[Sepsis due to E. coli in newborns with galactose intolerance (author's transl)]

The authors report on a case of sepsis due to E. coli in a newborn baby with galactose intolerance. The immature immunological state of the newborn child in combination with a disorder of galactose metabolism obviously favour the development of bacterial infections. Galactose-free formulas should be applied quickly together with an adequate antibiotic therapy in the case of newborn babies with suspected bacterial infection. The prognosis may be influenced favourably by early clarification of the cause of severe impairment including jaundice, vomiting, loss of weight and somnolence in the first three weeks of life.