Glycogen storage disease type III

Glycogen storage disease type III (GSD III or GSD 3) has many other names. See the list of other names for GSD III below. To learn if there is another name for GSD III a doctor might use, ask them if they are using another term for glycogen storage disease, type III or look on a reliable website such as Genetics Home Reference

• Forbes disease
• Cori disease
• Limit dextrinosis
• Amylo-1,6-glucosidase deficiency
• AGL deficiency
• Glycogen debrancher deficiency
• GDE deficiency
• Glycogen storage disease IIIa
• Glycogen storage disease IIIb

Glycogen storage disease type III (GSD III) affects approximately 1 in every 100,000 people in the United States. It is more common in the North African Jewish and Faroese populations, where it affects approximately 1 in every 3,000 to 5,000 people. In order to learn more about you or your family's risks for GSD III, you can discuss your family history and background with your main doctor or a genetic counselor.

Glycogen storage disease type 3 is usually abbreviated as GSD III. The initials GSD can refer to any glycogen storage disease, so always look for the roman numerals following GSD to identify which type is being used in an article, webpage, or other document.

Glycogen storage disease type III is more common in the North African Jewsish population and people of Faroese descent. Boys and girls are equally likely to have glycogen storage disease type 3. In order to learn more about you or your family's risks for GSD III, you can discuss your family history and background with your main doctor or a genetic doctor.

There are two different forms of glycogen storage disease type III (GSD III), based on differences in their symptoms. Both of the types of GSD III are caused by the same gene changes

• GSD IIIa: This form of GSD III affects both the liver and muscles, including the heart. This is the most common form of GSDIII and occurs in 85% of people with GSD III.
• GSD IIIb: This form of GSD III affects only the liver. About 15% of people with GSDIII have this type.

The outcome for children with glycogen storage disease III (GSD III) varies and usually depends on how a child is managed. Children with GSD III who follow a strict diet and have close care when ill usually have good growth and development. When treated well over time, GSD III does not affect your child’s intellectual or developmental abilities. However, children and babies who do not receive prompt treatment and control of the diet almost always have developmental disabilities and may have a shorter lifespan from the health problems.

People with GSD IIIa may also have heart problems that can start in childhood or adolescence. It will be important for a child with GSD IIIa to also be followed by a heart doctor also called a cardiologist.

The liver problems in GSD III typically get better over time. The most common liver problem in GSD III is an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly). However, in a small amount of people with GSD III the liver problems may worsen and may result in a liver transplant.

It is important that children with GSD III are followed closely throughout life by a genetic or metabolic doctor. Genetics and metabolic doctors in your area can be found by talking with your child's pediatrician or family doctor or by using the Find A Genetic Service tool at the American College of Medical Genetics.