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Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for an infant with galactosemia?

A) Special infant formula
B) Hormone therapy
C) Vitamin therapy
D) Antibiotic prophylaxis
E) Sunlight

User Milahu
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The most appropriate treatment for an infant with galactosemia is a special lactose-free infant formula. Galactosemia is managed by diet modification, primarily by avoiding lactose, commonly found in breast milk and regular infant formulas.

Step-by-step explanation:

A) Special infant formula The most appropriate treatment for an infant with galactosemia is special infant formula which does not contain lactose. Galactosemia is a genetic condition caused by the deficiency of the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase, leading to the accumulation of galactose in the blood and urine when lactose-containing products are consumed. The standard treatment involves eliminating all sources of galactose from the diet, notably by replacing regular infant formulas or breast milk, which both contain lactose, with a lactose-free formula. Colostrum is crucial for a newborn because it contains high levels of antibodies and immune system cells.

This early form of breast milk helps in boosting the newborn’s immune system (answer a to question 26), providing passive immunity as antibodies produced in the mother's body are passed to the infant through the placenta (statement c).The most appropriate treatment for an infant with galactosemia is Special infant formula.Galactosemia is a genetic disease caused by the absence of an enzyme needed to convert galactose to glucose. Infants with galactosemia are intolerant to lactose and cannot digest milk properly. Therefore, a special formula that is lactose-free is needed, as it does not contain galactose.

User Moira
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