Association of Escherichia coli sepsis and galactosemia in neonates.

Galactosemia in newborns and infants is associated with the following symptoms: jaundice, hepatomegaly, failure to thrive, feeding difficulties, hypoglycemia, convulsions, lethargy, amino-aciduria, cataracts, hepatic cirrhosis, ascites, and mental retardation. If the preliminary evaluation indicates galactosemia, there is high risk for E. coli sepsis and death. Strong consideration should therefore be given for early antibiotic therapy in infants with suspected galactosemia in spite of the absence of clinical signs or symptoms of sepsis.