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Andersen disease (GSD4)

Vacant at present

Vacant at present

Your GSD4 Coordinator

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Several neuromuscular variants of Andersen disease (GSD4) have been described. These may be evident at birth, in late childhood, or adulthood. Deficient activity of the glycogen-branching enzyme is the cause of GSD4. It results in accumulation of abnormal glycogen in the liver, muscle and other tissues.

In the perinatal variant, usually symptoms become apparent in the first few months of a baby’s life. Such signs typically include failure to thrive – slow growth and failure to gain weight at the expected rate. There may be an abnormally large liver and spleen. There is typically progressive liver scarring and liver failure, leading to life-threatening complications, but in some cases progressive liver disease does not develop.

Children: GSD4 is a very severe but rare disorder. No treatment apart from liver transplantation has been found to prevent progression of the disease. Most children with this condition die before two years of age.

Adults: Patients with adult polyglucosan body disease APBD have deficient glycogen-branching enzyme activity, diffuse CNS and peripheral nervous system dysfunction.

Other names

Andersen disease, brancher enzyme deficiency or Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease

Affected Liver and skeletal muscle forms
Inheritance Autosomal recessive
Incidence Approx. 1 in 750,000
UK diagnosed About 50  (UK diagnosed explained)
Symptoms

Five sub-types. Enlarged liver, cirrhosis, failure to thrive.

Secondary symptoms

Cardiac failure, muscle issues.

Treatment No specific treatment. Maintain healthy diet, control weight, take regular gentle aerobic exercise.
Outlook Good with gentle aerobic exercise and only very brief anaerobic activity.

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Diagnosis & Follow up

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Information & Support

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Activity & Exercise

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Research & Development

Link to database of research papers

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