GAUCHER DISEASE TYPE 1 IN THE SKELETON: REVIEW OF LATIN AMERICA

ABSTRACT Gaucher disease (GD) is the most prevalent lysosomal storage disease, and is characterized by the accumulation of glucosylceramide and glucosylsphingosine in tissues throughout the body. With the advent of enzyme replacement therapy, the prognosis for patients with GD has dramatically improved. Still, the skeletal manifestations associated with GD respond slowly to enzyme replacement therapy and are the most significant contributor of disease related patient morbidity. This review of bone manifestations in GD presents the most recent theories on its pathophysiology, and gives a systematic review of studies with Latin American patients that report the frequency of bone manifestations and the effects of enzyme replacement therapy on their treatment. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of early identification and proper management at appropriate dosage levels of enzyme replacement therapy to reduce the morbidity caused by GD.