Pathological fracture and pyogenic osteomyelitis in a patient with type 2 Gaucher disease

Brain Dev. 2014 Oct;36(9):830-3. doi: 10.1016/j.braindev.2013.12.003. Epub 2014 Jan 10.

Abstract

In Gaucher disease (GD), enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) results in the alleviation of hematological abnormalities and visceral infiltration as well as improvement in quality of life and life-span. However, several years may be required for skeletal manifestations, which are usually observed in type 1 and 3 GD, to respond to ERT. Infants with type 2 GD rarely present skeletal manifestations because most of these patients die within the first 2 years of life before they develop skeletal involvement. The use of ERT may prolong the lifespan of these patients and influence the natural history of the disease. The present study reports a new natural history of treated GD in which a 2-year and 7-month-old girl with type 2 GD who was receiving ERT developed valproate-induced Fanconi syndrome, pathological fractures, and pyogenic osteomyelitis. In conclusion, skeletal disease may occur in any type of GD, and Fanconi syndrome may lead to severe skeletal complications in patients with GD.

Keywords: Fanconi syndrome; Gaucher disease; Pathological fracture; Pyogenic osteomyelitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Child, Preschool
  • Enzyme Replacement Therapy
  • Fanconi Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Fanconi Syndrome / pathology
  • Fanconi Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Femur / injuries
  • Femur / pathology
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / etiology*
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / pathology
  • Gaucher Disease / drug therapy
  • Gaucher Disease / pathology
  • Gaucher Disease / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Osteomyelitis / etiology*
  • Osteomyelitis / pathology
  • Valproic Acid / adverse effects*
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Valproic Acid