Statement on Treatment of Phenylketonuria: Committee on the Handicapped Child.

COMMITTEE ON THE HANDICAPPED CHILD I N RESPONSE to many requests from mdividuals and agencies, the following statement on the present status of treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) has been prepared. The Committee on Fetus and Newborn has reviewed the present status of neonatal screening for inborn errors of metabolism (e.g., PKIJ and related problems) and is reporting separately. There is considerable discrepancy of opinion regarding the treatment of phenylketonuria. The enthusiasts say that with adequate mass screening, diagnosis, and early treatment, phenylketonuria can be eliminated as a cause of mental retardation; the doubters believe that there is need to improve screening procedures and that the efficacy of treatment leaves much to be