Classic galactosemia is a metabolic disorder. It causes a low level or lack of an enzyme 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.
A less severe form of this disease is due to low levels of a different enzyme. This type may be managed with a few dietary restrictions. It does not carry the risk of neurologic or liver damage. This sheet will focus on classic galactosemia.
Galactosemia is a genetic condition. It is caused by faulty genes that are inherited from both parents. A normal copy of these genes is needed to make the enzyme correctly.
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:
If left untreated, later symptoms and complications may include:
If diet restrictions are started immediately, it may be possible to prevent acute toxicity. However, long-term complications may still occur. These may include:
Most US infants are screened for galactosemia at birth. A small sample of blood is taken with a heel prick. 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 be suspect galactosemia after a urine test. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a blood test or with a biopsy of the liver or other tissues.
Galactosemia cannot be cured. Steps can be taken to prevent or minimize symptoms and complications.
Avoid all products that contain or produce galactose. This includes milk or milk by-products, such as:
Galactose can also be found in some non-milk products, such as:
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. A dietician with a specialty in galactosemia can help make a dietary plan.
Certain medication have galactose or lactose fillers. Check with your pharmacist before using medications.
Avoid supplements unless prescribed by your doctor. Fillers and inactive ingredients, like galactose are not required to be listed in supplements. If you do take a supplement, ask your pharmacist if there is galactose or lactose in the product.
RESOURCES:
American Liver Foundation.
http://www.liverfoundation.org/
Parents of Galactosemic Children, Inc.
http://www.galactosemia.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Save Babies Through Screening Foundation of Canada
http://www.savebabiescanada.org/
Sick Kids
http://www.sickkids.ca/
References:
Inborn errors of metabolism. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us . Updated July 25, 2012. Accessed December 28, 2012.
Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. W.B. Saunders; 2007.
Understanding galactosemia. Galactosemia Foundation website. Available at: http://galactosemia.org/Understanding_Galactosemia.php . Accessed December 28, 2012.
Last reviewed November 2012 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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