MATERNAL PHENYLKETONURIA Meaning and
Definition
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Maternal phenylketonuria (MPKU) is a rare genetic disorder that occurs in women with phenylketonuria (PKU) who become pregnant. PKU is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects an individual's ability to metabolize an essential amino acid called phenylalanine. People with PKU lack an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is responsible for breaking down phenylalanine. As a result, phenylalanine builds up in the blood and can lead to various complications, including intellectual disabilities, behavioral problems, and developmental issues.
In the case of MPKU, it refers specifically to the condition in which a pregnant woman with PKU has elevated levels of phenylalanine in her blood, which can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus. The excess phenylalanine can disrupt fetal brain development, leading to cognitive impairment, growth retardation, and birth defects. Maternal PKU can also increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature delivery.
To mitigate the risks associated with MPKU, women with PKU who are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant must carefully manage their phenylalanine levels through a strict low-protein diet and special formula supplementation. Regular monitoring and close medical supervision are crucial to ensure that phenylalanine levels are kept within safe limits for both the mother and the developing fetus. With proper management, the risks of complications associated with MPKU can be significantly reduced.
Common Misspellings for MATERNAL PHENYLKETONURIA
- naternal phenylketonuria
- katernal phenylketonuria
- jaternal phenylketonuria
- mzternal phenylketonuria
- msternal phenylketonuria
- mwternal phenylketonuria
- mqternal phenylketonuria
- marernal phenylketonuria
- mafernal phenylketonuria
- magernal phenylketonuria
- mayernal phenylketonuria
- ma6ernal phenylketonuria
- ma5ernal phenylketonuria
- matwrnal phenylketonuria
- matsrnal phenylketonuria
- matdrnal phenylketonuria
- matrrnal phenylketonuria
- mat4rnal phenylketonuria
- mat3rnal phenylketonuria
- mateenal phenylketonuria
Etymology of MATERNAL PHENYLKETONURIA
The term "maternal phenylketonuria" combines two words: "maternal" and "phenylketonuria".
- Maternal: The word "maternal" is derived from the Latin word "mater", which means "mother" or "female parent". It is used to describe something relating to or characteristic of a mother, specifically in terms of motherhood or the mother's side of the family.
- Phenylketonuria: The word "phenylketonuria" is a combination of "phenyl", which comes from the word "phenylalanine" (an amino acid), and "ketonuria", which refers to the presence of ketones in the urine. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder characterized by the inability of the body to properly metabolize phenylalanine.
