Successful neurological outcome of a child with classical phenylketonuria and acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a 7-year follow-up.
We report on the medical management and outcome of a child with classical phenylketonuria (PKU) who developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Chemotherapy began at 24 months of age. Initial problems associated with treatment lead to remarkable releases of phenylalanine, a neurotoxin. Causes included increased catabolism secondary to tumor lysis and chemotherapy, as well as infection, intermittent fasting and anorexia. Medical management involved daily monitoring of Phe levels and major changes in the amount of medical formula and the intake of protein containing foods in the diet. The child is currently in remission from ALL and has a normal neurodevelopmental outcome 7 years after the ALL diagnosis.
Wang
Cheng
C
Department of Pathology, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Camfield
Carol S
CS
Fernandez
Conrad V
CV
Hurley
Terry
T
Campbell
Karen
K
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010649:Phenylalanine / Q000378:metabolism; D010661:Phenylketonurias / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D010649:Phenylalanine