J Genet Med.  2008 Dec;5(2):131-135.

A Case of Classical Galactosemia caused by Compound Heterozygous Mutations of the GALT Gene

• Cheon CK
• Cho MS
• Ko JM
• Kim GH
• Yoo HW

Abstract

Classical galactosemia is an autosomal recessive disorder of galactose metabolism, caused by a deficiency of the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT). Buildup of galactose-1-phosphate is toxic at high levels and can damage the liver, brain, eyes, and other vital organs. The case presented here was that of an 11-day-old female infant who had elevated galatose levels upon initial neonatal screening test with persistent cholestatic jaundice, coagulopathy, and hepatomegaly. The patient was transferred due to aggravation of clinical symptoms including bleeding and jaundice. She had a delayed galactose free diet because of an inappropriate diagnosis. We quickly provided her with a lactose/ galactose-restricted diet as per her final diagnosis. Clinical and laboratory results were improved after a few days of treatment. For confirmatory testing for classical galactosaemia, we simultaneously analyzed for GALT enzyme activity and allele-specific PCR/fragments for seven mutations and two polymorphisms in the GALT gene. We were able to find several GALT-deficient and compound heterozygous mutations of the GALT gene.

Keyword

Classical galactosemia; GALT-deficient; GALT gene; Heterozygous mutation

MeSH Terms

Brain
Diet
Eye
Female
Galactose
Galactosemias
Galactosephosphates
Hemorrhage
Hepatomegaly
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Jaundice
Jaundice, Obstructive
Liver
Neonatal Screening
UTP-Hexose-1-Phosphate Uridylyltransferase
Galactose
Galactosephosphates
UTP-Hexose-1-Phosphate Uridylyltransferase