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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staff
Complications of all types
Possible complications of all types of Gaucher's disease include:
- Bone pain, which can become severe and incapacitating and may be associated with fractures.
- A tendency to bleed, which may result in repeated hemorrhaging in the nostrils or nasal cavities, or bruising beneath the skin (ecchymosis).
- An increased risk of certain cancers. Older people with Gaucher's disease may have an increased likelihood of developing certain types of cancer, particularly multiple myeloma — uncontrolled multiplication of plasma cells.
Complications of type 2
Complications that are more likely to occur in people with type 2 Gaucher's disease often include serious neurological complications, such as:
- Seizures
- Abnormal gait
- Swallowing problems
As these problems progress and become more severe, they can become debilitating and lead to death.
Complications of type 3
People with type 3 Gaucher's disease are more likely to develop calcification of heart valves, which damages the valves and makes it increasingly difficult for them to open fully and function properly.
- Eng CM. Genetics; clinical manifestations; and diagnosis of Gaucher disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 22, 2009.
- Lysososmal storage disorders. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec19/ch296/ch296f.html. Accessed May 26, 2009.
- Learning about Gaucher disease. National Human Genome Research Institute. http://www.genome.gov/25521505. Accessed May 27, 2009.
- NINDS Gaucher's disease information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/gauchers/gauchers.htm. Accessed May 27, 2009.
- Hopkin RJ, et al. Lysosomal storage diseases. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2903685. Accessed May 27, 2009.
- Beutler E. Lipid storage diseases. In: Lichtman MA, et al. Williams Hematology. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2006. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2146463. Accessed May 27, 2009.
- Anderson HC, et al. Individualization of long-term enzyme replacement therapy for Gaucher disease. Genetics in Medicine. 2005;7:105.
- Zavesca (prescribing information). San Francisco, Calif.: Actelion Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2008. http://www.zavesca.com/pdfs/zavesca_pi.pdf. Accessed May 26, 2009.
