MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Galactosemia

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Galactosemia

An infant with galactosemia is unable to use (metabolize) the simple sugar galactose, which reaches high levels in the body, causing damage to the liver, central nervous system and various other body systems. An infant with galactosemia may develop jaundice, vomiting, lethargy, irritability and convulsions.

Update Date: 10/23/2006

Updated by: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, JD, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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