The Prevalence of Phenylketonuria in Arab Countries, Turkey, and Iran: A Systematic Review

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Ashraf El-Metwally1,2, Lujane Yousef Al-Ahaidib3, Alaa Ayman Sunqurah1

  • 1King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) and College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin AbdulAziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Biomed Research International
|June 1, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Phenylketonuria (PKU) prevalence in Arab countries, Turkey, and Iran varies, with Turkey reporting the highest rate (0.0167%) and UAE the lowest (0.005%). This highlights the need for improved PKU screening and reporting systems in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Genetics
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic disorder.
  • Consanguinity is a known risk factor for recessive genetic disorders.
  • Newborn screening programs are crucial for early detection and management of PKU.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Phenylketonuria (PKU) in Arab countries, Turkey, and Iran.
  • To assess the availability and comprehensiveness of national newborn screening programs for PKU in these regions.
  • To review reported consanguinity rates in relation to PKU prevalence.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was performed using relevant keywords to identify studies on PKU.
  • A total of 34 articles were included in the review.
  • PKU prevalence data was categorized based on the diagnostic screening methods employed.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of classical PKU, identified through national newborn screening, ranged from 0.005% to 0.0167%.
  • Turkey reported the highest PKU prevalence at 0.0167%.
  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) showed the lowest prevalence at 0.005%.

Conclusions:

  • The study underscores the necessity for enhanced reporting systems in the studied countries.
  • Improved systems are needed to accurately measure Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY).
  • Estimating the societal burden of PKU requires robust data collection and analysis.
Abstract

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