If galactosemia is not treated, what problems occur?
Classic galactosemia Excess galactose in the blood affects many parts of the body. Some of the organs that may be affected include the brain, eyes, liver and kidneys. Infants with galactosemia usually have diarrhea and vomiting within a few days of drinking milk or formula containing lactose. Some of the other early effects of untreated galactosemia include: • Failure to gain weight or grow in length • Poor feeding and poor suck • Lethargy • Irritability If treatment is not started, other symptoms are likely to follow: • Low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia • Seizures • Enlarged liver that does not work properly • Jaundice (yellow color to the skin or whites of the eyes) • Bleeding • Serious blood infections that could lead to shock and death • Early cataracts which occur in about 10% of children Some untreated babies have high levels of ammonia, a toxic substance, in their blood. High ammonia levels and hypoglycemia can both lead to coma and, if not treated, can cause death. Most untr
