Glycogen storage disease type 6, also called Hers disease, is a condition where glycogenolysis fails to take place due to a deficiency in the enzyme glycogen phosphorylase. Hepatomegaly and hypoglycemia are common consequences, although the symptoms are usually mild.
Presentation
Glycogen storage disease type 6 (GSD VI) is an inborn error of metabolism that has an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Glycogen phosphorylase, liver form (PYGL) gene mutation has been shown to be responsible for the ailment. GSD VI occurs when there is reduced activity of glycogen phosphorylase in the liver, consequently resulting in a buildup of glycogen in addition to systemic hypoglycemia [1] [2]. GSD VI usually presents in early childhood, as a mild and self-limiting disorder that completely regresses by adolescence or early adulthood. The exception is women who are pregnant, and women who consume alcohol, as they may experience hypoglycemia as adults. Certain mutations allow for enough residual activity of the enzyme that patients experience even milder symptoms and show no biochemical signs [3].
Typical clinical features include hepatomegaly, impaired growth, hypoglycemia after periods of fasting, and possibly distension of the abdomen. Moreover, ketosis may occur as a result of longer fasts (notably overnight) or vigorous physical activity [4]. Some cases experience no hypoglycemia at all. Elevations in liver enzymes, plasma cholesterol, and triglycerides are a documented finding, although the derangements are not pronounced.
In less common forms of the disease, symptoms (particularly hypoglycemia and hepatomegaly) may be severe and patients may even develop metabolic (lactic) acidosis after meals [5].
If left untreated, affected individuals may have delayed attainment of motor developmental milestones, and skeletal abnormalities exemplified by continued growth retardation and osteoporosis. The former may also encounter easy fatigability during physical exertion, in addition to decreased muscle tone [5]. Conversely, the disease is not usually associated with intellectual disability. It is further postulated in the literature, that sufferers of GSD VI are at a higher risk of developing hepatic adenoma and liver cirrhosis [6] [7]. Cardiomyopathy is a rare complication of liver pathology in GSD VI [6].
Entire Body System
- Disability
Most of the individuals who submit Social Security Disability claims will have to wait more than a year before actually receiving the disability benefits they are entitled to. [disabilitybenefitscenter.org]
Conversely, the disease is not usually associated with intellectual disability. It is further postulated in the literature, that sufferers of GSD VI are at a higher risk of developing hepatic adenoma and liver cirrhosis. [symptoma.com]
- Intravenous Administration
Intravenous administration of 10% glucose should be initiated at 1.25-1.5 times the usual maintenance rate of fluid administration. [clinicaladvisor.com]
- Congestive Heart Failure
Another case report in 1984 described a young woman with GSD III who developed symptomatic congestive heart failure during pregnancy and also had cardiac hypertrophy with glycogen deposition documented by heart biopsy. 71 Thus, cardiac involvement in [nature.com]
Gastrointestinal
- Failure to Thrive
'The affected puppies showed a general failure to thrive, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), mental depression, poor body condition and failure to nurse (symptoms of fading puppy syndrome)'. [americanmaltese.org]
The classical clinical presentation for GSD IV is hepatomegaly with failure to thrive, followed by progressive liver failure and death by the age of 5 years. 1 Variable expression of GSD IV has been reported. 2-4 A patient, diagnosed at the age of 2 years [adc.bmj.com]
We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services Policy Until the early 1970s, the most severe and well-known form of hepatic glycogen storage disease (GSD) was almost always fatal, marked by extreme failure to thrive, life-threatening hypoglycemia [consultqd.clevelandclinic.org]
[…] to thrive, death by 5 years Rare nonprogressive form: no cirrhosis, live to adulthood; adult onset progressive neurogenic bladder, gait difficulties (i.e. spasticity and weakness) from mixed upper and lower motor neuron involvement, sensory loss predominantly [pathologyoutlines.com]
Often, infants born with GSD IV are diagnosed with enlarged livers and failure to thrive within their first year of life. They develop cirrhosis of the liver by age 3-5. Treatment depends on the type of GSD. [cincinnatichildrens.org]
- Polydipsia
Since post-prandial hyperglycemia occurs, children are often misdiagnosed as having diabetes although the duration of hyperglycemia is usually not long enough to cause polyuria or polydipsia [ 165 ]. [medra.org]
Cardiovascular
- Heart Failure
The infantile-onset type of GSD II is the most common and usually begins within the first year of life, leading to death from heart failure or breathing problems in early childhood. [geneaware.clinical.bcm.edu]
In severe cases, muscle weakness and heart problems develop In severe cases, infants may suffer heart failure by the age of 18 months Milder forms of type II may not cause heart problems Type III - Cori's Disease Swollen abdomen due to an enlarged liver [chp.edu]
Management of organ failure as required. Complications : include hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure, heart failure, nerve dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmia. Prognosis : mostly death by age 4, due to cirrhosis and portal hypertension. [patient.info]
The heart may be mildly enlarged, but its function is typically normal. In rare instances, the heart muscle can thicken and result in heart failure and heart rhythm disturbances. Additional Information Available GSD an Overview OMIM [mda.org.au]
Infant-onset Type 2 GSD symptoms include: Muscle weakness and floppiness Delayed motor skills Weak breathing Progressive heart muscle enlargement and reduced pumping may lead to fatal heart failure within first year of life Late-onset Type 2 GSD symptoms [cancercarewny.com]
Liver, Gall & Pancreas
- Hepatomegaly
Typical clinical features include hepatomegaly, impaired growth, hypoglycemia after periods of fasting, and possibly distension of the abdomen. [symptoma.com]
Hepatomegaly usually improves with age and disappears entirely at puberty. Etiology Transmission is autosomal recessive and mutations in the PYGL gene (14q21-q22) have been identified in patients. [orpha.net]
Findings from imaging studies may reveal hepatomegaly. Liver biopsy may be required to diagnose the cause of hepatomegaly. Diagnosis by DNA analysis is considered preferable to liver biopsy so as to avoid an invasive procedure. [emedicine.com]
These varied from hepatomegaly and subclinical hypoglycaemia, to severe hepatomegaly with recurrent severe hypoglycaemia and postprandial lactic acidosis. [humpath.com]
These patients present with hepatomegaly (liver enlargement) and growth retardation early in childhood. [agsdus.org]
Musculoskeletal
- Osteopenia
GSD 1a patients can have severe idiopathic osteopenia, often beginning at a young age. Since calcium tracer studies offer a sensitive probe of the bone microenvironment and of calcium deposition, kinetics might be disturbed in patients with GSD 1a. [utexas.influuent.utsystem.edu]
Other complications associated with GSD III can include radiographic (X-ray) evidence of osteopenia (weak bones) and fractures. Often, a DEXA bone scan will be required to measure bone density. [mda.org.au]
Chronic metabolic lactic acidosis and changes in the proximal renal tubule cells can cause osteopenia and rickets with severe skeletal deformities or fractures. [patient.info]
[…] have poor tolerance to fasting (with hypoglycemia and hyperlactacidemia after 3 to 4 hours of fasting), marked hepatomegaly, full-cheeked round face, growth retardation (small stature and delayed puberty), generally improved by an appropriate diet, osteopenia [atlasgeneticsoncology.org]
- Decrease in Height
Showing of 11 | 80%-99% of people have these symptoms Hypoglycemia Low blood sugar 0001943 Short stature Decreased body height Small stature [ more ] 0004322 1%-4% of people have these symptoms Elevated hepatic transaminase High liver enzymes 0002910 [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]
Neurologic
- Seizure
Common symptoms include: Protruding abdomen from an enlarged liver and seizures from low blood sugar are common in infants Signs of low blood sugar including Paleness Irritability Fatigue Seizures Growth delay Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. [cancercarewny.com]
Most patients experience muscle symptoms, such as weakness and cramps, although certain GSDs manifest as specific syndromes, such as hypoglycemic seizures or cardiomegaly. [2, 3] GSD VI is caused by deficient activity of hepatic glycogen phosphorylase [emedicine.com]
Clinical features : Seizures in infancy, hypoglycaemia, poor growth, hepatomegaly, moderate progressive myopathy. Symptoms can regress with age. [patient.info]
Low blood sugar can cause tiredness, irritability, and seizures. [counsyl.com]
Workup
Clinical diagnosis of glycogen storage disease type 6 entails the detection of the recognizable features of the medical entity, such as hepatomegaly, delayed growth, hypoglycemia with or without a ketotic state, after fasting or illness.
Biochemical testing confirms the diagnosis. The following laboratory investigations are performed:
- Serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and lipids may be increased, while creatinine kinase, uric and lactic acid levels remain normal. Liver failure is uncommon in GSD VI.
- Some people will show no responsive rise in blood glucose levels after administration of glycogen.
- Blood glycogen phosphorylase enzyme assay may be performed on non-hepatic cells, but normal levels do not exclude its deficiency in hepatic tissue.
- Genetic testing of the affected individual, for detection of a defective PYGL gene. It is also a useful diagnostic tool in individuals whose biochemical results are normal [3] [8].
- Liver biopsy: This reveals excess glycogen, as well as low levels of the hepatic glycogen phosphorylase enzyme. Signs of hepatocellular adenoma may also be identified in this way [7].
- Genetic testing for asymptomatic carriers, as well as prenatal testing in affected families.
- Sequence analysis for the recognition of variant gene alterations [9].
Serum
- Hypoglycemia
The exception is women who are pregnant, and women who consume alcohol, as they may experience hypoglycemia as adults. [symptoma.com]
Individuals with GSD VI can present with hepatomegaly with elevated serum transaminases, ketotic hypoglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and poor growth. Symptoms result from mild hypoglycemia. [emedicine.com]
Most affected individuals exhibit resolution of hepatomegaly, hypotonia, muscle weakness, risk of fasting hypoglycemia, and abnormal biochemical parameters before or at puberty. [emedicine.medscape.com]
- Fasting Hypoglycemia
Most affected individuals exhibit resolution of hepatomegaly, hypotonia, muscle weakness, risk of fasting hypoglycemia, and abnormal biochemical parameters before or at puberty. [emedicine.medscape.com]
These children may also have histories of mild fasting hypoglycemia and hypotonia. Some patients remain asymptomatic, and routine physical examination reveals hepatomegaly. [humpath.com]
In individuals experiencing fasting hypoglycemia, a high carbohydrate diet and frequent feedings may be recommended. Genetic counseling may be of benefit for affected individuals and their families. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive. [rarediseases.org]
Though each form of GSD is distinct in presentation (Table 1), all forms manifest as fasting hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis if untreated. [consultqd.clevelandclinic.org]
- Hyperglycemia
[…] hypoglycemia. ( 16337419 ) Weinstein DA...Wolfsdorf JI 2006 7 Long-term follow-up of a new case of liver glycogen synthase deficiency. ( 12794686 ) Laberge A.M....Lambert M. 2003 8 Glycogen synthase deficiency (glycogen storage disease type 0) presenting with hyperglycemia [malacards.org]
An oral glucose load causes mild hyperglycemia and hyperlactatemia. [clinicaladvisor.com]
Interestingly, recent studies have found that individuals with GSD VI do not always exhibit hyperglycemia with ketonemia. [3] Increased levels of urinary ketones and serum ketone bodies (eg, acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate) are often proportional to [emedicine.medscape.com]
Since post-prandial hyperglycemia occurs, children are often misdiagnosed as having diabetes although the duration of hyperglycemia is usually not long enough to cause polyuria or polydipsia [ 165 ]. [medra.org]
- Hyperlactacidemia
Phenotype and clinics Patients have poor tolerance to fasting (with hypoglycemia and hyperlactacidemia after 3 to 4 hours of fasting), marked hepatomegaly, full-cheeked round face, growth retardation (small stature and delayed puberty), generally improved [atlasgeneticsoncology.org]
Treatment
Management and treatment A diet with high carbohydrate intake and regular meals prevents hypoglycemia in children, but most patients require no specific treatment. Prognosis Prognosis is usually good. [orpha.net]
Washout period (1 week): Subjects receive no treatment Treatment period #2 (2 weeks): Subjects who received Triheptanoin oil in the first treatment period, now receive placebo oil and vice versa. [clinicaltrials.gov]
Treatment: Treatment with cornstarch and a high protein diet is recommended in an effort to achieve normal labs and normal growth. [agsdus.org]
Treatment: The phenotype is mild and requires little treatment. Fasting should be avoided and hypoglycemia should be treated. Prognosis: Excellent. Ancillary treatments and support: Adequate diet, regular pediatric check-ups. [wohproject.org]
In some cases, no other treatment is necessary. Uncooked cornstarch may be helpful for some people with GSD6. [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]
Prognosis
Prognosis Prognosis is usually good. The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. [orpha.net]
Prognosis Individuals with GSD VI have an excellent prognosis for normal stature and development, even without dietary management during childhood. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Prognosis - Glycogen storage disease type 6- due to phosphorylation Not supplied. Treatment - Glycogen storage disease type 6- due to phosphorylation Not supplied. Resources - Glycogen storage disease type 6- due to phosphorylation Not supplied. [checkorphan.org]
Prognosis : mostly death by age 4, due to cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Type V: McArdle's disease See the separate article on McArdle's Glycogen Storage Disease. [patient.info]
Etiology
Etiology Transmission is autosomal recessive and mutations in the PYGL gene (14q21-q22) have been identified in patients. [orpha.net]
Etiology GSD VI results from a deficiency in the activity of one of several enzymes in the phosphorylase-activating cascade. Most cases result from defects of phosphorylase b kinase, an enzyme that activates phosphorylase by phosphorylation. [humpath.com]
Ongoing controversies regarding etiology, diagnosis, treatment In 2002, guidelines from the European Study on Glycogen Storage Disease Type I (ESGSDI) recommended liver transplantation in patients with type I GSD and unresectable hepatocellular adenomas [clinicaladvisor.com]
3584, EA Utrecht, The Netherlands (2) Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein1, 9700, Groningen, The Netherlands References Chou JY, Jun HS, Mansfield BC: Glycogen storage disease type I and G6Pase-beta deficiency: etiology [ojrd.biomedcentral.com]
Epidemiology
[…] gene that is responsible for phosphorylating (and thus activating) liver glycogen phosphorylase. [4] The presentation of GSD type IX is therefore similar to that of GSD type VI, so next-generation sequencing should be used to confirm the diagnosis. [5] Epidemiology [emedicine.medscape.com]
The GSD classification is based on the enzyme deficiency and the affected tissue. [ 3 ] Epidemiology The overall GSD incidence is estimated at 1 case per 20,000-43,000 live births. [ 4 ] Type I is the most common (25% of all GSDs). [patient.info]
Diabetes I Glucose-6-Phosphatase Hypoglycemia FTT /developmental delay Hepatomegaly III Debranching Hepatomegaly Hypoglycemia Hepatitis VI Phosphorylase Hepatomegaly Ketotic Hypoglycemia IX Phosphorylase kinase Hepatomegaly Ketotic Hypoglycemia Table 3 Epidemiology [medra.org]
Pathophysiology
雑誌 Mol Genet Metab 104:137-43 (2011) DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2011.05.010 文献 PMID: 25633903 著者 Derks TG, van Rijn M タイトル Lipids in hepatic glycogen storage diseases: pathophysiology, monitoring of dietary management and future directions. [kegg.jp]
Pathophysiology Hepatic glycogen phosphorylase, the rate-limiting enzyme of glycogenolysis, or glycogen breakdown, is activated (active in its phosphorylated form) by a cascade of enzymes, including adenyl cyclase, phosphorylase b kinase, and cAMP-dependent [emedicine.medscape.com]
Insights into the pathophysiology of Pompe disease. Clin Ther 2008;30 Suppl 1:S3. McKusick VA., ed. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). Baltimore, MD:The Johns Hopkins University;Entry No:232300. Available at: http://omim.org/entry/232300 [rarediseases.org]
Pathophysiology Metabolic Pathway Metabolic pathways showing defects in various glycogen storage diseases, (ɔ) Image courtesy of WikiDoc.org, by " Dr. [wikidoc.org]
Prevention
Management and treatment A diet with high carbohydrate intake and regular meals prevents hypoglycemia in children, but most patients require no specific treatment. Prognosis Prognosis is usually good. [orpha.net]
In GSD6 the defective enzyme prevents glucose from being properly extracted and so glycogen continues to build up in the body. This accounts for the enlarged liver and swollen abdomen and produces symptoms of low blood sugar. [agsd.org.uk]
Uncooked (raw) cornstarch (1-1.5 grams per kg) administered at bedtime prevents morning hypoglycemia and ketosis. Daytime hypoglycemia tends to be mild and snacks every 2 to 4 hours prevent hypoglycemia. [clinicaladvisor.com]
Sucrose, fructose and lactose are strictly avoided to prevent over storage in the liver. [consultqd.clevelandclinic.org]
Prevention - Glycogen storage disease type 6- due to phosphorylation Not supplied. Diagnosis - Glycogen storage disease type 6- due to phosphorylation Not supplied. Prognosis - Glycogen storage disease type 6- due to phosphorylation Not supplied. [checkorphan.org]
References
- Brown LM, Corrado MM, van der Ende RM, et al. Evaluation of glycogen storage disease as a cause of ketotic hypoglycemia in children. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2015 May;38(3):489-493.
- Parker EI, Xing M, Moreno-De-Luca A, Harmouche E, Terk MR. Radiological and clinical characterization of the lysosomal storage disorders: non-lipid disorders. Br J Radiol. 2014;87(1033):20130467.
- Tang NL, Hui J, Young E, et al. A novel mutation (G233D) in the glycogen phosphorylase gene in a patient with hepatic glycogen storage disease and residual enzyme activity. Mol Genet Metab. 2003;79(2):142-145.
- Hoogeveen IJ, van der Ende RM, van Spronsen FJ, de Boer F, Heiner-Fokkema MR, Derks TG. Normoglycemic ketonemia as biochemical presentation in ketotic glycogen storage disease. JIMD Rep. 2016;28:41-47.
- Beauchamp NJ, Taybert J, Champion MP, et al. High frequency of missense mutations in glycogen storage disease type VI. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2007;30(5):722–34.
- Roscher A, Patel J, Hewson S, et al. 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;113(3):171-176.
- Manzia TM, Angelico R, Toti L, et al. Glycogen storage disease type Ia and VI associated with hepatocellular carcinoma: two case reports. Transplant Proc. 2011;43(4):1181-183.
- Burwinkel B, Bakker HD, Herschkovitz E, Moses SW, Shin YS, Kilimann MW. Mutations in the liver glycogen phosphorylase gene (PYGL) underlying glycogenosis type VI. Am J Hum Genet. 1998;62(4):785-791.
- Chang S, Rosenberg MJ, Morton H, Francomano CA, Biesecker LG. Identification of a mutation in liver glycogen phosphorylase in glycogen storage disease type VI. Hum Mol Genet. 1998;7(5):865–870.