Gaucher Disease
Gaucher disease refers to a group of inherited metabolic diseases in which harmful amounts of fatty materials (lipids) accumulate in various cells and tissues in the body (lipid storage disorder). Signs and symptoms vary widely among affected individuals and may include skeletal disorders, enlarged spleen and liver (hepatosplenomegaly), liver malfunction, anemia, low platelet counts, bone problems, and neurological problems.
There are different types of Gaucher disease classified according to specific features and severity: Gaucher disease perinatal lethal, Gaucher disease type 1, Gaucher disease type 2, Gaucher disease type 3, and cardiovascular type or Type 3C (where the main problem is a hardening (calcification) of the heart valves). Gaucher disease type 1 is the most common form. Gaucher disease follows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. It is caused by mutations in the GBA gene. Treatment depends on the specific subtype, and may include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) or substrate reduction therapy (SRT).
There are different types of Gaucher disease classified according to specific features and severity: Gaucher disease perinatal lethal, Gaucher disease type 1, Gaucher disease type 2, Gaucher disease type 3, and cardiovascular type or Type 3C (where the main problem is a hardening (calcification) of the heart valves). Gaucher disease type 1 is the most common form. Gaucher disease follows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. It is caused by mutations in the GBA gene. Treatment depends on the specific subtype, and may include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) or substrate reduction therapy (SRT).