Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of phenylalanine metabolism caused by deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase that converts phenylalanine into tyrosine. If left untreated, PKU results in increased phenylalanine concentrations in blood and brain, which cause severe intellectual disability, epilepsy and behavioural problems. PKU management differs widely across Europe and therefore these guidelines have been developed aiming to optimize and standardize PKU care. Professionals from 10 different European countries developed the guidelines according to the AGREE (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation) method. Literature search, critical appraisal and evidence grading were conducted according to the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) method. The Delphi-method was used when there was no or little evidence available. External consultants reviewed the guidelines. Using these methods 70 statements were formulated based on the highest quality evidence available. The level of evidence of most recommendations is C or D. Although study designs and patient numbers are sub-optimal, many statements are convincing, important and relevant. In addition, knowledge gaps are identified which require further research in order to direct better care for the future.
Gaucher disease is an inherited disorder in which there is a deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase, which leads to the accumulation of glucosylceramide. Although much scientific evidence is now available, there is still limited data on the impact on the different life stages of women with this disease. Among other alterations, a delay in menarche has been described, although it has not been related to fertility problems. Menorrhagia is relatively frequent, being related to the presence of thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopathies or coagulation disorders. On the other hand, pregnancy planning is an increasingly frequent concern. All patients should undergo genetic counseling, and it is important to monitor the appearance or worsening of organomegaly, bone and hematologic abnormalities to establish clinical and therapeutic recommendations. Management during the puerperium will depend on the evolution of gestation, and, during the lactation period, the potential appearance of bone complications should be assessed. An early onset of menopause, compared to the general population, has also been described, which may accelerate the development of osteopenia. Finally, although the usual screening protocols for neoplasms are currently being performed, it is recommended to watch for early signs of liver or renal neoplasms when examining the results of imaging tests performed during evaluations for this disease.
This was a retrospective, multicenter study that aimed to report the characteristics of type 3 Gaucher disease (GD3) patients in Spain, including the genotype, phenotype, therapeutic options, and treatment responses. A total of 19 patients with GD3 from 10 Spanish hospitals were enrolled in the study (14 men, 5 women). The median age at disease onset and diagnosis was 1 and 1.2 years, respectively, and the mean age at follow-up completion was 12.37 years (range: 1–25 years). Most patients exhibited splenomegaly (18/19) and hepatomegaly (17/19) at the time of diagnosis. The most frequent neurological abnormalities at onset were psychomotor retardation (14/19) and extrinsic muscle disorders (11/19), including oculomotor apraxia, supranuclear palsy, and strabismus. The L444P (c.1448T>C) allele was predominant, with the L444P (c.1448T>C) homozygous genotype mainly associated with visceral manifestations like hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. All patients received enzyme replacement therapy (ERT); other treatments included miglustat and the chaperone (ambroxol). Visceral manifestations, including hepatosplenomegaly and hematological and bone manifestations, were mostly controlled with ERT, except for kyphosis. The data from this study may help to increase the evidence base on this rare disease and contribute to improving the clinical management of GD3 patients.
Background/Objectives: Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase. Treatment consists of a lifelong diet restricted in fructose, sucrose, and sorbitol (FSS). The aim of this study was to determine dietary intake of FSS and to analyze the consumption patterns of vegetables, fruit, legumes, pulses, and dried fruit in a nationwide cohort of HFI patients. Methods: Overall, 36 HFI patients and 28 age-, sex- and BMI-matched healthy control subjects participated in this study. A self-administered three-day dietary record and an adapted quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) including frequency and portion sizes were collected. FSS intake was calculated using the DIAL Nutritional Calculation Program (ALCE INGENIERÍA). Total fructose intake was calculated as the sum of free fructose, 50% of sucrose, and sorbitol. Results: Protein intake was significantly higher in HFI patients compared to the controls (92.43 g/day [65.1–165.03] vs. 70.39 g/day [35.21–133.83]; p = 0.001). In most patients, total fructose intake was within the recommended limits (9.79 mg/kg bw/day [0.29–59.09]), with no significant differences between children and adults (p = 0.325). Although the established dietary recommendations did not always match the actual intake observed in a real-life setting, in general, foods with higher fructose content were consumed less frequently and in smaller quantities. Conclusions: Further research on the fructose content of various foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, and updated dietary recommendations for HFI patients are warranted to provide the best tools for the nutritional management of the disease.