Clinical Information

Galactosemia is an autosomal recessive disorder that results from a deficiency of any 1 of the 4 enzymes catalyzing the conversion of galactose to glucose: galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT), galactokinase (GALK), uridine diphosphate galactose-4-epimerase (GALE), and galactose mutarotase (GALM). GALT deficiency is the most common cause of galactosemia and is often referred to as classic galactosemia. The complete or near-complete deficiency of GALT enzyme is life threatening if left untreated. Complications in the neonatal period include failure to thrive, liver failure, sepsis, and death.

Galactosemia is treated by a galactose-restricted diet, which allows for rapid recovery from the acute symptoms and a generally good prognosis. Despite adequate treatment from an early age, individuals with galactosemia remain at increased risk for developmental delays, speech problems, and abnormalities of motor function. Female patients with galactosemia are at increased risk for premature ovarian failure. Based upon reports by newborn screening programs, the frequency of classic galactosemia in the United States is approximately 1 in 30,000, although literature reports range from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 60,000 live births.

Duarte-variant galactosemia (compound heterozygosity for the Duarte variant, N314D, and a classic variant) is generally associated with higher levels of enzyme activity (5%-20%) than classic galactosemia (<5%); however, this may be indistinguishable by newborn screening assays. Previously, it was unknown whether children with Duarte-variant galactosemia were at an increased risk for adverse developmental outcomes due to milk exposure and were often treated with a low galactose diet during infancy. More recently, the outcomes data suggest a lack of evidence for developmental complications due to milk exposure, therefore treatment recommendations remain controversial. The Los Angeles variant, which consists of N314D and a second variant, L218L, is associated with higher levels of GALT enzyme activity than the Duarte-variant allele.

In general, molecular genetic analysis (GALZ / Galactosemia, GALT Gene, Full Gene Analysis, Varies) is typically performed to determine the specific genotype. If the enzymatic and molecular results are incongruent, biochemical phenotyping may be beneficial to help clarify results to determine a treatment strategy and recurrence risks.

For more information see Galactosemia Testing Algorithm.