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Lactose intolerance associated with cataracts
European Journal of Pediatrics
|January 18, 1979
Insights
Severe lactose intolerance in a 50-day-old infant presented with vomiting, dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and bilateral cataracts. Neurological issues including abnormal scans and myoclonic spasms developed later, highlighting the systemic impact of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Metabolic Disorders
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder.
- Severe cases can lead to significant failure to thrive and dehydration.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for infant health.
Observation:
- A 50-day-old infant presented with severe lactose intolerance symptoms.
- Clinical manifestations included vomiting, failure to thrive, dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and amino aciduria.
- Bilateral cataracts were also noted as an unusual comorbidity.
Findings:
- The infant experienced progressive neurological deterioration.
- Abnormal computerized axial tomography scan and electroencephalogram findings were documented at three months.
- Myoclonic spasms commenced at seven months of age.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe, systemic complications in infants with untreated lactose intolerance.
- The presence of bilateral cataracts and neurological deficits suggests a broader metabolic or genetic component.
- Further research is needed to understand the link between lactose intolerance and these severe comorbidities.
Abstract:
A 50-day-old boy with severe lactose intolerance is described. In addition to vomiting, failure to thrive, dehydration, metabolic acidosis and amino aciduria, bilateral cataracts were also found. At three months of age, a computerized axial tomography scan and an electroencephalogram were abnormal, and myoclonic spasms began at the age of seven months.