Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
For Physicians & Health ProfessionalsChildren's Hospital and Health System
Search
Health InformationPrograms & ClinicsFind a DoctorGiving & VolunteeringResearchAdvocacy & CommunitySafety & QualityContact UsCareers

  Choose a Condition or Topic
 
  Overview of Genetics Center
 
 
  Clinic Information
spacing image spacing image
spacing image Neurofibromatosis and RASopathy Center
spacing image spacing image
spacing image Phenylketonuria (PKU) Clinic
spacing image spacing image
spacing image Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Program
spacing image spacing image
spacing image Velocardiofacial Syndrome Clinic
 
 
  Our Specialists
 
E-mail this pageE-mail this page    Print this pagePrint this page    

Phenylketonuria

See Also...

Request an Appointment
Family Accommodations
Billing Information
Virtual Tours
Handouts/Teaching Sheets


Related Links
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic condition in which a person is born without the ability to properly break down an amino acid called phenylalanine (phe). Phe is found in foods that contain protein. Too much phe is harmful because it can affect brain development and cause brain damage.

Approximately 1 out of 15,000 people (both male and female) are born with PKU every year. In Wisconsin, all newborns have been screened for PKU since 1965. PKU is a treatable disease. The treatment involves following a diet that is very low in phe along with a special phe-free or low-phe formula. The diet must be followed very strictly and requires close supervision by a registered dietitian and a doctor or nurse practitioner. By following this special diet very closely, people with PKU can lead normal and healthy lives. The state of Wisconsin provides the special low-phe formula and some special low-protein foods and baking products to people with PKU.

The PKU Clinic

Our PKU Clinic follows approximately 100 children and adults with PKU.  Each patient is evaluated and treated by an experienced team of specialists from a variety of different areas. Specialists work together to determine the most effective care plan and treatment plan for each patient.  Meet our specialists.

In addition, referrals are made to Neuropsychology on an as-needed basis for developmental evaluations, as well as other specialties as needed.
 

Highly Specialized Care

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is one of only three centers in the state of Wisconsin that offers diagnosis, assessment, medical nutrition therapy, genetic counseling and ongoing dietary and medical management to all children and adults with PKU and their families.

Our goal is to provide optimal treatment, prevent complications, and preserve the quality of life of our patients.  The clinic staff strives to help patients and families understand the condition and adapt to dietary changes that require lifelong nutritional management.

PKU management has changed dramatically since newborn screening began in 1965.  If you have any questions about the status of you or your child, or if you would like to speak with someone about PKU, please call (414) 266-3347.

 

Clinic Information

Appointments: To make an appointment, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or toll-free at (877) 607-5280.  Physician referrals may be needed.

Location: The PKU clinic is located in the Genetics Center on Level 1 of the Curative Care Network building, across the parking lot from Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Enter the north door (which faces the Children's Hospital parking structure) and take the elevator to Level 1.

Parking: Free parking is available in the Children's Hospital visitor lot or parking structure. A voucher for free parking is available at Curative.

Contact Us: For more information, please call (414) 266-3347. Our fax number is (414) 266-1616. 

 

Related Resources

National PKU Alliance

National PKU News

PKU.com

 

Hospital locations: Milwaukee and Fox Valley.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, serving Wisconsin, Northern Illinois and
Michigan's Upper Peninsula and beyond through nationally-recognized programs.

Report any problems or comments about this Web site to webmaster@chw.org.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policies. © 2012 Children's Hospital and Health System.