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Cardiac Manifestations in a Group of Romanian Patients with Gaucher Disease Type 1 (a Monocentric Study)
Cecilia Lazea1, Simona Bucerzan2, Camelia Al-Khzouz2
11st Pediatric Discipline, Mother and Child Department, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Clinic Pediatrics I, Emergency Pediatric Hospital, 400370 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Insights
Gaucher disease (GD) can affect the heart, causing pulmonary hypertension and valve issues. This study found 13% of Romanian GD patients had signs of pulmonary hypertension and nearly half had mitral regurgitation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Lysosomal Storage Disorders
Background:
- Gaucher disease (GD) is a common lysosomal disorder with variable clinical presentations.
- Cardiac involvement, though rare in GD, can manifest as pulmonary hypertension (PH), valvular abnormalities, and myocardial damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of cardiac involvement in Romanian patients with Gaucher disease type 1.
- To assess pulmonary pressure, valve function, and electrocardiographic changes in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of 69 Gaucher disease type 1 patients.
- Annual echocardiography and electrocardiography to monitor cardiac parameters.
- Statistical analysis to identify factors associated with cardiac manifestations.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was identified in 13% of patients.
- Mitral regurgitation affected 48% and aortic regurgitation 16% of patients; 10% had significant valvular dysfunction.
- PH correlated with older age, longer time since splenectomy, and delayed enzyme replacement therapy initiation.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac involvement, particularly valvular abnormalities and pulmonary hypertension, is present in a significant subset of Gaucher disease patients.
- Early detection and management of cardiac complications are crucial in Gaucher disease care.
Abstract:
Gaucher disease (GD), one of the most common lysosomal disorders, is characterised by clinical heterogeneity. Cardiac involvement is rare and refers to pulmonary hypertension (PH), valvular abnormalities and myocardial infiltrative damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac involvement in a group of Romanian GD patients. Phenotypic and genotypic characterisation was carried out in 69 patients with GD type 1. Annual echocardiography and electrocardiography were performed to assess pulmonary pressure, morphology and function of the valves and electrocardiographic changes. Nine patients (13%) exhibited baseline echocardiographic signs suggesting PH. Mitral regurgitation was present in 33 patients (48%) and aortic regurgitation in 11 patients (16%). One patient presented aortic stenosis. Significant valvular dysfunction was diagnosed in 10% of patients. PH was associated with greater age (p < 0.001), longer time since splenectomy (p = 0.045) and longer time between clinical onset and the start of enzyme replacing therapy (p < 0.001). Electrocardiographic changes were present in five patients (7%).
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