[Gaucher's disease - an overview about a sphingolipidosis]

Gaucher's disease - an overview about a sphingolipidosis Abstract. Gaucher's disease is a sphingolipidosis which results from an insufficient production of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase, a lysosomal hydrolase. Glucocerebrosides accumulate particularly in macrophages. There are three types of Gaucher's disease: type 1 shows primarily visceral, hematological and skeletal manifestations. It is the most common type. The types 2 and 3 are rarer and more associated with additional neurologic symptoms. The typical findings are hepatosplenomegaly, hematopoietic diseases and skeletal dysfunctions, caused by the infiltration of the spleen and bone marrow by the glucocerebrosid - loaded macrophages. Dependending on the disease progression, the first symptoms arise in childhood or in adulthood. For the diagnostic of Gaucher's disease, the glucocerebrosidase activity in white blood cells is measured. The intravenous enzyme replacement therapy is effective.