The management of pregnancy in Gaucher disease

Abstract

Gaucher disease (GD), characterized by deficient acid β-glucosidase activity, is the most common lysosomal storage disorder. The disease is progressive with manifestations that include anemia, thrombocytopenia, organomegaly and bone disease. Pregnancy has the potential to exacerbate these manifestations, compounding the risk of complications during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Enzyme replacement therapy with imiglucerase, before and during pregnancy, has demonstrated benefits in reducing the risk of spontaneous abortion and GD-related complications, especially bleeding during delivery and postpartum. European Medicines Agency guidelines now indicate that treatment-naive women should be advised to consider imiglucerase therapy before conception to obtain optimal health, and that imiglucerase treatment should be considered throughout pregnancy for women already receiving therapy. Many questions remain, however, on the indications for treatment and optimal management of women with GD. Based on a comprehensive review of outcomes in the management of pregnancy in GD, we present recommendations that aim to optimize patient care around pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period, and alert attending physicians to the possible complications of pregnancy and delivery in GD.