Keeping phenylketonuria under control

The treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) is one of the great success stories of modern medicine. It is likely that midwives will increasingly have more contact with women having PKU or giving birth to an infant with the condition. It is therefore important to have a good understanding of all aspects of PKU. Midwives can offer valuable support to parents whose children are found to have PKU. Maternal PKU is a major consideration as the benefits of screening in one generation may be lost in the next unless preventive treatment is appropriately implemented. PKU is one of the few conditions where effective screening and treatment can be measured.