Care of the adult with phenylketonuria

Forty-three adults with classical phenylketonuria were identified by neonatal screening and treated with a phenylalanine (Phe) restricted diet. Nineteen have remained on dietary treatment with varying levels of blood Phe control and 24 have discontinued the diet at an average age of 7.8 years. Follow up at an average age of 22 years revealed that the cohort remaining on dietary treatment have achieved substantially better social and academic achievement than the 24 who discontinued dietary treatment. Another group of 19 adults who were not diagnosed until an average age of 2.5 years have also been evaluated after an average of 22 years on a Phe restricted diet. This report is based upon Wechsler Adult Intelligence Revised Test scores, attendance at college, employment and marital status.