The natural history of glycogen storage disease types VI and IX: Long-term outcome from the largest metabolic center in Canada

Mol Genet Metab. 2014 Nov;113(3):171-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.09.005. Epub 2014 Sep 21.

Abstract

Objectives: Glycogen storage disease (GSD) types VI and IX are caused by phosphorylase system deficiencies. To evaluate the natural history and long-term treatment outcome of the patients with GSD-VI and -IX, we performed an observational retrospective case study of 21 patients with confirmed diagnosis of GSD-VI or -IX.

Methods: All patients with GSD-VI or -IX, diagnosed at The Hospital for Sick Children, were included. Electronic and paper charts were reviewed for clinical features, biochemical investigations, molecular genetic testing, diagnostic imaging, long-term outcome and treatment by two independent research team members. All information was entered into an Excel database.

Results: We report on the natural history and treatment outcomes of the 21 patients with GSD-VI and -IX and 16 novel pathogenic mutations in the PHKA2, PHKB, PHKG2 and PYGL genes. We report for the first time likely liver adenoma on liver ultrasound and liver fibrosis on liver biopsy specimens in patients with GSD-VI and mild cardiomyopathy on echocardiography in patients with GSD-VI and -IXb.

Conclusion: We recommend close monitoring in all patients with GSD-VI and -IX for the long-term liver and cardiac complications. There is a need for future studies if uncooked cornstarch and high protein diet would be able to prevent long-term complications of GSD-VI and -IX.

Keywords: Glycogen storage disease types VI and IX; Liver fibrosis; Phosphorylase enzyme deficiency; Phosphorylase kinase enzyme deficiency; Uncooked cornstarch.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Canada
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Female
  • Glycogen Storage Disease / complications
  • Glycogen Storage Disease / genetics
  • Glycogen Storage Disease / therapy
  • Glycogen Storage Disease Type VI / complications
  • Glycogen Storage Disease Type VI / genetics*
  • Glycogen Storage Disease Type VI / therapy
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / genetics
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Supplementary concepts

  • Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ix