Galactosemia overview

Galactosemia is a genetic metabolic disorder which affects an individual’s ability to properly metabolize galactose. In individuals with galactosemia, the enzymes needed for further metabolism of galactose are dysfunctional or entirely absent, leading to toxic levels of galactose and phosphorylated intermediates to build up in the blood, resulting inliver and kidney failure, cataract, and brain damage.

The first case of galactosemia was reported in 1908. The disease was fully described in 1935 by Mason and Turner followed by elucidation of the gene in 1956. Since then, screening tests for galactosemia have been widely used.

Galactosemia consists of four types of disorders resulting from abnormal activity of the enzymes involved in galactose metabolism. Type I/ Classical is the most serious form of the disease.

Galactose is an important metabolite of the human body both for neonatal and adult health, playing a vital role in systemic and cognitive development .Abnormalities in any of the enzymes involved in any of the steps of the Leloir pathway can give rise to the pathological condition called galactosemia.

Galactosemia is an autosomal recessive disorder which is caused by dysfunction of the enzymes involved in the Leloir pathway of galactose metabolism.

Galactosemia closely resembles other metabolic disorders which form important differential diagnoses in clinical practice.

Galactosemia is quite widespread among different countries of the world with significant demographic differences with race and ethnicity. In spite of that, typical symptoms and clinical signs are manifested in most of the patients.

Galactosemia satisfies the criteria for newborn screening successfully. Since most babies are born apparently healthy, there is a considerable window for prompt detection of the disease and appropriate intervention.

The major risk factor for galactosemia is the presence of the defective gene(s).

Galactosemia is an inherited metabolic disorder with a variable natural history. It can lead to severe systemic complications if neglected. The prognosis depends on various factors.

Galactosemia is primarily seen in the neonatal period with a wide range of symptoms.

Galactosemia gives rise to varied signs on clinical examination.

Galactosemia can be confirmed by a panel of laboratory investigations which provide both direct and indirect evidence of the disease by detecting abnormalities in blood, urine and/or other body tissues.

There are no significant electrocardiographic findings in galactosemia.

Chest Xray is normal in galactosemia.

CT Scan of the brain is useful in galactosemia.

MRI findings of galactosemic patients indicate abnormal myelination secondary to the inability to produce sufficient and/or normal galactocerebroside due to defective enzyme activity.

Echocardiography is not useful in the diagnosis of galactosemia. On the other hand, ultrasonography provides useful information.

Additional imaging with diffusion weighted MRI and radionuclides also aid in the diagnosis of galactosemia.

In addition to the commonly performed laboratory tests, histopathology and genetics also aid in confirmation of galactosemia.

Medical therapy is of limited importance in galactosemia.

Surgicaltreatment is rarely indicated for management of galactosemia.

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

Secondary prevention of galactosemia consists of newborn screening and dietary modifications.

The cost-effectiveness of the therapy of galactosemia has primarily been studied with respect to the screening program for the disease and the benefits reaped from it.

A number of therapeutic modalities are currently being explored.

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