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Galactosemia

Synonyms: Classic Galactosemia, GALT Deficiency, Galactose-1-Phosphate Uridyltransferase Deficiency. Includes: Variant Galactosemias
Louis J Elsas, II, MD, FFACMG
Professor of Pediatrics and Interim Chair, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Miller School of Medicine
University of Miami
Miami, Florida

Initial Posting: February 4, 2000; Last Update: October 26, 2010.

Summary

Disease characteristics. Galactosemia is a disorder of galactose metabolism that can result in life-threatening complications including feeding problems, failure to thrive, hepatocellular damage, bleeding, and sepsis in untreated infants. If a lactose/galactose-restricted diet is provided during the first ten days of life, the neonatal symptoms quickly resolve and the complications of liver failure, sepsis, neonatal death, and intellectual disability can be prevented. Despite adequate treatment from an early age, children with galactosemia remain at increased risk for developmental delays, speech problems (termed "verbal dyspraxia"), and abnormalities of motor function. A female with galactosemia is at increased risk for premature ovarian insufficiency.

Diagnosis/testing. The diagnosis of galactosemia is established by measurement of erythrocyte galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) enzyme activity, erythrocyte galactose-1-phosphate (gal-1-P) concentration, and GALT molecular genetic testing. In classic (G/G) galactosemia, GALT enzyme activity is less than 5% of control values and erythrocyte gal-1-P is higher than 10 mg/dL; in Duarte variant (D/G) galactosemia, GALT enzyme activity is usually higher 5% and approximates 25% of control values. Molecular genetic testing of GALT, the gene encoding galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase, is clinically available. Virtually 100% of affected infants can be detected in states that include testing for galactosemia in their newborn screening programs.

Management. Prevention of primary manifestations: In any “screen-positive” newborn for galactosemia immediate dietary intervention is standard of care while diagnosis is underway. If GALT enzyme activity is less than 10% of control activity and red blood cell (RBC) gal-1-P is higher than 10 mg/day; restriction of galactose intake is continued and all milk products are replaced with formulas (e.g., Isomil® or Prosobee®) containing sucrose, fructose, and non-galactose polycarbohydrates with no bioavailable lactose; management of the diet becomes less important after infancy and early childhood; it is debated whether galactose intake should be restricted in infants and children with 5% to 25% of control GALT enzyme activity and with GALT genotypes such as p.Asn314Asp / p.Gln188Arg.

Prevention of secondary complications: Calcium supplements at 750 mg/day in neonates and >1200 mg/day in children as well as vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) at 1000 IU/day may prevent decreased bone mineralization. It is not clear how to prevent chronic secondary effects such as hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in females, ataxia, and growth delays.

Surveillance: Routine monitoring for the accumulation of toxic analytes (e.g., RBC gal-1-P and urinary galactitol); an ophthalmologic examination; routine developmental evaluation; assessment of speech and early speech therapy for verbal dyspraxia are appropriate clinical interventions.

Agents/circumstances to avoid: Casein hydrolysates (Alimentum®, Nutramigen®, Pregestimil®); medications with lactulose.

Evaluation of relatives at risk: For at-risk sibs, prenatal testing to anticipate necessary treatment of neonates or screening after delivery. Molecular genetic testing of GALT is most sensitive and specific. Treat newborn sibs of an affected individual with soy formula while awaiting diagnostic test results.

Therapies under investigation: Ways to lower endogenous production of galactose, because endogenous galactose production that can approach 2.0 g/day despite exogenous galactose restriction may result in "self-intoxication" with galactose.

Genetic counseling. Galactosemia is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Couples who have had one affected child have a 25% chance of having an affected child in each subsequent pregnancy. Prenatal diagnosis is possible for pregnancies at 25% risk for classic galactosemia using molecular genetic testing if the disease-causing GALT mutations in the family are known. If the disease-causing GALT mutations in a family are not known, GALT enzyme activity may be assayed in cultured amniotic fluid cells.

Diagnosis

Clinical Diagnosis

Classic galactosemia (G/G) presents in the neonatal period with prolonged neonatal jaundice. By five days of age poor suck, failure to thrive, bleeding diathesis, and increasing jaundice occur. If classic galactosemia is not treated, hyperammonemia, sepsis, and shock are likely by six to ten days of age. Cataracts are present in approximately 10% of infants.

Most affected infants are detected through newborn screening programs; however, clinicians need to be alert to early signs (poor feeding, prolonged neonatal jaundice) and remove lactose from the diet and initiate soy-based, dietary therapy while awaiting results of newborn screening and/or diagnostic tests.

Testing

See Cuthbert et al [2008] for a detailed discussion of test methods and clinical interpretation of test results.

For laboratories offering biochemical testing, see Image testing.jpg.

Biochemical assays necessary for diagnosis and monitoring of therapy include the following:

  • Erythrocyte galactose-1-phosphate concentration. Metabolism of this precursor is blocked in the GALT reaction sequence. Concentration of erythrocyte galactose-1-phosphate exceeds 2 mg/dL and can be used to monitor the effectiveness of therapy. In classic galactosemia, gal-1-P remains elevated between 2 and 5 mg/dL despite therapy.
  • Galactitol. A product of an alternate pathway for galactose metabolism, galactitol can be measured in the urine. Urinary galactitol greater than 78 mmol/mol creatinine is abnormal. Correlation with other measures may not be perfect.
  • Total body oxidation of 13C galactose to 13CO2. Elimination in breath of less than 5% of 13C galactose as 13CO2 two hours after administration of 13C-D galactose defines a severe metabolite phenotype [Berry et al 2000]. Such testing is used in Phase II research protocols [Guerrero et al 2000, Webb et al 2003] and may become useful as an early screen for galactosemia before discharge from the nursery [Barbouth et al 2007].
  • GC/MS isotope dilution method. Experimental measurements of galactitol and galactonate in urine are made by the GC/MS isotope dilution method [Yager et al 2006].

Activity of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) enzyme (EC 2.7.712). The GALT enzyme has a bimolecular function. It first converts UDP-glucose to glucose-1-P. The intermediate UMP-GALT is formed and the second reaction binds galactose-1-phosphate (gal-1-P) and releases UDP-galactose (Figure 1). The overall reaction is rate-limiting in producing uryldylated hexoses for post-translational modification of glycoproteins and glycolipids.

Figure 1

Figure

Figure 1. Galactose metabolism, the Leloir pathway

When GALT enzyme activity is deficient, gal-1-P, galactose, and galactitol accumulate.

  • Gal-1-P competes with the UTP-dependent glucose-1-P pyrophosphorylase to reduce UDP-glucose production; thus, both UDP-glu and UDP-gal are reduced, resulting in abnormally glycosylated proteins and glycolipids (Figure 2).
  • Galactose is converted to galactitol in cells and produces osmotic effects such as swelling of lens fibers that may result in cataracts and swelling of neurons that may produce pseudotumor cerebri.
Figure 2

Figure

Figure 2. Galactose metabolism, GALT deficiency

Classic galactosemia

  • Homozygotes for the classic galactosemia (G) allele (i.e., G/G) have GALT enzyme activity less than 5% of control values.
  • Heterozygotes for the classic galactosemia allele and a normal (N) allele (i.e., G/N) have GALT enzyme activity of approximately 50% of control values.

Duarte variant galactosemia

  • The Los Angeles (LA) (D1) (p.Asn314Asp) variant produces no change in GALT enzyme activity in the erythrocyte and has normal promoter activity.
  • The Duarte (D2) (p.Asn314Asp) allele produces bioinstability to the GALT enzyme complex and has reduced promoter expression [Langley et al 1997, Lai et al 1998, Elsas et al 2001].
  • Newborns who are G/D heterozygotes may have a positive newborn screen and require further clinical, biochemical, and molecular genetic testing.

Note: (1) Both the D1 and D2 mutations have the same abnormal amino acid (p.Asn314Asp) in GALT. The Duarte (D2 ) variant and LA variant (D1 ) have the same biochemical isoelectric focusing pattern (i.e., they move toward the anode and lower pH) which differs from that of the G/G biochemical phenotype [Elsas et al 1994]. (2) Molecular analysis is needed to differentiate between the Duarte (D2) and LA (D1) variants [Elsas et al 2001]. See Molecular Genetic Testing.

Newborn screening. Galactosemia can be detected in virtually 100% of affected infants in states that include testing for galactosemia in their newborn screening programs [National Newborn Screening Status Report (pdf)].

  • Newborn screening utilizes a small amount of blood obtained from a heel prick to assay galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) enzyme activity and quantify total red blood cell (RBC) gal-1-P concentration and galactose.
  • A second tier of molecular testing for specific GALT mutations should also be available, since this is the most sensitive and specific laboratory test.

    Note: The newborn with questionable results on newborn screening should continue to be treated with soy-based formula pending definitive results of confirmatory testing.

Newborn Screening under investigation: Total body oxidation of 13C-D galactose to 13CO2 in expired air (“the breath test”) remains a research endeavor; however, it may be used in the future before discharge of the neonate from the nursery [Berry et al 2000, Barbouth et al 2007].

Molecular Genetic Testing

Gene. GALT is the only gene in which mutation is known to be associated with the classic signs of galactosemia.

Clinical testing

Table 1. Summary of Molecular Genetic Testing Used in Classic (G/G) Galactosemia

Gene SymbolTest MethodMutations DetectedMutation Detection Frequency 1, 2Test Availability
Two mutationsOne common/ one private mutation
GALTTargeted mutation analysisEight common GALT G mutations 3, 4, 580% 3, 5 10%Clinical
Image testing.jpg
Sequence analysisPrivate 6 and common GALT G mutations99% 7
Deletion/ duplication analysis 8Partial- or whole-gene deletionsSee footnote 9

Test Availability refers to availability in the GeneTests™ Laboratory Directory. GeneReviews designates a molecular genetic test as clinically available only if the test is listed in the GeneTests™ Laboratory Directory by either a US CLIA-licensed laboratory or a non-US clinical laboratory. GeneTests does not verify laboratory-submitted information or warrant any aspect of a laboratory's licensure or performance. Clinicians must communicate directly with the laboratories to verify information.

1. The ability of the test method used to detect a mutation that is present in the indicated gene

2. In individuals with biochemically confirmed G/G galactosemia

3. Common alleles identified by targeted mutation analysis (p.Gly188Arg, p.Ser135Leu, p.Lys285Asn, p.Leu195Pro, p.Tyr209Cys, p.Phe171Ser, c.253-2A>G, 5kbdel)

4. The c.253-2A>G allele is common in Hispanics; the 5kbdel allele is common in Ashkenazim.

5. Mutations included in targeted mutation panels may vary by laboratory; detection rates will vary accordingly.

6. Examples of “private” mutations detected by sequence analysis include small intragenic deletions/insertions and missense, nonsense, and splice site mutations.

7. Includes detection of the common mutations identified by targeted mutation analysis

3. Testing that identifies deletions/duplications not readily detectable by sequence analysis of the coding and flanking intronic regions of genomic DNA; included in the variety of methods that may be used are: quantitative PCR, long-range PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and chromosomal microarray (CMA) that includes this gene/chromosome segment. See CMA.

9. Detection rates may vary among testing laboratories.

Interpretation of test results. For issues to consider in interpretation of sequence analysis results, click here.

Testing Strategy

To confirm/establish the diagnosis in a proband

  • Quantitative measurement of erythrocyte concentration of gal-1-P and erythrocyte GALT enzyme activity establishes the diagnosis of galactosemia. Note: Infants who have a positive newborn screening test or symptoms, or older children with a positive Clinitest® reaction (copper-oxidizing aldehyde) and a negative Glucostix® reaction (glucose oxidase-impregnated strip) warrant measurement of GALT enzyme activity.
  • Molecular genetic testing is used to confirm the diagnosis of galactosemia and to distinguish the Duarte variant allele from the LA variant allele. The Duarte allele and the LA allele have the same p.Asn314Asp missense mutation. They are differentiated by molecular analysis of the GALT promoter region: the true Duarte allele (D2) has a c.-116_-119GTCAdel in a positive regulatory region on the same allele as p.Asn314Asp. (The LA variant [D1] does not have this mutation.)

    If biochemical testing has confirmed the diagnosis of galactosemia and if neither or only one disease-causing mutation is detected by targeted mutation analysis, sequence analysis followed by deletion/duplication analysis, if necessary, can be used to detect mutations not included in the targeted mutation analysis panel.

Carrier testing for at-risk relatives requires prior identification of the disease-causing mutations in the family.

Note: Carriers are heterozygotes and are not at risk of developing the disorder.

Prognosis. Molecular genetic testing defines the genotype and enables prognosis [Guerrero et al 2000, Webb et al 2003].

Prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for at-risk pregnancies require prior identification of the disease-causing mutations in the family.

Note: It is the policy of GeneReviews to include in GeneReviews™ chapters any clinical uses of testing available from laboratories listed in the GeneTests™ Laboratory Directory; inclusion does not necessarily reflect the endorsement of such uses by the author(s), editor(s), or reviewer(s).

Clinical Description

Natural History

Classic Galactosemia (G/G)

Infants with classic galactosemia (G/G) have no GALT enzyme activity and are unable to oxidize galactose to CO2. Within days of ingesting breast milk or lactose-containing formulas, affected infants develop life-threatening complications including feeding problems, failure to thrive, hypoglycemia, hepatocellular damage,bleeding diathesis, jaundice, and hyperammonemia (see Table 2). If classic galactosemia is not treated, sepsis with Escherichia coli, shock, and death may occur. Infants who survive the neonatal period and who continue to drink milk that contains galactose develop intellectual disability and other cortical and cerebellar tract signs.

Table 2. Frequency of Specific Findings in Symptomatic Neonates with Classic Galactosemia

Finding Percent Additional Details
Hepatocellular damage 89% Jaundice (74%)
Hepatomegaly (43%)
Abnormal liver function tests (10%)
Coagulation disorders (9%)
Ascites (4%)
Food intolerance 76% Vomiting (47%)
Diarrhea (12%)
Poor feeding (23%)
Failure to thrive 29%
Lethargy 16%
Seizures 1%
Sepsis 10% Escherichia coli (26 cases)
Klebsiella (3)
Enterobacter (2)
Staphylococcus (1)
Beta-streptococcus (1)
Streptococcus faecalis (1)

From a survey reporting findings in 270 symptomatic neonates [Waggoner et al 1990]

If a lactose-/galactose-restricted diet is provided during the first three to ten days of life, the symptoms resolve quickly and prognosis is good for prevention of liver failure, Escherichia coli sepsis, neonatal death, and intellectual disability. If the diagnosis of galactosemia is not established, the infant who is partially treated with intravenous antibiotics and self-restricted lactose intake demonstrates relapsing and episodic jaundice and bleeding from altered hemostasis concomitant with the introduction of lactose. If treatment is delayed, complications such as intellectual disability and growth retardation are likely.

Even with early and adequate therapy, the long-term outcome in older children and adults with classic (G/G) galactosemia can include cataracts, speech defects, poor growth, poor intellectual function, neurologic deficits (predominantly extrapyramidal findings with ataxia), and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) [Schweitzer-Krantz 2003]. Outcome and the "disease burden" can be predicted based on the level of GALT enzyme activity, GALT genotype, age at which successful therapeutic control was achieved, and compliance with lactose restrictions. Formal outcome analysis for POI and for verbal dyspraxia found the 13CO2 breath test to be the most sensitive and specific prognostic parameter [Guerrero et al 2000, Webb et al 2003, Barbouth et al 2006].

The following details on long-term outcome were reported by Waggoner et al [1990] as the result of a retrospective, cross-sectional survey of 270 individuals with classic galactosemia.

Intellectual development. Of 177 individuals who were at least age six years and had no obvious medical causes for developmental delay other than galactosemia, 45% were described as developmentally delayed. The mean IQ scores of the individuals as a group declined slightly (4-7 points) with increasing age. Studies of Dutch individuals at various ages using a quality of life questionnaire indicated subnormal cognitive outcomes [Bosch et al 2004b].

Speech problems were reported in 56% (136/243) of individuals age three years or older.

More than 90% of the individuals with speech problems were described as having delayed vocabulary and articulation problems, also called "verbal dyspraxia." The speech problem resolved in only 24%. A recent, more formal analysis found speech problems in 44% of individuals; 38% had a specific diagnosis of developmental verbal dyspraxia [Robertson & Singh 2000, Webb et al 2003].

The developmental quotients and IQ scores observed in individuals with speech disorders as a group were significantly lower than those of individuals with normal speech; however, some individuals with speech problems tested in the average range.

Motor function. Among individuals older than age five years, 18% had fine-motor tremors and problems with coordination, gait, and balance. Severe ataxia was observed in two teenagers.

Gonadal function. Of 47 girls and women, 81% had signs of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). POI may be manifest as cutaneous rashes in estrogen-depleted children. The mean age at menarche was 14 years with a range from ten to 18 years. Eight out of 34 women over age 17 years (including two with "streak gonads") had primary amenorrhea. Most women developed oligomenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea within a few years of menarche. Only five out of 17 women over age 22 years had normal menstruation. Two, who gave birth at age 18 and 26 years, had never experienced normal menstrual periods.

Guerrero et al [2000] determined that the development of POI in females with galactosemia is more likely if the following are true:

  • The individual is homozygous for p.Gln188Arg,
  • The mean erythrocyte gal-1-P concentration is greater than 3.5 mg/dL during therapy, and
  • The recovery of 13CO2 from whole-body 13C galactose oxidation is reduced below 5% of administered 13C galactose.

Normal serum concentrations of testosterone and/or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were reported for males.

Growth. In many individuals, growth was severely delayed during childhood and early adolescence; when puberty was delayed and growth continued through the late teens, final adult heights were within the normal range. Decreased height over mean parental height was related to decreased IGF-I [Panis et al 2007].

Cataracts were reported in 30% of 314 individuals. Nearly half the cataracts were described as "mild," "transient," or "neonatal" and resolved with dietary treatment; only eight were treated surgically. Dietary treatment had begun at a mean age of 77 days for those with cataracts compared to 20 days for those without cataracts. However, one of the eight individuals who required cataract surgery was an infant who had been treated from birth.

Relationship between treatment and outcome. No significant associations were found except for a greater incidence of developmental delay among individuals who were not treated until after age two months. However, IQ scores were not highly correlated with the age at which treatment began. The effect of early treatment on outcome was also studied in 27 sibships, three of which had three affected sibs. The older sibs were diagnosed and treated after clinical symptoms occurred or newborn screening results had been reported, whereas the younger sibs were treated within two days of birth. Although the younger sibs were treated early and only one developed neonatal symptoms, the differences in IQ scores among the sibs were not statistically significant, and the speech and ovarian function of the younger sibs were no better than those of their older sibs.

Restriction of milk in the mother's diet during pregnancy was reported for 21 of the 38 infants who were treated from birth. The long-term outcome of these 21 was no better than that of the 17 individuals whose intake of mother's milk was not restricted during the pregnancy.

No significant differences could be observed in the rate of complications between the individuals with residual enzyme activity and those with no measurable enzyme activity, except that individuals with some enzyme activity tended to be taller for their age.

Individuals with/without neurologic complications. No differences were observed in treatment or biochemical factors between the 56 individuals who had normal intellect, speech, and motor function and the 25 individuals who were developmentally delayed and had speech and motor problems.

Relationships of complications. Developmental delay and low IQ scores were associated with speech problems, motor problems, and delayed growth, but not with abnormal ovarian function.

Gender differences. Females had lower mean IQ scores after age ten years (p <0.05) and had lower mean heights for age at five to 12 years (p <0.05), but did not differ in frequency of speech or motor problems or in the treatment variables, including age treatment began, neonatal illness, or gal-1-P erythrocyte concentration. However, the association of problems with intellectual development, speech, and motor function could also indicate a specific neurologic abnormality in some cases of galactosemia.

Variant Galactosemia

Individuals with variant forms of galactosemia have some aspects of classic galactosemia, including early cataracts, mild intellectual disability with ataxia, and growth retardation. In addition they may have dyspraxic speech, and females may have amenorrhea or early menopause.

Genotype-Phenotype Correlations

Significant genotype-phenotype correlations have been noted [Shield et al 2000, Tyfield 2000].

Approximately 70% of the G alleles in the white population of northern European ethnicity have a substitution of an arginine for a glutamine at amino acid position 188 (p.Gln188Arg). In the homozygous state, the mutation destabilizes the GALT UMP complex and ablates the second dissociation reaction [Lai et al 1999]. It is associated with increased risks for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and dyspraxic speech [Robertson & Singh 2000]. In one cross-sectional retrospective study correlating genotype with outcome in individuals with classic galactosemia, a greater proportion of individuals with a poor outcome were homozygous for the p.Gln188Arg mutation, and a greater proportion with a good outcome were not homozygous for the p.Gln188Arg mutation. An adult male homozygous for the p.Gln188Arg mutation began normal lactose intake at age three years and had no known clinical deficits [Panis et al 2006a].

The Duarte variant is the allele in which an aspartate substituted for asparagine at residue 314 (p.Asn314Asp) imparts bioinstability to the GALT enzyme. In the homozygous state (D/D or p.[Asn314Asp]+[p.Asn314Asp]), erythrocyte GALT enzyme activity is reduced by only 50%. Compound heterozygotes with the mutation (i.e., D/G) have good prognoses [Langley et al 1997, Lai et al 1998]. However, two D alleles, D2 (Duarte) and D1 (LA variant), are now known. The D2 allele is defined by a deletion in a positive response element and may have more effect on the outcome than the D1 allele.

The p.Ser135Leu allele, in which a leucine is substituted for serine at amino acid 135, is prevalent in Africa. If therapy is initiated in the neonatal period, African Americans with galactosemia who have this allele in either the homozygous state or compound heterozygous state have a good prognosis. Generally, these individuals do not have neonatal hepatotoxicity or chronic problems (i.e., dyspraxia, POI, and intellectual disability) when treated from infancy [Lai et al 1996].

Substitution of an asparagine for a lysine at position 285 (p.Lys285Asn) is prevalent in southern Germany, Austria, and Croatia and has a poor prognosis for neurologic and cognitive dysfunction in either the homozygous state or compound heterozygous state with p.Gln188Arg.

Other compound heterozygotes (e.g., with the p.[Gln188Arg]+[p.Arg333Gly] mutation) have a good long-term outcome [Ng et al 2003].

Penetrance

Although the range of clinical expression for GALT mutations is wide, most G alleles are fully penetrant in the homozygous state.

Nomenclature

Classic galactosemia is a clinical term that was defined by the chronic effects of severe GALT deficiency (i.e., premature ovarian insufficiency, liver disease, growth restriction, ataxia, tremor, dyspraxic speech, impaired executive functions). Since the implementation of newborn screening for GALT deficiency in all states in the US and the routine use of GALT molecular genetic testing, this term is now used for the biochemical phenotype of GALT enzyme activity less than 5%, gal-1-P accumulation above 20 mg/dL, and the presence of two severe GALT mutant alleles such as p.Gln188Arg and 5kbdel. Less severe mutations such as p.Ser135Leu and c.253-2A>G may produce a positive newborn screen, but may not result in chronic signs if treated in the newborn period. Individuals with these mutations are still considered to have “classic galactosemia.”

Variant galactosemia is a clinical term used for the D/G GALT biochemical phenotypes in which at least one mutation is the p.Asn314Asp allele. This term may also be used when newborn screening identifies GALT enzyme deficiency that is between 5% and 50% of control values, for which nutritional intervention is not considered necessary and with which there is no evidence for hepatocellular damage, cataracts, or developmental delays during infancy.

Other mechanisms of impairment in the Leloir metabolic pathway including galactokinase (GALK) deficiency and UDP-galactose epimerase (GALE) deficiency, in which total galactose concentration in blood may be elevated during infancy, should be defined by their specific enzyme (GALE or GALK) deficiency.

Prevalence

Based on the results of newborn screening programs, the prevalence of classic galactosemia (G/G) is approximately 1:30,000. However, when GALT enzyme activity lower than 5% and erythrocyte galactose-1-phosphate concentration higher than 2 mg/dL are used as diagnostic criteria, some newborn screening programs record a prevalence of 1:10,000 [Bosch et al 2005].

Differential Diagnosis

For current information on availability of genetic testing for disorders included in this section, see GeneTests Laboratory Directory. —ED.

Infectious diseases, obstructive biliary disease including Alagille syndrome, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (Byler disease) and citrin deficiency and other metabolic diseases including Neimann-Pick Disease, Type C and Wilson disease are in the differential diagnosis for neonatal hepatotoxicity.

Establishing the diagnosis of sepsis does not exclude the possibility of galactosemia, as sepsis, particularly E. coli sepsis, occurs commonly in infants with galactosemia.

Galactokinase (GALK) deficiency should be considered in individuals who have cataracts, increased plasma concentration of galactose, and increased urinary excretion of galactitol, but are otherwise healthy. These individuals have normal GALT enzyme activity and do not accumulate gal-1-P. The cataracts are caused by accumulation of galactose in lens fibers and its reduction to galactitol, an impermeant alcohol. This results in increased intracellular osmolality and swelling with loss of plasma membrane redox potential and consequent cell death. Detection of reduced GALK enzyme activity is diagnostic. Mutations in GALK1 are causative [Kolosha et al 2000, Hunter et al 2001]. The prevalence of GALK deficiency is unknown, but is probably less than 1:100,000.

UDP-galactose 4-epimerase (GALE) deficiency should be considered in individuals who have liver disease, sensorineural deafness, failure to thrive, and elevated RBC galactose-1-phosphate (gal-1-P) but normal GALT enzyme activity. Increased RBC gal-1-P and normal GALT enzyme activity in healthy newborns is also associated with GALE deficiency. Detection of reduced GALE enzyme activity is diagnostic. Mutations in GALE are causative. GALE deficiency has an estimated prevalence of 1:23,000 in Japan and an unknown prevalence in other populations.

Management

Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis

To establish the extent of disease in an individual diagnosed with galactosemia, measurement of RBC gal-1-P concentration and urinary galactitol is recommended as a baseline in monitoring the effect of treatment (see Surveillance).

Treatment of Manifestations

Lactose restriction reverses liver disease in newborns who already have hepatocellular disease.

Infertility. Because FSH as a glycoprotein may be abnormal, stimulation with FSH may be useful in producing ovulation in some women. One female with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) conceived following FSH therapy, and subsequently delivered a normal child [Menezo et al 2004]. Others have found that POI in classic galactosemia may be caused by reduced number or maturation of ovarian follicles and is potentially treatable by exogenous pharmacologic stimulation by gonadotropic hormones [Rubio-Gozalbo et al 2010].

Prevention of Primary Manifestations

Classic Galactosemia

Dietary intervention. Immediate dietary intervention is indicated in infants whose GALT enzyme activity is less than 10% of control activity and whose RBC galactose-1-phosphate is greater than 10 mg/dL. Because 90% of the newborn’s carbohydrate source is lactose and human milk contains 6%-8% lactose, cows' milk 3%-4% lactose, and most proprietary infant formulas 7% lactose, all of these milk products must be replaced immediately by a formula that is free of bioavailable lactose (e.g., Isomil® or Prosobee®). Such soy formulas contain sucrose, fructose, and non-galactose polycarbohydrates. Continued treatment with soy-based formula depends on the response of elevated erythrocyte gal-1-P: concentrations lower than 5 mg/dL are considered within the therapeutic range.

Some have advocated for the use of elemental formulas that contain small amounts of bioavailable galactose. Since endogenous galactose production is measured in grams per day, the elimination of a few milligrams may not be advantageous [Zlatunich & Packman 2005]. Monitoring the decline of erythrocyte gal-1-P production would be an appropriate parameter of therapy.

Dietary restrictions on all lactose-containing foods (dairy products, tomato sauces, and candies) and medicines (tablets, capsules, sweetened elixirs that contain lactulose) should continue throughout life; however, managing the diet becomes less important after infancy and early childhood, when milk and dairy products are no longer the primary source of energy. It is debated how stringent the diet should be after the first year of life [Berry et al 2004, Bosch et al 2004a, Schadewaldt et al 2004], as endogenous galactose production is an order of magnitude higher than that ingested from foods other than milk.

Despite exogenous galactose restriction the endogenous production of galactose results in a continual increase in cellular gal-1-P that is greater than normal (e.g., 2-5 mg/dL compared to <1 mg/dL).

The following criteria have been used to assess dietary compliance:

  • Strict compliance: careful avoidance of all lactose-containing foods
  • Fair compliance: avoidance of all milk products
  • Poor compliance: ingestion of some milk products

Parents should be educated about the lifelong need for some dietary restriction.

Variant Galactosemia

Agreement has not been reached on whether individuals with variant forms of galactosemia with residual GALT enzyme activity in the range of 5%-20% of control activity should be restricted from galactose intake during infancy and early childhood. Continued gal-1-P accumulation may cause sequelae such as cataracts, ataxia, dyspraxic speech, cognitive deficits, and POI.

Prevention of Secondary Complications

Calcium supplements are indicated in the neonatal period (750 mg/day) and in childhood (>1200 mg/day) [Elsas & Acosta 1998, Elsas & Acosta 2012]. Because bone mineral content may be diminished in children with galactosemia, supplements of vitamin D to more than 1000 IU/day and vitamin K have also been advocated [Panis et al 2006b].

Surveillance

Affected individuals should be monitored routinely for the accumulation of toxic analytes such as RBC gal-1-P (levels <5 mg/dL are considered within the therapeutic range) and urinary galactitol. If sudden increases are detected, dietary sources of excess galactose should be sought or evaluation undertaken for other causes, including infection.

Ophthalmologic examination, developmental evaluation, and focus on speech development with appropriate interventions are recommended.

Agents/Circumstances to Avoid

Lactose-containing drug preparations should be avoided.

Casein hydrolysates (Alimentum®, Nutramigen®, Pregestimil®) are not recommended for dietary treatment because they contain small amounts of bioavailable lactose.

Medications with lactulose should not be used to treat hyperammonemia associated with liver disease, as lactulose contains free lactose [Elsas & Acosta 2006].

Evaluation of Relatives at Risk

Prenatal testing is advised for at-risk sibs so that the parents can be prepared for treatment of the newborn [Elsas 2001].

If prenatal testing is not performed, each at-risk newborn should be screened for galactosemia using the GALT enzyme activity of erythrocytes as well as molecular genetic testing of buffy coat DNA immediately after delivery. Note: Treatment with soy formula should be implemented while diagnostic tests are underway.

See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.

Therapies Under Investigation

Research suggests that despite exogenous galactose restriction, endogenous galactose production may approach 2.0 g/day [Berry et al 2004, Schadewaldt et al 2004]. If this is true, "self-intoxication" with galactose may be more of a problem than restriction of galactose from exogenous sources in the management of older children and adults who no longer depend on milk as their primary source of energy. Approaches to lowering endogenous production of gal-1-P are under investigation using small inhibitors of the GALK enzyme [Tang et al 2010]. Although in vitro studies of GALT enzyme-deficient human fibroblasts demonstrated proof of concept, a GALT enzyme-deficient mouse model is needed that expresses an ARHI signal. Note that GALT knockout mice do not express the human phenotype of galactosemia and have lost ARHI (DIRAS3) during evolution [Lai et al 2008, Rubio-Gozalbo et al 2010, Tang et al 2010].

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions.

Other

Some have considered ovarian biopsy with egg preservation for future use if serum concentrations of FSH and LH rise, indicating premature ovarian insufficiency.

The efficacy of restricting lactose in the diets of pregnant women who are at risk of having a child with galactosemia is unknown but probably not significant.

Uridine supplements have not been of value.

Genetics clinics, staffed by genetics professionals, provide information for individuals and families regarding the natural history, treatment, mode of inheritance, and genetic risks to other family members as well as information about available consumer-oriented resources. See the GeneTests Clinic Directory.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling is the process of providing individuals and families with information on the nature, inheritance, and implications of genetic disorders to help them make informed medical and personal decisions. The following section deals with genetic risk assessment and the use of family history and genetic testing to clarify genetic status for family members. This section is not meant to address all personal, cultural, or ethical issues that individuals may face or to substitute for consultation with a genetics professional. To find a genetics or prenatal diagnosis clinic, see the GeneTests Clinic Directory.

Mode of Inheritance

Galactosemia is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.

Risk to Family Members

Parents of a proband

  • The parents of an affected individual are obligate heterozygotes and therefore carry one mutant allele.
  • Heterozygotes (carriers) are asymptomatic and do not develop galactosemia.

Sibs of a proband

  • At conception, each sib of a proband with G/G galactosemia has a 25% chance of being affected, a 50% chance of being a carrier (heterozygote) of a disease-causing allele, and a 25% chance of having two normal alleles.
  • Once an at-risk sib is known to be unaffected, the chance of his/her being a carrier is 2/3. Older asymptomatic sibs of a proband should be offered carrier testing using molecular genetic testing when they are of reproductive age.
  • At conception, each sib of a proband with D/G galactosemia is at a 25% risk for D/G galactosemia if the parents are D/N and G/N and a 25% risk for G/G galactosemia if the parents are D/G and G/N. Thus, molecular genetic testing of the parents is recommended.

Offspring of a proband

  • Affected females are at increased risk for premature ovarian insufficiency, but may have children.
  • Offspring of one parent with (G/G) galactosemia and one parent with two normal alleles (N/N) are obligate heterozygotes (G/N).
  • If one parent is affected (G/G) and the other parent is a carrier for a G allele (G/N or D/G), each child has a 50% chance of being a heterozygote and a 50% chance of having G/G galactosemia.

Other family members of a proband. Each sib of the proband's parents is at a 50% risk of being a carrier.

Carrier Detection

Biochemical testing. Carrier testing is done by measuring GALT enzyme activity, which is approximately 50% of control values in carriers.

Molecular genetic testing. Carrier testing for at-risk family members is possible if the disease-causing mutations have been identified in the family.

Related Genetic Counseling Issues

See Management, Evaluation of Relatives at Risk for information on evaluating at-risk relatives for the purpose of early diagnosis and treatment.

It is appropriate to offer genetic counseling (including discussion of potential risks to offspring and reproductive options) to young adults who are affected or at risk.

Family planning

  • The optimal time for determination of genetic risk, clarification of carrier status, and discussion of the availability of prenatal testing is before pregnancy.
  • It is appropriate to offer genetic counseling (including discussion of potential risks to offspring and reproductive options) to young adults who are affected, are carriers, or are at risk of being carriers.

DNA banking is the storage of DNA (typically extracted from white blood cells) for possible future use. Because it is likely that testing methodology and our understanding of genes, mutations, and diseases will improve in the future, consideration should be given to banking DNA of affected individuals. See Image testing.jpg for a list of laboratories offering DNA banking.

Prenatal Testing

Prenatal testing is possible for fetuses at 25% risk for classic (G/G) galactosemia using either GALT enzyme activity or molecular genetic testing if the two disease-causing GALT mutations in the family are known [Elsas 2001]. Analysis of GALT enzyme activity and molecular diagnosis rely on cells obtained by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) at approximately ten to 12 weeks' gestation or amniocentesis usually performed at approximately 15 to 18 weeks' gestation.

Note: When a fetus has GALT deficiency, amniotic fluid concentration of galactitol is elevated in the late third trimester.

Note: Gestational age is expressed as menstrual weeks calculated either from the first day of the last normal menstrual period or by ultrasound measurements.

Other issues to consider. Prenatal diagnosis of a treatable condition may be controversial if the testing is being considered for the purpose of pregnancy termination rather than early diagnosis. Differences in perspective may exist among medical professionals and in families regarding the use of prenatal testing. Although most centers would consider this to be the choice of the parents, discussion of these issues is appropriate.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may be available for families in which the disease-causing mutations have been identified. For laboratories offering PGD, see Image testing.jpg.

Note: It is the policy of GeneReviews to include in GeneReviews™ chapters any clinical uses of testing available from laboratories listed in the GeneTests™ Laboratory Directory; inclusion does not necessarily reflect the endorsement of such uses by the author(s), editor(s), or reviewer(s).

Resources

GeneReviews staff has selected the following disease-specific and/or umbrella support organizations and/or registries for the benefit of individuals with this disorder and their families. GeneReviews is not responsible for the information provided by other organizations. For information on selection criteria, click here.

  • Galactosemia Support Group (GSG)
    31 Cotysmore Road
    Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B75 6BJ
    United Kingdom
    Phone: +44 0121 378 5143
    Email: sue@galactosaemia.org
  • National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference
  • Save Babies Through Screening Foundation, Inc.
    P. O. Box 42197
    Cincinnati OH 45242
    Phone: 888-454-3383
    Email: email@savebabies.org
  • Adult Metabolic Transition Project
    University of Washington
    Seattle WA
    Email: transmet@u.washington.edu
  • Association for Neuro-Metabolic Disorders (ANMD)
    5223 Brookfield Lane
    Sylvania OH 43560-1809
    Phone: 419-885-1809; 419-885-1497
    Email: volk4olks@aol.com
  • Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CLIMB)
    Climb Building
    176 Nantwich Road
    Crewe CW2 6BG
    United Kingdom
    Phone: 0800-652-3181 (toll free); 0845-241-2172
    Fax: 0845-241-2174
    Email: info.svcs@climb.org.uk

Molecular Genetics

Information in the Molecular Genetics and OMIM tables may differ from that elsewhere in the GeneReview: tables may contain more recent information. —ED.

Table A. Galactosemia: Genes and Databases

Data are compiled from the following standard references: gene symbol from HGNC; chromosomal locus, locus name, critical region, complementation group from OMIM; protein name from UniProt. For a description of databases (Locus Specific, HGMD) to which links are provided, click here.

Table B. OMIM Entries for Galactosemia (View All in OMIM)

230400GALACTOSEMIA
606999GALACTOSE-1-PHOSPHATE URIDYLYLTRANSFERASE; GALT

Normal allelic variants. The gene is approximately 4 kb in length and has 11 exons and ten introns. The promoter is GC rich as in a "housekeeping gene." There is high sequence homology with E. coli, yeast, rodent, and human [Flach et al 1990, Leslie et al 1992].

Pathologic allelic variants. More than 180 mutations in the 4.2-kb gene and its 1.1-kb cDNA are known [Elsas & Lai 1998, Tyfield et al 1999, Bosch et al 2005, Calderon et al 2007].

Disease-causing mutations that are most prevalent in the United States are shown in Table 3. The frequency of the five most common GALT mutations in diverse ethnic groups was reported by Suzuki et al [2001].

A 5-kb deletion of GALT is common in persons of Ashkenazi Jewish background [Coffee et al 2006].

Table 3. Prevalence of Mutant Alleles in 284 (568 alleles) Individuals from the US with G/G Galactosemia

MutationNumber of AllelesPercent of Total
p.Gln188Arg28049%
p.Ser135Leu407%
p.Lys285Asn204%
p.Leu195Pro112%
p.Tyr209Cys51%
5-kb deletion71%
p.Asn314Asp14125%
Other6411%
TOTAL568100%

1. Adapted from Elsas & Lai [1998]

Table 4. Selected GALT Pathologic Allelic Variants

DNA Nucleotide Change
(Alias 1)
Protein Amino Acid Change Reference Sequences
c.-116_-119delGTCA--NM_000155​.2
NP_000146​.2
c.404C>Tp.Ser135Leu
c.512T>Cp.Phe171Ser
c.563A>Gp.Gln188Arg
c.584T>Cp.Leu195Pro
c.607G>Ap.Glu203Lys
c.626A>Gp.Tyr209Cys
c.652C>T
(1721C>T)
p.= 2
c.855G>Tp.Lys285Asn
c.940A>Gp.Asn314Asp
c.997CC>Gp.Arg333Gly
c.253-2A>G
(IVS2-2A>G) 3
--
(Δ5kb) or (5kbdel) 4,5--

See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature. GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (www​.hgvs.org).

1. Variant designation that does not conform to current naming conventions

2. p.= designates that protein has not been analyzed, but no change is expected

3. Seen in persons of Hispanic heritage

4. A complex deletion that involves a 3163-bp deletion of the GALT promoter and a 5' gene region along with a 2295-bp deletion at the 3' end of the gene; only segments of exon 8 and intron 8 are retained [Barbouth et al 2006, Coffee et al 2006]. Standard HGVS nomenclature of this deletion mutation is equally complex and may be best described as c.[-1039_753del; 820+50_*789delinsGAATAGACCCCA.]

5. Seen in persons of Ashkenazic Jewish ethnicity

Normal gene product. The GALT protein functions as a dimer and demonstrates unique bimolecular ping pong kinetics. The GALT enzyme first binds UDP-glucose, then releases glucose-1-phosphate. A stable GALT-UMP complex is required for the second displacement reaction, which involves binding of galactose-1-phosphate with release of UDP-galactose and the free GALT enzyme.

Abnormal gene product

  • The mutation p.Gln188Arg prevents formation of a stable GALT-UMP intermediate [Lai et al 1999].
  • The p.Asn314Asp mutation destabilizes the dimer while a second G-allele, p.Glu203Lys, acts as a revertant when in cis configuration with p.Asn314Asp and stabilizes the protein.
  • The LA variant (D1) involves increased rates of translation caused at least in part by a nucleotide change in the codon for leucine at residue 218 from common to rare (c.652C>T), thereby obviating the bioinstability produced by the p.Asn314Asp mutation. A combination of "codon preference" and increased gene expression resulting from a GALT promoter polymorphism accounts for increased activity in the LA variant [Langley et al 1997]. This variant in codon 218 is known as p.Leu218Leu (c.652C>T).
  • The true Duarte or D2 variant is a deletion in the E-box, a carbohydrate response element that reduces GALT gene expression [Elsas et al 2001].

References

Medical Genetic Searches: A specialized PubMed search designed for clinicians that is located on the PubMed Clinical Queries page Image PubMed.jpg

Literature Cited

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  2. Barbouth DS, Velazquez DL, Konopka S, Wilkinson JJ, Carver VH, Elsas LJ. Screening newborns for galactosemia using total body galactose oxidation to CO2 in expired air. Pediatr Res. 2007;62:720–4. [PubMed: 17957157]
  3. Berry GT, Moate PJ, Reynolds RA, Yager CT, Ning C, Boston RC, Segal S. The rate of de novo galactose synthesis in patients with galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency. Mol Genet Metab. 2004;81:22–30. [PubMed: 14728988]
  4. Berry GT, Singh RH, Mazur AT, Guerrero N, Kennedy MJ, Chen J, Reynolds R, Palmieri MJ, Klein PD, Segal S, Elsas LJ. Galactose breath testing distinguishes variant and severe galactose-1- phosphate uridyltransferase genotypes. Pediatr Res. 2000;48:323–8. [PubMed: 10960497]
  5. Bosch AM, Bakker HD, Wenniger-Prick LJ, Wanders RJ, Wijburg FA. High tolerance for oral galactose in classical galactosaemia: dietary implications. Arch Dis Child. 2004a;89:1034–6. [PMC free article: PMC1719730] [PubMed: 15499058]
  6. Bosch AM, Grootenhuis MA, Bakker HD, Heijmans HS, Wijburg FA, Last BF. Living with classical galactosemia: health-related quality of life consequences. Pediatrics. 2004b;113:e423–8. [PubMed: 15121984]
  7. Bosch AM, Ijlst L, Oostheim W, Mulders J, Bakker HD, Wijburg FA, Wanders RJ, Waterham HR. Identification of novel mutations in classical galactosemia. Hum Mutat. 2005;25:502. [PubMed: 15841485]
  8. Calderon FR, Phansalker A, Crockett D, Miller M, Mao R. Mutation database for the galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) gene. Hum Mutat. 2007;28:939–43. [PubMed: 17486650]
  9. Coffee B, Hjelm LN, DeLorenzo A, Courtney EM, Yu C, Muralidharan K. Characterization of an unusual deletion of the galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT) gene. Genet Med. 2006;8:635–40. [PubMed: 17079880]
  10. Cuthbert C, Klapper H, Elsas L. Diagnosis of inherited disorders of galactose metabolism. Curr Protoc Hum Genet. 2008 [PubMed: 18428423]
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  12. Elsas L, Acosta P. Inherited metabolic disease: amino acids, organic acids, and galactose. In: Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 11 ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins; 2012.
  13. Elsas LJ 2nd, Lai K. The molecular biology of galactosemia. Genet Med. 1998;1:40–8. [PubMed: 11261429]
  14. Elsas LJ. Prenatal diagnosis of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT)-deficient galactosemia. Prenat Diagn. 2001;21:302–3. [PubMed: 11288121]
  15. Elsas LJ, Acosta PB. Inherited metabolic disease: aminoacids, organic acids and galactose. In: Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10 ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006:909-59.
  16. Elsas LJ, Dembure PP, Langley S, Paulk EM, Hjelm LN, Fridovich-Keil J. A common mutation associated with the Duarte galactosemia allele. Am J Hum Genet. 1994;54:1030–6. [PMC free article: PMC1918187] [PubMed: 8198125]
  17. Elsas LJ, Lai K, Saunders CJ, Langley SD. Functional analysis of the human galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase promoter in Duarte and LA variant galactosemia. Mol Genet Metab. 2001;72:297–305. [PubMed: 11286503]
  18. Elsas LJ, Webb AL, Langley SD. Characterization of a carbohydrate response element regulating the gene for human galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase. Mol Genet Metab. 2002;76:287–96. [PubMed: 12208133]
  19. Flach JE, Reichardt JK, Elsas LJ. Sequence of a cDNA encoding human galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase. Mol Biol Med. 1990;7:365–9. [PubMed: 2233247]
  20. Guerrero NV, Singh RH, Manatunga A, Berry GT, Steiner RD, Elsas LJ. Risk factors for premature ovarian failure in females with galactosemia. J Pediatr. 2000;137:833–41. [PubMed: 11113841]
  21. Hunter M, Angelicheva D, Levy HL, Pueschel SM, Kalaydjieva L. Novel mutations in the GALK1 gene in patients with galactokinase deficiency. Hum Mutat. 2001;17:77–8. [PubMed: 11139256]
  22. Kolosha V, Anoia E, de Cespedes C, Gitzelmann R, Shih L, Casco T, Saborio M, Trejos R, Buist N, Tedesco T, Skach W, Mitelmann O, Ledee D, Huang K, Stambolian D. Novel mutations in 13 probands with galactokinase deficiency. Hum Mutat. 2000;15:447–53. [PubMed: 10790206]
  23. Lai K, Langley SD, Dembure PP, Hjelm LN, Elsas LJ. Duarte allele impairs biostability of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase in human lymphoblasts. Hum Mutat. 1998;11:28–38. [PubMed: 9450900]
  24. Lai K, Langley SD, Singh RH, Dembure PP, Hjelm LN, Elsas LJ. A prevalent mutation for galactosemia among black Americans. J Pediatr. 1996;128:89–95. [PubMed: 8551426]
  25. Lai K, Tang M, Yin X, Klapper H, Wierenga K, Elsas L. ARHI: A new target of galactose toxicity in classic galactosemia. Biosci Hypotheses. 2008;1:263–71. [PMC free article: PMC2613282] [PubMed: 19122833]
  26. Lai K, Willis AC, Elsas LJ. The biochemical role of glutamine 188 in human galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase. J Biol Chem. 1999;274:6559–66. [PubMed: 10037750]
  27. Langley SD, Lai K, Dembure PP, Hjelm LN, Elsas LJ. Molecular basis for Duarte and Los Angeles variant galactosemia. Am J Hum Genet. 1997;60:366–72. [PMC free article: PMC1712399] [PubMed: 9012409]
  28. Leslie ND, Immerman EB, Flach JE, Florez M, Fridovich-Keil JL, Elsas LJ. The human galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase gene. Genomics. 1992;14:474–80. [PubMed: 1427861]
  29. Menezo YJ, Lescaille M, Nicollet B, Servy EJ. Pregnancy and delivery after stimulation with rFSH of a galatosemia patient suffering hypergonadotropic hypogonadism: case report. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2004;21:89–90. [PMC free article: PMC3455405] [PubMed: 15202737]
  30. Ng WG, Xu YK, Wong LJ, Kaufman FR, Buist NR, Donnell GN. Two adult galactosaemia females with normal ovarian function and identical GALT mutations (Q188R/R333G). J Inherit Metab Dis. 2003;26:75–9. [PubMed: 12872845]
  31. Panis B, Bakker JA, Sels JP, Spaapen LJ, van Loon LJ, Rubio-Gozalbo ME. Untreated classical galactosemia patient with mild phenotype. Mol Genet Metab. 2006a;89:277–9. [PubMed: 16621642]
  32. Panis B, Gerver WJ, Rubio-Gozalbo ME. Growth in treated classical galactosemia patients. Eur J Pediatr. 2007;166:443–6. [PubMed: 17024348]
  33. Panis B, Vermeer C, van Kroonenburgh MJ, Nieman FH, Menheere PP, Spaapen LJ, Rubio-Gozalbo ME. Effect of calcium, vitamins K1 and D3 on bone in galactosemia. Bone. 2006b;39:1123–9. [PubMed: 16782422]
  34. Robertson A, Singh RH. Outcomes analysis of verbal dyspraxia in classic galactosemia. Genet Med. 2000;2:142–8. [PubMed: 11397328]
  35. Rubio-Gozalbo M, Gubbels C, Bakker J, Menherre P, Wodzig W, Land J. Gonadal function in male and female patients with classic galactosemia. Hum Reprod Update. 2010;16:177–88. [PubMed: 19793842]
  36. Schadewaldt P, Kamalanathan L, Hammen HW, Wendel U. Age dependence of endogenous galactose formation in Q188R homozygous galactosemic patients. Mol Genet Metab. 2004;81:31–44. [PubMed: 14728989]
  37. Schweitzer-Krantz S. Early diagnosis of inherited metabolic disorders towards improving outcome: the controversial issue of galactosaemia. Eur J Pediatr. 2003;162 Suppl 1:S50–3. [PubMed: 14614623]
  38. Shield JP, Wadsworth EJ, MacDonald A, Stephenson A, Tyfield L, Holton JB, Marlow N. The relationship of genotype to cognitive outcome in galactosaemia. Arch Dis Child. 2000;83:248–50. [PMC free article: PMC1718484] [PubMed: 10952646]
  39. Suzuki M, West C, Beutler E. Large-scale molecular screening for galactosemia alleles in a pan-ethnic population. Hum Genet. 2001;109:210–5. [PubMed: 11511927]
  40. Tang M, Wierenga K, Elsas LJ, Lai K. Molecular and biochemical characterization of human galactokinase and its small molecule inhibitors. Chem Biol Interact. 2010 [PMC free article: PMC2980576] [PubMed: 20696150]
  41. Tyfield L, Reichardt J, Fridovich-Keil J, Croke DT, Elsas LJ, Strobl W, Kozak L, Coskun T, Novelli G, Okano Y, Zekanowski C, Shin Y, Boleda MD. Classical galactosemia and mutations at the galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT) gene. Hum Mutat. 1999;13:417–30. [PubMed: 10408771]
  42. Tyfield LA. Galactosemia and allelic variation at the galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase gene: a complex relationship between genotype and phenotype. Eur J Pediatr. 2000;159:S204–7. [PubMed: 11216901]
  43. Waggoner DD, Buist NR, Donnell GN. Long-term prognosis in galactosaemia: results of a survey of 350 cases. J Inherit Metab Dis. 1990;13:802–18. [PubMed: 1706789]
  44. Webb AL, Singh RH, Kennedy MJ, Elsas LJ. Verbal dyspraxia and galactosemia. Pediatr Res. 2003;53:396–402. [PubMed: 12595586]
  45. Yager C, Wehrli S, Segal S. Urinary galactitol and galactonate quantified by isotope-dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Clin Chim Acta. 2006;366:216–24. [PubMed: 16336956]
  46. Zlatunich CO, Packman S. Galactosaemia: early treatment with an elemental formula. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2005;28:163–8. [PubMed: 15877205]

Suggested Reading

  1. Bosch AM. Classical galactosaemia revisited. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2006;29:516–25. [PubMed: 16838075]
  2. Fridovich-Keil JL, Tyfield LA. Galactosemia. In: Scriver CR, Beaudet AL, Sly WS, Valle D, Vogelstein B, eds. The Online Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease (OMMBID). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Chap 72. Available at www​.ommbid.com. Accessed 1-9-13.
  3. Lai K, Elsas LJ, Wierenga KJ. Galactose toxicity in animals. IUBMB Life. 2009;61:1063–74. [PMC free article: PMC2788023] [PubMed: 19859980]

Chapter Notes

Author Notes

Dr Louis J Elsas II was a physician, teacher, and pioneering researcher in the field of medical genetics. In a career spanning nearly 50 years, he held positions first at Yale University (as a fellow in medical genetics and later a member of the faculty), and then at Emory University School of Medicine, where he developed new treatments for infants with metabolic disorders including galactosemia and PKU; while there he also created a course in human and molecular genetics that became a national model, helping to define medical genetics as a recognized specialty. After retiring from Emory, Dr Elsas moved to the University of Miami and became the first director of the Dr John T Macdonald Foundation Center for Medical Genetics at the Miller School of Medicine. Dr Elsas died September 16, 2012 following an extended illness.

Revision History

  • 26 October 2010 (me) Comprehensive update posted live
  • 27 September 2007 (me) Comprehensive update posted to live Web site
  • 2 May 2005 (me) Comprehensive update posted to live Web site
  • 27 March 2003 (me) Comprehensive update posted to live Web site
  • 4 February 2000 (me) Review posted to live Web site
  • 31 August 1999 (le) Original submission
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