Gaucher disease: The metabolic defect, pathophysiology, phenotypes and natural history

Hagit N. Baris*, Ian J. Cohen, Pramod K. Mistry

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

118 Scopus citations

Abstract

Gaucher disease (GD), a prototype lysosomal storage disorder, results from inherited deficiency of lysosomal glucocerebrosidase due to biallelic mutations in GBA. The result is widespread accumulation of macrophages engorged with predominantly lysosomal glucocerebroside. A complex multisystem phenotype arises involving the liver, spleen, bone marrow and occasionally the lungs in type 1 Gaucher disease; in neuronopathic fulminant type 2 and chronic type 3 disease there is in addition progressive neurodegenerative disease. Manifestations of Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) include hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia, a complex pattern of bone involvement with avascular osteonecrosis (AVN), osteoporosis, fractures and lytic lesions. Enzyme replacement therapy became the standard of care in 1991, and this has transformed the natural history of GD1. This article reviews the clinical phenotypes of GD, diagnosis, pathophysiology and its natural history. A subsequent chapter discusses the treatment options.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)72-81
Number of pages10
JournalPediatric Endocrinology Reviews
Volume12
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2014

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesP30DK034989

    Keywords

    • Ashkenazi Jews
    • Bone disease
    • Enzyme therapy
    • GBA
    • Gaucher disease
    • Lysosomal storage disorder
    • Neuronopathic Gaucher disease

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