Urophenylpyruvate

Due to the lack or deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase in patients, phenylalanine cannot be converted to tyrosine during metabolism. Phenylalanine is formed by phenylalanine under the action of transaminase and excreted from urine. A large amount of phenylpyruvate accumulates in the body, which can damage the patient's nervous system and affect pigment metabolism in the body. Phenylpyruvate measurements are commonly used to screen for phenylpyruvateuria (PKU) in newborns, which can cause congenital dementia in newborns. This test is only a screening test for PKU, and the serum phenylalanine content is determined if necessary. Usually, the diagnosis can be confirmed when the serum phenylalanine of children is as high as 1.2mmol / L (20mg / dl) or more.