A breastfed newborn has just been diagnosed with galactosemia. The therapeutic management for this newborn is to:
A.
Stop breastfeeding
B.
Add amino acids to the breast milk
C.
Substitute a lactose-containing formula for breast milk
D.
Give the appropriate enzyme along with breast milk.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Stop breastfeeding.
Galactosemia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to metabolize galactose, a sugar found in lactose, which is present in breast milk and most formulas. When a newborn is diagnosed with galactosemia, immediate dietary modifications are critical to prevent severe complications.
Breast milk contains lactose, which is composed of glucose and galactose. In infants with galactosemia, the inability to convert galactose into glucose leads to the accumulation of toxic levels of galactose in the bloodstream. This can cause serious health issues, including liver damage, cataracts, and intellectual disabilities if not promptly addressed.
The first step in therapeutic management is to eliminate all sources of galactose from the infant’s diet. Therefore, stopping breastfeeding is essential. While breast milk is nutritionally beneficial, in the case of galactosemia, the risk of galactose accumulation outweighs the benefits.
Instead of breast milk, the infant will need a specialized formula that is lactose-free. These formulas typically contain soy protein or other protein sources that do not include lactose, ensuring that the baby receives adequate nutrition without the harmful effects of galactose.
It’s also important for parents and caregivers to work closely with a healthcare team, including a pediatrician and a dietitian, to monitor the infant’s nutritional needs and growth. Regular follow-ups will help ensure the infant is receiving the necessary nutrients while avoiding galactose exposure.
In summary, for a newborn diagnosed with galactosemia, stopping breastfeeding and transitioning to a lactose-free formula is the most appropriate therapeutic management to prevent serious health complications.