Spatial pattern of phenylketonuria disease determination using geographic information system in Lorestan province from 2006 to 2016

Phenylketonuria(PKU) is a metabolic disorder that, if not detected and treated promptly, causes mental retardation. The use of the geographic information system (GIS) in favor of spreading the disease helps to control the disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the local pattern of the PKU disease using the GIS in Lorestan province from 2006 to 2016. The current descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on the patients diagnosed with PKU in Lorestan province from 2006 to 2016. The statistical population included all cases identified between April 2006 and March 2016. The ArcGIS 9.3 software was used to provide geographic maps of the incidence and frequency of the disease. The results showed that Nourabad county had the highest number of larvae with 22 (72.29%), and the most cases with PKU disease were with 2 cases (99.2%). According to GIS maps, the incidence of PKU from 2006 to 2016 was on an ascending tide. The highest incidence in these years was related to Nurabad with an average of 5.7 per 10,000 live births and the lowest incidence related to Boroujerd county with more than 0.53 per 10,000 live births. According to the GIS map, Nourabad county has the highest incidence of PKU. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the majority of prevention programs for paternity screening and counseling couples, especially family marriages in the city, in order to reduce the incidence of this disease.