Improved attention linked to sustained phenylalanine reduction in adults with early-treated phenylketonuria

Pegvaliase is approved to reduce phenylalanine (Phe) levels for people with phenylketonuria (PKU). PRISM-1 (NCT01819727) and PRISM-2 (NCT01889862) data were analyzed to evaluate the relationship between Phe and inattention in adult participants with PKU. In the modified-intent-to-treat population (N = 156), baseline mean (SE) plasma Phe was 1263 (29) mu mol/L and the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV Inattentive (IA) symptoms score was 9.8 (0.5). Mean (SE) IA scores fell 9.0 (1.1) in Quartile 1 (Phe reduction between 1166 and 2229 mu mol/L) versus 4.3 (0.7) in Quartile 4 (Phe reduction of 139 mu mol/L to increase of 934 mu mol/L), p = 0.004. Least squares mean (SE) change from baseline IA score was -7.9 (0.7) for participants with final Phe <= 360 mu mol/L and -4.5 (0.7) for final Phe > 360 mu mol/L, p < 0.001. In the inattention subgroup, IA scores fell 13.3 (1.5) in Quartile 1 (Phe reduction between 1288 and 2229 mu mol/L) versus 6.2 (1.3) in Quartile 4 (Phe reduction of 247 to increase of 934 mu mol/L), p = 0.009. Inattention symptoms improved among those whose Phe levels decreased, particularly those with high baseline IA scores. IA improvements were larger among participants with the greatest plasma Phe reductions, supporting this value as a therapeutic goal.

Automated summary

The study shows that there is a relationship between phenylalanine levels and inattention in adult PKU patients, suggesting that reducing phenylalanine levels may improve symptoms of inattention. The greatest improvements in inattention symptoms were seen in participants with the largest reductions in plasma phenylalanine levels, supporting the value of this as a therapeutic goal.