Galactosemia
Overview
Causes
Galactosemia is a genetic condition. It is caused by faulty genes that are inherited from both parents. At least one normal copy of these genes is needed to make the enzyme correctly.
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
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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.
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