Health Dictionary Find a Doctor

Galactosemia primary prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sujaya Chattopadhyay, M.D.[2]

Overview

Preventive strategies of galactosemia are primarily aimed at early detection through screening and prompt intervention.

Primary Prevention

Galactosemia is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder of galactose metabolism. A single allele inherited from any one parent is not sufficient to cause the condition. Offspring born to parents who are both carriers run a 25% risk of contracting the disease[1]. Due to the strong genetic basis of the disease, primary prevention is not widely adopted for galactosemia. However, consanguineous marriages have been shown to increase the risk of the disorder and should be avoided and prompt screening done for those with a positive family history or high risk[2].

References

  1. HUGH-JONES K, NEWCOMB AL, HSIA DY (1960). “The genetic mechanism of galactosaemia”. Arch Dis Child. 35: 521–8. doi:10.1136/adc.35.184.521. PMC 2012648. PMID 13716617.
  2. Senemar S, Ganjekarimi A, Senemar S, Tarami B, Bazrgar M (2011). “The prevalence and clinical study of galactosemia disease in a pilot screening program of neonates, southern iran”. Iran J Public Health. 40 (4): 99–104. PMC 3481732. PMID 23113108.

Template:WH Template:WS

© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH