Expanding the phenotypic landscape of Gaucher disease type 3c with a novel entity - Transient neonatal cholestasis

Fatma Derya Bulut1, Deniz Kor1, Sebile Kılavuz2

  • 1Çukurova University, Pediatric Metabolism and Nutrition Department, Adana, Turkey.

Insights

Gaucher disease type 3c, a cardiovascular phenotype of Gaucher disease, shows significant clinical heterogeneity. Transient neonatal cholestasis is identified as a novel finding in this rare lysosomal storage disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics and rare diseases
  • Lysosomal storage disorders
  • Cardiovascular manifestations of genetic disorders

Background:

  • Gaucher disease (GD) is a frequent lysosomal storage disorder caused by GBA gene variants.
  • Gaucher disease type 3c is specifically linked to the homozygous D409H variant, presenting a cardiovascular phenotype.
  • Understanding the heterogeneity of GD type 3c is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the phenotypic heterogeneity of Gaucher disease type 3c.
  • To report a novel clinical finding in patients with GD type 3c.
  • To explore the association between age of onset and clinical presentation in GD type 3c.

Main Methods:

  • Descriptive study of 13 patients with Gaucher disease type 3c.
  • Clinical data collection on various organ system involvements.
  • Phenotypic analysis and comparison based on age of onset.

Main Results:

  • Patients exhibited diverse manifestations including visceral (100%), hematological (92.3%), neurological (92.3%), cardiac calcifications (84.6%), and corneal opacities (76.9%).
  • Cervical dystonia (38.4%) and psychiatric disorders (46.1%) were common neurological findings.
  • Transient neonatal cholestasis (38.4%) was identified as a novel finding in GD type 3c.

Conclusions:

  • Gaucher disease type 3c presents with significant clinical heterogeneity.
  • Age at onset correlates with specific clinical manifestations, with earlier onset primarily affecting visceral and hematological systems, and later onset involving cardiac, neurological, and psychiatric aspects.
  • Further understanding of GD type 3c pathophysiology can guide targeted therapies for this fatal condition.