Gaucher's disease

Gaucher's disease

 [go-shāz´]

a hereditary disorder of glucocerebroside metabolism, marked by the presence of Gaucher's cells in the bone marrow, and by hepatosplenomegaly and erosion of the cortices of long bones and pelvis. Type 1, the adult form, is associated with moderate anemia and thrombocytopenia, and yellowish pigmentation of the skin. Type 2, the infantile form, also has marked central nervous system impairment. In type 3, the juvenile form, there are rapidly progressive systemic manifestations but moderate central nervous system involvement.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

Gaucher's disease

A rare hereditary metabolic disease due to an enzyme defect that interferes with the proper function of cell LYSOSOMES. The condition features massive accumulation of materials called glucocerebrosides in the lysosomes. There is great enlargement of the liver and spleen, bone marrow displacement, bleeding tendency, bronzing of the skin, and anaemia. Also known as cerebroside lipidosis. (Philip Charles Ernst Gaucher, 1854–1918, French physician).

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

Gaucher's disease

A rare genetic disease caused by a deficiency of enzymes needed for the processing of fatty acids.

Mentioned in: Enzyme Therapy

Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.