Vascular Dysfunction in Glycogen Storage Disease Type I

ObjectiveTo determine cardiovascular disease risk in a larger cohort of patients with glycogen storage disease (GSD) I through the use of noninvasive measures of arterial function and anatomy.Study designCarotid intima media thickness (IMT), radial artery tonometry, and brachial artery reactivity were performed in 28 patients with GSD I (13F/15M, mean age 23 years) and 23 control subjects (19F/4M, mean age 23 years).ResultsThe primary outcome measure, mean left distal IMT was greater in the GSD cohort (0.500 ± 0.055 mm) than in the control group (0.457 ± 0.039 mm) (P = .002, adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index). Mean augmentation index measured by radial artery tonometry was higher in the GSD cohort (16.4% ± 14.0%) than in the control group (2.4% ± 8.7%) (P < .001). No significant difference was observed between mean brachial artery reactivity in the GSD cohort (6.3% ± 4.9% change) versus control subjects (6.6% ± 5.1% change) (P = .46).ConclusionsGSD I is associated with arterial dysfunction evident by increased IMT and augmentation index. Patients with GSD I may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.