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Cori disease (GSD3)

Your GSD3 coordinator is
Sylvia Wilson

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GSD3 is an inherited disorder that causes a buildup of glycogen in certain organs and tissues – especially in the liver and muscles. It is caused by mutations in the AGL gene leading to a deficiency in the debrancher enzyme, key in the breakdown of glycogen. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Symptoms typically present in infancy, but may only occur in adulthood.

Children are often diagnosed because they have been noticed to have a swollen abdomen due to a very large liver. Patients may also have low blood sugar, a high level of fats in the blood and delayed growth. Symptoms related to liver disease and progressive cardiac and skeletal muscle involvement vary in age of onset, rate of disease progression and severity.

Individuals with GSD3 vary remarkably depending on which sub-type they have – 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d.

GSD 3a is the most common type (85%) and affects both the liver and (cardiac and skeletal) muscles. GSD 3b affects about 15% of individuals, and only affects the liver. GSD3c and 3d are extremely rare.

Other names

Cori or Forbes disease, GSDs 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d

Affected

GSD 3a and 3c liver and muscle, 3b and 3d liver only

Inheritance Autosomal recessive
Incidence Approx. 1 in 100,000
UK diagnosed About 150  (UK diagnosed explained)
Symptoms

Enlarged liver and low blood sugar with fasting. Growth delayed during childhood. Muscle weakness and (3a only) cardiac involvement.

Secondary symptoms

Hyperlipidaemia, osteoporosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Treatment Regular feeding, sometimes including overnight. Management of associated symptoms.
Outlook Variable depending on disease severity.

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