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ABSTRACT: Background
Gaucher disease (GD) diagnosis can be delayed due to non-specific symptoms and lack of awareness, leading to unnecessary procedures and irreversible complications. GAU-PED study aims to assess GD prevalence in a high-risk pediatric population and the presence, if any, of novel clinical or biochemical markers associated with GD.Materials and methods
DBS samples were collected and tested for β-glucocerebrosidase enzyme activity for 154 patients selected through the algorithm proposed by Di Rocco et al. Patients showing β-glucocerebrosidase activity below normal values were recalled to confirm the enzyme deficiency with the gold standard essay on cellular homogenate. Patients tested positive at the gold standard analysis were evaluated through GBA1 gene sequencing.Results
14 out of 154 patients were diagnosed with GD, with a prevalence of 9.09% (5.06-14.78%, CI 95%). Hepatomegaly, thrombocytopenia, anemia, growth delay/deceleration, elevated serum ferritin, elevated Lyso-Gb1 and chitotriosidase were significantly associated with GD.Conclusions
GD prevalence in a pediatric population at high-risk appeared to be higher compared to high-risk adults. Lyso-Gb1 was associated with GD diagnosis. The algorithm proposed by Di Rocco et al. can potentially improve the diagnostic accuracy of pediatric GD, allowing the prompt start of therapy, aiming to reduce irreversible complications.
SUBMITTER: Pession A
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10273721 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

Pession Andrea A Di Rocco Maja M Venturelli Francesco F Tappino Barbara B Morello William W Santoro Nicola N Giordano Paola P Filippini Beatrice B Rinieri Simona S Russo Giovanna G Girardi Katia K Ruggiero Antonio A Galea Eulalia E Antonucci Roberto R Tovaglieri Nicola N Porta Fulvio F Tartaglione Immacolata I Giona Fiorina F Fagioli Franca F Burlina Alberto A
Orphanet journal of rare diseases 20230616 1
<h4>Background</h4>Gaucher disease (GD) diagnosis can be delayed due to non-specific symptoms and lack of awareness, leading to unnecessary procedures and irreversible complications. GAU-PED study aims to assess GD prevalence in a high-risk pediatric population and the presence, if any, of novel clinical or biochemical markers associated with GD.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>DBS samples were collected and tested for β-glucocerebrosidase enzyme activity for 154 patients selected through the algor ...[more]