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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Biochemical Titration of Glycogen In vitro
Published on: November 24, 2013
Glycogen storage disease (type I) presenting in the neonatal period
Insights
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for infants with type I glycogen storage disease (GSD I). Prompt intervention ensures infants thrive, highlighting the importance of recognizing subtle symptoms for timely GSD I management.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Type I glycogen storage disease (GSD I) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder.
- It affects glucose metabolism, leading to hypoglycemia and other complications in infants.
Observation:
- This study describes four Asian infants with GSD I.
- Diagnostic challenges were noted, including easily controlled symptoms in one case and diagnosis via incidental hyperlipidemia in another.
- Delayed diagnosis occurred in one infant due to mild initial presentation.
Findings:
- Three infants who received early treatment are thriving.
- Liver histology in one treated infant appeared normal, initially causing diagnostic uncertainty.
- The study highlights variability in clinical presentation and diagnostic pathways for GSD I.
Implications:
- Early recognition and intervention are critical for favorable outcomes in GSD I.
- Increased awareness of diverse clinical presentations is needed for prompt diagnosis.
- Effective management can lead to normal growth and development, potentially with normalized biochemical markers.
Abstract:
Four Asian babies presenting with type I glycogen storage disease during the early weeks of life are described. In one child the symptoms, metabolic acidosis, and hypoglycaemia were so easily controlled that the diagnosis was not entertained, leading to a late diagnosis. In another child the diagnosis was reached only by investigation of a fortuitously detected hyperlipidaemia. The 3 babies in whom early treatment was started are thriving, and in one, the liver histology was so normal that doubt was cast on the diagnosis initially.
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