Parenteral galactose therapy in the glucose-intolerant premature infant.

Blood galactose concentrations were measured in 55 neonates consuming at least 80 ml/kg/day of lactose-containing formula. The range of galactose concentration immediately after feeding was 0.8 to 4.2 mg/dl, with a mean of 1.5 +/- 0.2 mg/dl. Galactose concentration fell rapidly after feeding, and normal values for the population fell with a half-life of 45 minutes. Considering galactose as a potential intravenous nutrient, six glucose-intolerant premature infants were given galactose-containing solutions intravenously using a double-blind randomized crossover protocol. Infants were chosen who had sustained hyperglycemia (150 mg/dl) and glucosuria (2+ Clinitest) requiring glucose infusion at a rate below 7 mg/kg/minute for more than 24 hours. Compared to the control glucose period, intravenous alimentation with a solution containing carbohydrate as 50% glucose and 50% galactose resulted in a 65% increase in total carbohydrate infusion rate, normalization of the blood glucose concentration, and decreased glucosuria. Blood galactose concentration averaged 15 mg/dl, and no clinical or biochemical evidence of galactose toxicity was noted.