Evolving patient selection and clinical benefit criteria for sapropterin dihydrochloride (Kuvan®) treatment of PKU patients

PurposeTo understand current patient selection, dosing, and response criteria used for sapropterin dihydrochloride (sapropterin, Kuvan®) to treat phenylketonuria (PKU).MethodsResults of a 2010 survey of twenty-nine academic medical centers are reported to describe practice patterns in comparison to results of a survey done in 2008 and to what is reported in the literature.Results/conclusionsIn addition to reduction in blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels, clinicians report using broader disease-management approaches when evaluating clinical benefit of sapropterin, including consideration of increased Phe tolerance and behavioral changes. Similar approaches are reported in the literature.

► Broader criteria for patient selection and response determination with sapropterin are now used.
► These approaches are also reported in the literature.
► These findings reinforce the need for current research to develop best treatment practices.