Galactosemia
Overview
Definition
Classic galactosemia type I is a metabolic disorder. It causes a low level or lack of an enzyme called galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase. This enzyme changes galactose to glucose. Galactose is a simple sugar found in milk products. Glucose is the usable form of sugar in the human body.
Since there is not enough of the enzyme, galactose builds up in the blood. This build up can cause severe damage to the liver, kidneys, central nervous system, and other body systems. If undetected, galactosemia is fatal.
Type II is a less severe form of this disease due to low levels of galactose kinase. This type may be managed with a few dietary restrictions. It does not carry the risk of neurologic or liver damage.
Type III is a form with variable severity due to low levels of galactose epimerase. This type can cause cataracts, delayed growth and development, intellectual disability, liver disease, and kidney problems.
This sheet will focus on classic galactosemia.
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
An infant with classic galactosemia usually appears normal at birth. Symptoms usually occur within the first few days or weeks of life after the baby drinks breastmilk or a lactose-containing formula.
Early symptoms may include:
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- Vomiting
- Poor weight gain
- Feeding difficulties
- Irritability
- Convulsions
If left untreated, later symptoms and complications may include:
- Opaque lenses of the eyes known as cataracts
- Enlarged liver
- Enlarged spleen
- Intellectual disability
- Sepsis caused by a specific bacteria
- Scarring of the liver— cirrhosis
- Liver failure
- Kidney problems
- Swelling of the extremities or abdomen
If dietary restrictions are started right away, it may be possible to prevent acute toxicity. However, long-term complications may still occur. These may include:
- Poor growth
- Learning disabilities
- Speech and language problems
- Fine and gross motor skill delays
- Ovarian failure
- Cataracts—usually regress with dietary treatment, leaving no remaining visual impairment
- Decreased bone mineral density—usually from lack of dairy products
Diagnosis
Most infants in the US are screened for galactosemia at birth. A small sample of blood is taken with a heel prick. If this screen is positive further testing will be done to confirm the diagnosis. This may include genetic testing.
It is also possible to diagnose galactosemia during pregnancy with an amniocentesis . This test is only done if the baby is at high risk for an illness or condition.
Amniocentesis |
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Your doctor may also suspect galactosemia after a urine test. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a blood test, including enzyme levels, or with a biopsy of the liver or other tissues.
Treatments
Treatment
Galactosemia cannot be cured. Steps can be taken to prevent or minimize symptoms and complications.
Diet
Infants can be fed with a soy formula. For further guidance a dietitian with a specialty in galactosemia can help create a dietary plan.
Avoid all products that contain or produce galactose. This includes:
- Standard formula
- Breast milk
-
Dairy products including
- Cow milk
- Casein
- Lactose—milk sugar
- Dry milk solids
- Curds
- Whey
Galactose can also be found in some non-milk products, such as:
- Fermented soy products
- Legumes
- Organ meats
- Tomato sauces
Lactose or galactose may be used as an additive in some food products. Therefore, always read food labels carefully in order to avoid these foods.
Medications
Certain medications have galactose or lactose fillers. Check with the pharmacist before using medications.
Supplements
Avoid supplements unless prescribed by a doctor. Fillers and inactive ingredients, like galactose are not required to be listed in supplements.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
RESOURCES
American Liver Foundation. http://www.liverfoundation.org
Galactosemia Foundation http://www.galactosemia.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Save Babies Through Screening Foundation http://www.savebabies.org
Sick Kids—The Hospital for Sick Children http://www.sickkids.ca
References
Berry GT. Classic cglactosemia and clinical variant galactosemia.GeneReviews website. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1518.
Welling L, et al. International clinical guideline for the management of classical galactosemia: diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2017; 40(2): 171-176. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5306419/.
Galactose screening test for galactosemia. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T906909/Galactose-screening-test-for-galactosemia . Updated July 7, 2017. Accessed August 23, 2017.
The galactosemias. Galactosemia Foundation website. Available at: http://www.galactosemia.org/understanding-galactosemia. Accessed September 18, 2017.