Clinical Information

Classic galactosemia is an autosomal recessive disorder of galactose metabolism caused by mutations in the galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) gene. The complete or near complete deficiency of the GALT enzyme is life threatening. If left untreated, complications include liver failure, sepsis, mental retardation, and death. Galactosemia is treated by a galactose-free diet, which allows for rapid recovery from the acute symptoms and a generally good prognosis. Despite adequate treatment from an early age, children with galactosemia remain at increased risk for developmental delays, speech problems, and abnormalities of motor function. Females with galactosemia are at increased risk for premature ovarian failure. The prevalence of classic galactosemia is approximately 1 in 30,000.

Duarte variant galactosemia (compound heterozygosity for the Duarte variant, N314D, and a classic mutation) is generally associated with higher levels of GALT activity (5%-20%) than classic galactosemia (<5%); however, this may be indistinguishable by newborn screening assays. Typically, individuals with Duarte variant galactosemia have a milder phenotype, but are often treated with a low galactose diet during infancy. The LA variant, consisting of N314D and a second change, L218L, is associated with higher levels of GALT activity than the Duarte variant alone.

Newborn screening, which identifies potentially affected individuals by measuring total galactose (galactose and galactose-1-phosphate) and/or determining the activity of the GALT enzyme, varies from state to state. The diagnosis of galactosemia is established by follow-up quantitative measurement of GALT activity. If enzyme activity levels are indicative of carrier or affected status, molecular testing for common GALT mutations may be performed. If 1 or both disease-causing mutations are not detected by targeted mutation analysis and biochemical testing has confirmed the diagnosis of galactosemia, sequencing of the GALT gene is available to identify private mutation(s).

The GALT gene maps to 9p13. More than 180 mutations have been identified in the GALT gene. Several disease-causing mutations are common in patients with classic galactosemia (G/G genotype). The most frequently observed is the Q188R mutation. This mutation accounts for 60% to 70% of classic galactosemia alleles. The S135L mutation is the most frequently observed mutation in African Americans and accounts for approximately 50% of the mutant alleles in this population. The K285N mutation is common in those of eastern European descent and accounts for 25% to 40% of the alleles in this population. The L195P mutation is observed in 5% to 7% of classic galactosemia. The Duarte variant (N314D) is found in 5% of the general United States population.

The above mutations, plus the LA variant, are included in GCT / Galactosemia Reflex, Blood, which is the preferred test for the diagnosis of galactosemia or for follow-up to positive newborn screening results. These mutations are also included in GAL14 / Galactosemia Gene Analysis (14-Mutation Panel). Full sequencing of the GALT gene can be useful for the identification of mutations when 1 or no mutations are found with these tests in an individual with demonstrated GALT activity deficiency. Full sequencing of the GALT gene identifies over 95% of the sequence variants in the coding region and splice junctions. See Galactosemia Testing Algorithm in Special Instructions for additional information. Refer to Galactosemia: Current Testing Strategy and Aids for Test Selection, Mayo Medical Laboratories Communique 2005 May;30(5) for more information regarding diagnostic strategy.