Phenylketonuria in Kuwait and Arab countries

Abstract

Seven cases of phenylketonuria including a pair of siblings were detected among 451 institutionalized mentally retarded individuals in Kuwait. A further 13 cases from eight Arab families of different nationalities were ascertained among referral cases. The occurrence of phenylketonuria in Kuwait and other Arab countries is discussed in view of the high consanguinity rate and large family size. Our findings stress the need for neonatal screening.