Letter to the editor

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism (OMIM 261600) which impairs postnatal cognitive development, a consequence that can be prevented by early and continuous treatment with a semi-synthetic low-phenylalanine diet. PKU was among the first of the human genetic diseases to be recognised as potentially treatable [1], therefore PKU newborn screening has been introduced in many countries [2]. The overall prevalence of PKU phenotypes in European populations approximates 1/10,000 births [3].

Tansek Z et al. recently reported in Orphanet Journal of Rare Disease assessment of the current state of PKU screening and management in the region of southeastern Europe [4]. The survey included 11 countries from South-Eastern region of Europe including Macedonia. This report contains incorrect data for the PKU screening program and GDP per capita in Macedonia. The authors claimed that PKU newborn screening was not introduced in 4 out of 11 countries: Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro. However, in Macedonia selective newborn screening for inborn errors of metabolism, including PKU, as a part of the National program for mothers and children’s care of the Ministry of Health of Macedonia, has been introduced since 2011. It is performed by tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS—Liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry). Six larger nurseries from all regions of the country were covered by the selective screening for metabolic disorders. The newborn screening bloodspot specimens were collected 48–72 h after birth. During 2012, 4072 newborns were screened and one newborn with phenylketonuria was detected and diagnosed subsequently. Amino acid analysis of the patient with PKU showed markedly elevated phenylalanine, 1802 μmol/L (reference range 0–150) and tyrosine value on the lower border, 26 μmol/L (0–350). The phe/tyr ratio, 69.3, was significantly elevated. Newborn screening for metabolic diseases in Macedonia includes quality control by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/pdf/2015-2017_gap_clia_certificate.pdf) Atlanta, USA.

The interpretation of the economic backgrounds of the participating countries showed that four out of 11 countries had GDP per capita under 10,000 USD (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova). Macedonia, with GDP 11,834 USD per capita was included in the countries with GDP under 20,000 USD. These data correspond to GDP in International dollars (Int$) and are significantly higher than GDP in USD. All discussion in the paper is about GDP in USD, however, given GDP values are in International dollars. Report of the State Statistical Office of the Republic of Macedonia for Gross domestic product, 2001–2014 [5], showed that GDP per capita for 2012 was 3680 EUR (4127 USD). Thus, Macedonia belongs to the group of countries with low GDP.

In conclusion, in Macedonia, although a country with the low GDP per capita selective neonatal PKU screening is introduced, as a part of newborn screening for more than 30 inherited metabolic disorders, by tandem mass spectrometry in a single test. Activities to cover all newborns are underway.

Authors response: Phenylketonuria screening and management in southeastern Europe - survey results from 11 countries

  • Mojca Zerjav Tansek,
  • Urh Groselj &
  • Tadej Battelino 

We are grateful to profs. Kocova and Anastasovska to further elucidate the situation regarding the phenylketonuria (PKU) newborn screening in Macedonia [4, 6]. As reported, the selective newborn screening program for inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) was already introduced in Macedonia in 2011. According to the data provided, less than 20% of all newborns were screened for PKU in the year 2012, while activities to cover all the population are still under way [6].

Over 50 years after the Guthrie’s landmark discovery and the subsequent implementation of the first newborn screening programs for PKU, many countries in southeastern Europe and other developing regions have not yet introduced the newborn screening for PKU or face significant problems in its implementation [4, 7]. They may fail to screen their entire populations, or to maintain continuity in their newborn screening programs, or to provide an adequate subsequent clinical management. As a rule, only scarce data is available on these regions and it is frequently hard to get reliable data [4, 7]. Nevertheless, the introduction of the newborn screening for PKU is a cost-effective practice also in a developing country [8].

We firmly believe that current situation regarding PKU (and other IEM) newborn screening in southeastern Europe and other developing parts of the world should be given more attention by the relevant professional forums and by other stakeholders. The E.S.PKU recently proposed the need for recommendations for a minimum standard of care for PKU [9]. Other very important implication based on our survey is to establish a regional network on PKU and on newborn screening with the aim of implementation of the basic standards throughout the region of southeastern Europe.