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Updated: Oct 21, 2025

Detecting Glycogen in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells with Periodic Acid Schiff Staining
Published on: December 23, 2014
[Hepatic glycogen storage diseases: Symptoms, management and associated mutations]
Catalina Grez1, Magdalena Araya2, Juan Francisco Cabello2
1Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Abstract:
Glycogen storage diseases (GSD) are rare diseases derived from altered glycogen metabolism. This leads to glycogen storage in different organs such as muscle, kidney, and liver, resulting in a variety of clinical manifestations. GSD with liver involvement are classified into types I, III, IV, VI, and IX, depending on the enzymes affected. They are clinically characterized by hypoglycemia and hepato megaly as cardinal signs. Their diagnosis is initially based on clinical manifestations and laboratory test results. Nevertheless, diagnostic certainty requires a genetic study that identifies the specific mutation. Multiple mutations have been associated with each GSD. In Chile, since patients often lack the genetic study, the GSD genetic local characteristics are unknown. The treatment is based on dietary restrictions modulated according to the identified mutation. Today, the international consen sus indicates that early diagnosis allows better metabolic control and improves the patient's quality of life and prognosis. In this review, the information on GSD with liver involvement is updated to optimize the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of these patients, emphasizing specific nutritional and gastroenterological management.
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