Stress degree demonstrated in mothers with phenylketonuria or hyperphenylalaninemia infant when requested for total or partial breastfeeding replacement

Abstract Obejctives Phenylketonuria (PKU) and hyperphenylalaninemia (HPHE) are metabolic disorders of phenylalanine (phe) metabolism due to the liver enzyme phe hydroxylase deficiency resulting in mental retardation. The only treatment of these disorders is the total or the partial breastfeeding replacement with special formula, respectively. Case presentation We aimed to evaluate the maternal stress degree in the two groups of mothers and compare the stress degree between mothers who were obliged to replace breastfeeding completely with those who replaced it partially. Mothers (n=50) were divided into two groups: n=25 with PKU and n=25 with HPHE infants. Mothers with PKU newborns were obliged to replace breastfeeding completely and feed their newborns with a common formula plus phe free medical food, whereas mothers with HPHE infants partially replaced breastfeeding with phe free medical food. Stress degrees were calculated using special questionnaire checklist by Bourne E. Psychological support was provided for both groups of mothers with stress. Conclusions Most mothers with PKU infants experienced high or severe stress, whereas mothers with HPHE newborns suffered from low and moderate symptoms and signs of stress. After psychological support most mothers with PKU newborns were ameliorated from stress symptoms; mothers with HPHE neonates experienced almost no stress symptoms. Mothers with PKU infants obliged to complete breastfeeding replacement experienced high and/or severe stress degrees as compared to mothers with HPHE newborns with partial breastfeeding replacement. Psychological support resulted in amelioration of both tested groups.