Serono Symposia International Foundation (SSIF): 5th European Phenylketonuria Group (EPG) Symposium "Advances and Challenges in PKU" Istanbul,Turkey - 15-16 March,2013
ISTANBUL, March 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
The 5th European Phenylketonuria Group Symposium "Advances and Challenges in PKU", organized by Serono Symposia International Foundation (SSIF), started today in Istanbul (Turkey). During this two-day conference, a team of leading international experts will discuss many scientific and social topics concerning a rare inherited metabolic disorder called Phenylketonuria (PKU). Aims of this meeting are to review the most important achievements of research in the field of PKU and to provide participants with solutions for optimizing patient management in daily clinical practice.
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Phenylketonuria is the most common inborn error of amino acid metabolism and is characterized by mild to severe mental disability since childhood in untreated patients. The prevalence of PKU shows considerable geographic variation. It is estimated to be present in 1/10,000 live births in Europe, with a higher rate in some countries (e.g. Ireland, Italy). Prevalence is particularly high in Turkey where it is 1/4,000 live births. PKU is far rarer in the Finnish and Japanese populations.
"This rare metabolic disorder has a significant impact on quality of life of patients and their families. - says Professor Nenad Blau, President of the Symposium and biochemical geneticist at University Children's Hospitals in Heidelberg, Germany and Zurich, Switzerland - This conference represents an important opportunity to better understand how it is possible for some patients to reduce the burden of a life-long and limitary diet thanks to new diagnostic and treatment options."
This Symposium is attended by experts belonging to different fields of research in PKU, such as specialists in pediatric and adult inherited metabolic disorders, dietitians, nutritionists, clinical biochemists and geneticists, basic scientists, psychologists and nurses dealing with this disorder. The program of the meeting will include many topics, such as: brain pathology in PKU, genetics, developing of European guidelines, neuropsychological assessment, new clinical trials and experimental therapies, and management of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiencies.
"Phenylketonuria is a challenging disorder - says Michèle Piraux, Secretary of the Board of Directors of SSIF - Through this symposium, SSIF intends to provide physicians with updated knowledge and scientific evidences on this active area of medical research."
SSIF is an international non-profit organization founded 40 years ago to disseminate the most innovative developments of scientific research through Continuing Medical Education programs to improve the patient's life.
Contact: Flaminia Masprone, +39-(0)6-420413-206, flaminia.masprone@seronosymposia.org
SOURCE Serono Symposia International Foundation (SSIF)
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