Phenylketonuria PKU clinic
Director: Prof. Yair Anikster
Clinic Manager: Dr. Gerard Schwartz
Dietitians: Smadar Avraham and Lior Marinsko
Psychologist: Mayan Ozeri
Clinic Coordinator: Naama Friedman
Senior Deputy for Medical Administration Services: Orna Savo
Contact:
Phone: 03-5302230
Fax: 03-5305431
Operating times:
Sunday to Thursday, by prior arrangement
Location:
Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Outpatient Clinics, 3nd floor
The PKU Clinic at the Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital is a national clinic that coordinates all the monitoring and treatment of patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) and hyperphenylalaninemia in the country. We provide multidisciplinary care, including specialized doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, and a social worker.
What is Phenylketonuria?
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited genetic disorder that affects the breakdown of the amino acid phenylalanine. Individuals with PKU have high levels of phenylalanine in their blood, which can lead to impaired brain development and intellectual disability over time. In the early days after birth, while still in the hospital, all newborns undergo a screening test to detect PKU. When a baby is diagnosed with PKU, further tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis.
How is it treated?
The treatment involves a low phenylalanine diet, which helps reduce the levels of phenylalanine in the blood and prevents physical and neurological damage. With a well-coordinated and monitored diet, the brain can grow and develop properly. Apart from the dietary restrictions, the lifestyle is completely normal.
