How does galactosemia affect a child?
The symptoms of this condition vary depending on the form of galactosemia. The most severe form of this condition is known as classic galactosemia. Infants with untreated classic galactosemia appear normal at birth, but symptoms may start soon after a baby’s first lactose based feeding. Generally, the symptoms include vomiting, rapid weight loss, jaundice, and an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly). Without treatment, these babies can develop permanent brain damage, cataracts, an enlarged liver, kidney failure and death. Treatment of classic galactosemia is continued for life. A different or variant form of galactosemia is called Duarte galactosemia (D/G). This is a mild form of galactosemia. Most babies do not have symptoms and appear to be healthy. If untreated, there can be some health problems associated with the liver in the first few years of life. Treatment is usually terminated by two years of age.
