Reproductive potential in classical galactosemia: A case series based perspective

Scritto il 01/07/2026
da Bianca Panis

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X. 2026 Jun 17;31:100470. doi: 10.1016/j.eurox.2026.100470. eCollection 2026 Sep.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Classical galactosemia (CG), caused by galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT) enzyme deficiency, is associated with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and subfertility. The last years, a counseling paradigm shift has been advocated with emphasis on subfertility instead of infertility because spontaneous pregnancy can occur.

CASE PRESENTATIONS: We describe two women (aged 26 and 30 years) with genetically confirmed CG and POI, who conceived spontaneously. Both adhered to lifelong galactose-restricted diet and had regular endocrine monitoring. Their pregnancies were uncomplicated and each delivered a healthy infant at term.

CONCLUSIONS: These cases are in line with the counseling paradigm shift, with natural conception being possible in CG. Reproductive counselling of girls and women with CG should entail fertility preservation and spontaneous pregnancy. In case of desired pregnancy, a period of two years to attempt conceiving should be advised. AMH is not a reliable prognostic parameter for predicting the reproductive potential in CG.

PMID:42383232 | PMC:PMC13315757 | DOI:10.1016/j.eurox.2026.100470