True statement regarding a 3-week old child with Phenylketonuria is all, except –
**Core Concept**
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder characterized by the inability to break down the amino acid **phenylalanine** due to a deficiency in the enzyme **phenylalanine hydroxylase**. This leads to the accumulation of phenylalanine and its metabolites in the body, causing neurological damage if left untreated. Early diagnosis and dietary restriction of phenylalanine are crucial.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Since the correct answer choice is not provided, let's focus on the general understanding of PKU. In a 3-week old child with PKU, the goal is to reduce phenylalanine levels through a strict diet, thereby preventing intellectual disability and other complications. The diagnosis is typically made through **newborn screening programs** that test for elevated phenylalanine levels.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Without the specific details of option A, we cannot directly address its inaccuracies. However, any option suggesting that a 3-week-old child with PKU does not require immediate dietary intervention would be incorrect.
**Option B:** Similarly, without specifics, we can say that any option downplaying the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in PKU would be wrong.
**Option C:** This option would be incorrect if it suggested that PKU has no significant impact on neurological development or if it implied that dietary restrictions are not necessary.
**Option D:** This would be wrong if it indicated that PKU is not a serious condition requiring prompt management.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that **early diagnosis and treatment** of PKU are critical to prevent long-term neurological damage. The **newborn screening test** is a crucial tool in the early detection of this condition.
**Correct Answer:**