Delay of liver maturation as a cause of transient neonatal galactosemia

Background: Because a large amount of serum alpha-fetoprotein (alpha-FP) is synthesized in the liver of the fetus or premature newborn, high concentra tions or delayed degradation of serum alpha-FP during the neonatal period m ay reflect hepatic immaturity. Methods: In order to evaluate the relationship between transient neonatal g alactosemia and delay of liver maturation, the concentration and half-life of serum alpha-FP during the neonatal period were measured in patients with transient galactosemia and in normal neonates, Results: No significant differences were observed in the serum concentratio n of alpha-FP between normal and galactosemic patients less than 1 month of age. However, the half-life of serum alpha-FP was significantly longer in galactosemic patients between 15 and 60 days of age compared with age-match ed normal neonates. Conclusion: Based on these results, we hypothesize that delay of liver matu ration during the neonatal period, especially during the first 2 months aft er birth, can be a cause of transient neonatal galactosemia.