Early neurological complications in children with classical galactosemia and p.gln188arg mutation.

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.