prognosis
Last reviewed 01/2018
It was once widely accepted that the outcome was excellent if galactose-free diets were adhered to. However, it has now become apparent that:
- 50% of patients aged over 6 years are developmentally delayed
- at least 13% have impaired motor function and balance at three years
- about 60% of patients have a speech disorder
- 80% of females have primary gonadal failure; it is speculated that this is the result of prenatal damage
- 20% of patients have some degree of growth retardation
The age at which treatment is implemented, and the severity of the neonatal disorder, do not seem to influence long-term outcome.