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.