Type I glycogen storage disease: five years of management with nocturnal intragastric feeding.

It has been five years since the original report indicating that intragastric feedings could reverse most of the clinical and metabolic abnormalities present in patients with type I glycogen storage disease. We have now treated seven patients with nocturnal intragastric feedings for five years. All patients have shown marked improvement in blood chemical values (urate, lactate, triglyceride, cholesterol) as well as linear growth. The only serious complication has been symptomatic hypoglycemia and acidosis resulting from acute gastroenteritis and vomiting. Results indicate that nocturnal intragastric feeding is a practical, safe, and effective form of long-term treatment for patients with type I glycogen storage disease.