Shodair Children's Hospital is planning the first-ever Montana Metabolic Day, which is set for Saturday, Aug. 15 from 9 a.m.n3 p.m. at Carroll College.

";We want to provide people who have been diagnosed with PKU or another metabolic condition an opportunity to come together from all corners of Montana to discuss the importance of managing metabolic disorders," Shodair Administrator Jack Casey said in a press release. ";They'll also have a chance to meet other people with special metabolic needs and their families, and ask questions of metabolic healthcare professionals."

The event will include presentations by experts in metabolic conditions, a cooking demonstration on foods that are appropriate for PKU patients, and fun activities for children with metabolic conditions.

PKU (phenylketonuria) is a rare, inherited metabolic disease that results in mental retardation and other neurological problems when treatment is not started within the first few weeks of life. When treatment is begun early and well-maintained, affected children can expect normal development and a normal life span.

Because of the positive outcome when children are treated early, newborn screening for PKU is carried out in every state in America. In Montana's 2007 legislative session, lawmakers passed a measure requiring that newborns be screened for 29 conditions, including PKU, most of which are genetic in nature and can cause brain damage, mental retardation or death.

If detected in time, these conditions can be controlled by specialized diets and other treatment methods. The screening is overseen by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, which contracts with Shodair for clinical follow-up services for infants who test positive during the screening process.

Attendance at Montana Metabolic Day is free, but attendees must register by Aug. 1 by calling Shodair's Newborn Screening Follow-Up Program Coordinator, Anne Seliskar, at 1-800-447-6614 or 444-1099.

The event is sponsored by BioMarin, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in therapeutics to patients with rare genetic diseases.

If you go

Montana Metabolic Day, for people who have been diagnosed with rare metabolic conditions, such as PKU, is Aug 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free, but attendees must register by Aug. 1. To register, call Anne Seliskar, Shodair's newborn screening follow-up care coordinator,

at 444-1099.