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Glycogen Storage Disease Essay

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Introduction:
Glycogen storage disease is the result of a defect in the synthesis or breakdown of glycogen that is found in muscles, the liver and many other cell types. This disease may be genetic or acquired and is usually caused by a defect in certain enzymes that are important in the metabolism of glycogen. To date, there are 11 different classifications for glycogen storage disease but this paper will focus on glycogen storage disease type 1 (GSD I), also known as von Gierke’s disease, after the German doctor who discovered it.
GSD I is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder with the incidence being 1 in 100,000. Parents may be heterozygote carriers, making them asymptomatic, however they have a 25% chance of having a child …show more content…

People with GSD I are also at increased risk for lactic acidosis, hyperuricemia, and hyperlipidemia, along with multiple long term complications including growth retardation (short stature), hepatic adenomas, renal failure, osteoporosis, polycystic ovaries, and neutropenia. Neutrophil dysfunction can then lead to inflammatory bowel disease and severe infections (Andria et al).
Clinical Presentation:
Various presentations of GSD I are common depending on the age of the person; but, most people are diagnosed by the age of two. Neonates often exhibit symptoms such as tremors, irritability, cyanosis, seizures, apea or coma which are all potential signs of hypoglycemia. In older children common symptoms may include lethargy, tremors, difficulty arousing the child from overnight sleep, poor growth, growth in the abdominal area with the arms and legs appearing thin, overwhelming hunger, doll-like faces, spontaneous nosebleeds, gingivitis, boils, anemia, rickets, and pseudocolitis. Signs of metabolic acidosis can also be present which could be manifested by hyperventilation, respiratory distress, and/or vomiting.
Diagnosis:
Once a diagnosis of GSD I is suspected, there are multiple tests that should be completed to determine if the diagnosis is correct. One of the initial laboratory tests that should be run is a fasting blood glucose level. It is also important to get a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel to evaluate electrolytes and anion gap. A complete blood

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