PKU

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does PKU mean? 

• PKU (noun)
  The noun PKU has 1 sense:

1. a genetic disorder of metabolism; lack of the enzyme needed to turn phenylalanine into tyrosine results in an accumulation of phenylalanine in the body fluids which causes various degrees of mental deficiency

  Familiarity information: PKU used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PKU (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A genetic disorder of metabolism; lack of the enzyme needed to turn phenylalanine into tyrosine results in an accumulation of phenylalanine in the body fluids which causes various degrees of mental deficiency

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Synonyms:

phenylketonuria; PKU

Hypernyms ("PKU" is a kind of...):

inborn error of metabolism (any of a number of diseases in which an inherited defect (usually a missing or inadequate enzyme) results in an abnormality of metabolism)

 Context examples 

All babies born in U.S. hospitals must now have a screening test for PKU.

(Phenylketonuria, NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

Using a blood test, PKU can easily be found in newborns, and treatment is a diet low in phenylalanine.

(Phenylketonuria, NCI Dictionary)

Many have no symptoms of PKU.

(Phenylketonuria, NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

Also called PKU.

(Phenylketonuria, NCI Dictionary)

The best treatment for PKU is a diet of low-protein foods.

(Phenylketonuria, NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder in which the body can't process part of a protein called phenylalanine (Phe).

(Phenylketonuria, NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)