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Von Gierke disease

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Alternative Names   

Type I glycogen storage disease

Definition    Return to top

Von Gierke disease is a disorder of metabolism in which the body cannot break down glycogen for energy. Gycogen is stored in the liver and muscles and is normally broken down into glucose when you do not eat.

Von Gierke disease is also called Type I glycogen storage disease (GSD I).

Causes    Return to top

Von Gierke disease occurs when the body lacks the specific protein (enzyme) that releases glucose from glycogen. This causes abnormal amounts of glycogen to build up in various tissues, leading to low blood sugar.

Von Gierke disease is inherited, which means it is passed down through families. If both parents carry the defective gene related to this condition, each of their children has a 25% chance of developing the disease.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. There may be signs of a swollen liver and liver tumors. Children with this condition are usually diagnosed before age 1.

Tests that may be done include:

Testing reveals low blood sugar and high levels of lipids and uric acid.

Treatment    Return to top

The goal of treatment is to avoid low blood sugar. Frequent feedings are needed during the day, especially with foods that contain carbohydrates (starches). Older children and adults may take cornstarch by mouth.

Overnight, a feeding tube is placed through the nose into the stomach to provide a supply of sugars or uncooked cornstarch. The tube can be put in at bedtime and taken out each morning.

A medication called allopurinol, which can lower blood uric acid and decrease the risk for gout, may also be prescribed.

Persons with von Gierke disease cannot properly break down fruit or milk sugar, so such products are best avoided.

Support Groups    Return to top

Association for Glycogen Storage Disease -- www.agsdus.org

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Since development of the treatments listed above, growth, puberty, and quality of life have markedly improved for those with von Gierke disease. Those who are identified and carefully treated at a young age can live into adulthood.

Early treatment also decreases the rate of severe problems such as liver tumors, kidney failure, gout and life-threatening low blood sugar.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if there is a family history of glycogen storage disease or early infant death due to low blood sugar.

Prevention    Return to top

There is no simple way to prevent glycogen storage disease.

Couples who wish to have a baby may seek genetic counseling and testing to determine their risk for passing on von Gierke disease.

References    Return to top

Behrman RE. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.

Update Date: 5/2/2007

Updated by: Brian Kirmse, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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