Molecular profiles and long-term outcomes of Thai children with hepatic glycogen storage disease in Thailand

Abstract

BACKGROUND Thus far, genetic analysis of patients clinically diagnosed with glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) in Thailand has not been reported. AIM To evaluate the clinical and biochemical profiles, molecular analysis and long-term outcomes of Thai children diagnosed with hepatic GSD. METHODS Children aged < 18 years diagnosed with hepatic GSD and followed up at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were recruited. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify the causative gene variants. Medical records were assessed. RESULTS All eight children with histopathologically confirmed diagnosis were classified by WES into subtypes Ia (n = 1), III (n = 3), VI (n = 3), and IX (n = 1). A total number of 10 variants were identified including G6PC (n = 1), AGL (n = 4), PYGL (n = 5), and PHKA2 (n = 1). AGL had two novel variants. The clinical manifestations were hepatomegaly (n = 8), doll-like facies (n = 3), wasting (n = 2), and stunting (n = 5). All patients showed hypoglycemia, transaminitis, and dyslipidemia. The mainstay of treatment was cornstarch supplementation and high-protein and low-lactose-fructose diet. After a median follow-up time of 9.59 years, height turned to normal for age in 3/5 patients and none had malnutrition. Liver enzymes, blood sugar, and lipid profiles improved in all. CONCLUSION Hepatomegaly, transaminitis, and hypoglycemia are the hallmarks of GSD confirmed by liver histopathology. Molecular analysis can confirm the diagnosis or classify the subtype that might benefit from personalized treatment, prognosis, and long-term care.