Which of the following is true of PKU?
A) PKU causes damage to the central nervous system.
B) PKU is almost always fatal unless diagnosed immediately after birth.
C) Most children grow out of PKU by adolescence.
D) PKU is not apparent in a child's urine or blood work until age four or five.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

PKU (phenylketonuria) causes damage to the central nervous system due to the accumulation of phenylalanine in the brain, which can lead to intellectual disabilities, seizures, and behavioral problems.

Answer: C 
 With appropriate treatment and adherence to a low-phenylalanine diet, most children with PKU can maintain normal cognitive development and function. However, dietary restrictions must be continued throughout life to prevent complications.

Answer: D 
 PKU is typically diagnosed through newborn screening, which detects elevated levels of phenylalanine in the blood. If left untreated, symptoms and complications may not become apparent until later in childhood, adolescence, or even adulthood.

Which of the Following Is True of PKU