If it is known that the infant has this disorder, the condition can be treated through a special diet and the damage is prevented. Galactosemia likewise is inherited. The galactose of an infant s food accumulates in and damages the cells and organs. This damage can lead to jaundice, severe mental retardation, retardation, growth deficiency, and even death. The disorder can easily be treated if it is known that the infant has the condition.
Hypothyroidism results from an inadequate supply of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine.
If the condition is not known and therefore left untreated, the infant s growth will be stunted, and mental retardation will occur from lack of stimulation of the brain by the hormone thyroxine. These three disorders have some things in common. Clearly, they can easily be detected, and they can easily be treated resulting in the prevention of mental retardation and other serious damage. The testing for the three conditions utilizes the same dried blood spots.