Study of Glycogen Storage Disease and Associated Disorders

Glycogen, is the storage form of glucose. It is usually formed from sugar and stored in the liver. When tissues, such as muscle, need glucose for fuel the stored glycogen is converted into glucose with the help of enzymes produced in the body. Glycogen storage disease (GSD) refers to a group of conditions characterized by abnormal storage of glycogen due to the absence of particular enzymes needed in the process of storing and using glycogen. This study addresses the related metabolic abnormalities of glycogen storage disease (GSD). As patients with disorders of glycogen metabolism are followed it becomes apparent that the condition is much more complex than initially thought. Researchers believe that patients suffering from glycogen storage disorders should be followed and monitored for other heritable metabolic disorders. This study will attempt to determine the frequency of associated disorders in patients with GSD. In addition, the study will look at the current management of these patients to see if the prognosis and course of the disease is changed.

This study addresses the related metabolic abnormalities of the glycogeneses. As more older individuals with glycogen storage disease are followed and studied, it becomes apparent that when individuals with glycogenosis are viewed from a longitudinal perspective, the condition is much more complex and diverse in its related conditions than one would have reason to believe, even in hindsight. It is relevant to follow these individuals, searching for abnormalities not only with glycogen storage disease in mind, but also because other heritable metabolic disorders, including cystinosis and cystic fibrosis, reflect the accumulation of associated disorders with age which often have no apparent direct association with GSD.

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