Pronounced: go-shay disease
Gaucher disease is a rare, inherited disease that causes the abnormal storage of fatty substances. There are three types of Gaucher disease:
Gaucher disease is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase. Instead of degrading naturally, glucocerebroside builds up in the spleen, liver, lungs, and bone marrow. In rare cases, it may also accumulate in the brain.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The primary risk factor for Gaucher disease is family history with the disease.
The three types of Gaucher disease vary in onset and severity of symptoms. In general, the later the onset of symptoms, the less likely that symptoms will be severe.
Type I symptoms may include:
In type II, neurologic symptoms appear within the first few months of life and are fatal by the age of three.
In type III, the primary symptom is a slowly progressive neurologic disease. Other symptoms are similar to type I and may appear in early childhood. People with type III Gaucher who survive through adolescence may survive until their 30s or 40s.
Your doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. Diagnosis of Gaucher disease is confirmed with DNA tests or tests that measure glucocerebrosidase activity. These include blood, tissue, or urine tests.
There is no treatment for the severe neurologic symptoms that may occur with type II and type III Gaucher. However, new treatment options for type I Gaucher include:
Enzyme Replacement Therapy—The therapy consists of a regular infusion of cerezyme, a chemically-modified enzyme. This treatment can help reduce skeletal abnormalities, liver and spleen size, and reverse some abnormal blood counts.
Substrate Reduction Therapy—Zavesca has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of type I Gaucher disease in adults who cannot receive hormone replacement therapy.
Bone Marrow Transplant —A transplant is used only in patients with severe clinical symptoms and bone abnormalities. If it is successful, it provides a lifelong cure.
Splenectomy —The surgical removal of the spleen may be done if enzyme replacement therapy is not available.
RESOURCES:
Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases
http://www.mssm.edu/jewish_genetics
Gauchers Association
http://www.gaucher.org.uk
National Gaucher Foundation
http://www.gaucherdisease.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Association for Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases (CATSAD)
http://www.catsad.ca/Index.htm
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
http://www.sickkids.ca
References:
Gauchers Association website. Available at: http://www.gaucher.org.uk .
National Gaucher Foundation website. Available at: http://www.gaucherdisease.org .
US Federal Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov .
Last reviewed November 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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