Avaliação da mineralização e da composição corporal, por densitometria óssea, de crianças com fenilcetonúria do programa de triagem neonatal do estado de Minas Gerais.

Abstract

This dissertation follows the rules of the Postgraduate Center from Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais. It is a sub-project resulted from Professor Ana Lúcia Pimenta Starlings thesis defended in 2005. Considering that treatment for phenylketonuria (PKU) is based on a limited and controlled vegetarian diet, and caloric intake supplemented with simple carbohydrates and lipids, this study aimed at evaluating changes in body composition of children early treated in comparison to healthy children, matched by age, sex, weight and height. The risk of obesity and its consequences in these patients was observed. People under treatment for PKU are not permitted from ingesting, among other foods, milk and/or its derivatives, considered the best calcium natural source. Consequently, it is difficult to achieve the recommended daily quota of nutrients, especially in certain age groups. This study also evaluated the possibility of change in bone mineralization of these patients by studying some parts, in particular. The association of these possible changes with body composition of the patients was studied as well. The main objective of this research is to improve medical care for PKU patients from the Genetics Special Service of University Hospital and other places in general.