Simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation for glycogen storage disease type IA (von Gierke's disease)

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSDIa) is due to the deficiency of glucose-6-phosphatase activity in the liver, kidney, and intestine. Although significant progress has been achieved in the management of patients with GSDIa, complications still emerge. The potential for development of liver adenomatosis and kidney failure makes these patients candidates for simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT). Herein, we describe such a transplantation in a patient affected by this rare storage disease.

A 25-year-old female patient with GSDIa developed hepatic adenoma and kidney failure despite dietary therapy. The patient underwent an SLKT from a cadaveric donor.

The operative time was 8 hours without hemotransfusion. Only a transitory lactic acidosis was observed. Laboratory results normalized on postoperative day 7. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 9. After 4 months, the patient is in good condition with well-functioning kidney and liver allografts.

Patients with end-stage renal disease secondary to GSDIa should be considered for SLKT, especially when the disease is in an early stage.