Persistent acidosis and chronic kidney disease in a patient with type 1 glycogen storage disease

Type 1 glycogen storage disease (GSDI) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) deficiency. We discuss a case of a 29-year-old gentleman who had GSDI with metabolic complications of hypoglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, and short stature. He also suffered from advanced chronic kidney disease, nephrotic range proteinuria, and hepatic adenomas. He presented with acute pneumonia and refractory metabolic acidosis despite treatment with isotonic bicarbonate infusion, reversal of hypoglycemia, and lactic acidosis. He eventually required kidney replacement therapy. The case report highlights the multiple contributing mechanisms and challenges to managing refractory metabolic acidosis in a patient with GSDI. Important considerations for dialysis initiation, decision for long-term dialysis modality and kidney transplantation for patients with GSDI are also discussed in this case report.