75 mg phenylalanine (phe) per 100 g affects metabolic control in children with PKU. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Fourteen children (2-10 years) were included in a cross-over study, with a two-week period of conventional treatment (accounting for protein from fruits and vegetables) and a two-week period with free fruit and vegetable consumption. The instruction to follow liberal fruit and vegetable consumption in the first or second study period was randomized. Detailed daily dietary records were obtained throughout the study. Phe and nutrient content was calculated. Dried-blood phe concentration was monitored daily. RESULTS: Although total phe intake increased by an average of 58 mg per day (P=0.037) during the 2 weeks of free fruit and vegetable consumption, dried-blood phe concentrations were unchanged. Total intake of fruits and vegetables did not increase, but patients instead used the higher phe tolerance to consume more of other foods, which were calculated and accounted for. CONCLUSION: Free consumption of fruits and vegetables does not impair metabolic control in PKU patients over a 2-week period.

Adenosine endogenously released during early reperfusion mitigates postischemic myocardial dysfunction by inhibiting platelet adhesion.

The purpose of this study was to investigate platelet effects on postischemic heart function in conjunction with adenosine effects on intracoronary platelet adhesion. Homologous platelets were infused into the coronaries of isolated guinea pig hearts, either during low-flow ischemia or during reperfusion, and external heart work (EHW) and intracoronary platelet adhesion were determined. In most experiments, thrombin was added to the perfusate. The influence of endogenous adenosine was studied by use of the uptake blocker dipyridamole and the unspecific adenosine-receptor blocker theophylline, the A1-receptor blocker 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), and the A2-receptor blocker 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX). The importance of nitric oxide and prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) was tested by using nitro-L-arginine (NOLAG) and indomethacin, respectively. When platelets were applied with thrombin during low-flow ischemia, EHW recovered to only 63 +/- 4% of the preischemic value, as compared with 89 +/- 3% without platelets (p < 0.05). Despite thrombin, platelets incurred no significant functional loss when applied in the first minute of reperfusion (but again in the fifth minute); however, when theophylline was also present, recovery of EHW amounted to only 42 +/- 12%. Intracoronary adhesion of platelets was negligible without thrombin, and highest during low-flow ischemia with thrombin (35 +/- 3% of the applied number). No adhesion occurred during the first minute of reperfusion, whereas in the fifth minute, adhesion was again 20.8 +/- 4%. Dipyridamole increased adenosine release and attenuated adhesion at this time. Theophylline increased adhesion in the first minute of reperfusion (33 +/- 6.4%), whereas NOLAG and indomethacin proved to be ineffective. DPCPX and DMPX each increased platelet retention during the first minute of reperfusion, their effects being additive. Intracoronary adhesion of platelets induced by thrombin in isolated hearts can reduce postischemic recovery of heart function. During reperfusion, but not during low-flow, endogenous adenosine can prevent platelet adhesion and loss of myocardial function, an action mediated both by A1- and A2-receptor-dependent mechanisms.