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Published on: September 1, 2018
Early neurological complications in children with classical galactosemia and p.gln188arg mutation
Nezir Özgün1, Muhittin Celik2, Osman Akdeniz3
1M.D. Specialist in Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Diyarbakir Children's Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
Insights
Children with classical galactosemia (CG) often experience developmental delays, particularly in language, and may show brain abnormalities on MRI, even with early dietary treatment. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring for cognitive and neurological issues in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Children with classical galactosemia (CG) face developmental and cognitive challenges despite dietary management.
- Early intervention and monitoring are crucial for managing CG-related complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the early developmental status of children with CG.
- To analyze neurological and neuroradiological findings in young CG patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of 46 CG patients (2003-2017) with p.gln188arg mutation.
- Inclusion criteria: detailed neurological exam, brain MRI, and Denver II developmental testing.
- Analysis of developmental delay and brain MRI abnormalities.
Main Results:
- Developmental delay (≥20% below chronological age) occurred in 21 of 46 patients, primarily affecting language development.
- Brain MRI abnormalities were present in 22 patients.
- Mean age at examination was ~48 months, and at Denver II testing was ~34 months.
Conclusions:
- Developmental delays and brain MRI abnormalities can manifest early in children with CG, despite adherence to a controlled diet.
- This study emphasizes the need for early and continuous neurodevelopmental assessment in CG patients.
Background:
Despite implementation of a controlled diet, children with classical galactosemia (CG) may develop a variety of developmental and cognitive problems. In this study, we examined the early developmental status of, as well as the neurological and neuroradiological findings for, children with CG.
Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated 46 galactosemia patients who were followed between 2003 and 2017. We included those who exhibited CG and p.gln188arg homozygous mutation without concomitant disease and who had undergone detailed neurological examination, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Denver II developmental testing.
Results:
The mean ages at the time of the most recent neurological examination and Denver II testing were 48.5 ± 28.5 months and 34.4 ± 18.2 months, respectively. Developmental delay was defined as developmental age ≥ 20% lower than chronological age. The results were normal in 25 patients and delayed ≥ 20% in least in one domain, primarily in language development, in 21 patients. Brain MRI was abnormal in 22 patients.
Conclusions:
This analysis of the youngest children with the same genetic mutation reported thus far showed that, despite treatment, developmental delays and abnormalities on brain MRI may begin at an early age.
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