Scientific Programme
The Children’s Hospital & Institute of Child Health Lahore, Pakistan
Glycogen storage disease type 1b (GSD 1b) is an ultra-rare disease that is the result of a mutation in the SLC37A4 gene and reduced function of the enzyme glucose 6 phosphate translocase (G6PT). In addition to the classic symptoms of glycogenosis type 1a (hepatomegaly, nephromegaly, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, metabolic acidosis, and hyperlactatemia) patients with glycogenosis 1b also have neutropenia and impaired neutrophil function, which makes them prone to infections. Infections of the skin and mucous membranes are the most, and it is estimated that most of them develop IBD-like disease. In addition to diet and cornstarch therapy, the application of the SGLT2 inhibitor, empagliflozin, showed very good results in reduced infection and inflammation in these patients and significantly contributed to the improvement of their clinical condition and quality of life, which has already been published several times. The incidence of GSD 1b in Serbia is about 1:60,000, probably more. I will share our experiences with diagnosis of GSD 1b, genotypic-phenotypic correlation, and results during SGLT2 inhibitor therapy, including the assessment of the patient’s quality of life.
Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
The Gaucher Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
University of Versailles, France
Current IVF technology enables us to diagnose embryos carrying pathogenic gene variants through embryo biopsy. X-Linked genes present a special challenge since they are “hidden” in the female carrier, protected from expression by the other, normal X (The Lyon Hypothesis). Of the 876 genes on the X chromosome, 533 have been proven pathogenic. 167 genes for intellectual deficiency have been identified. Unfortunately, current commonly used carrier screening panels include no more than 70 X-Linked genes! Too many children and adults are still afflicted with severe diseases that could have been prevented with proper screening. In this talk cases will be presented to demonstrate these reproductive challenges, followed by a call for a major change in current screening methods, topped off by exciting innovations on the horizons.
University Medical Center Rostock, Germany
Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Germany