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Glutathione synthetase deficiency: severe hemolysis and metabolic acidosis with symptoms in the intrauterine period

  • Aysegul Demirsu ORCID logo EMAIL logo , Ferid Aliyev ORCID logo , Elif Yucel , Kısmet Çıkı ORCID logo , Yılmaz Yıldız , Gizem Ürel-Demir , Pelin Ozlem Simsek-Kiper ORCID logo , Ali Dinc Bozat , Hakan Aykan , Ibrahim Halil Öncel , Erdem Fadiloglu and Sule Yigit
Published/Copyright: November 10, 2025

Abstract

Objectives

Glutathione synthetase deficiency (GSSD) is a rare, autosomal recessive disease that causes disruption in glutathione metabolism. According to clinical findings, it occurs in three forms: mild, moderate and severe. In severe forms, metabolic acidosis and hemolytic anemia are accompanied by neurological findings. Although there is no definitive treatment, early initiation of sodium bicarbonate, vitamin C, and vitamin E supplements is one of the most important factors affecting prognosis.

Case presentation

Here we present a severe case of GSSD in a neonate with intrauterine periventricular cystic lesions, and postnatally developed severe hemolytic anemia, metabolic acidosis, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Exchange transfusion and peritoneal dialysis were performed because of refractory hyperbilirubinemia and acidosis despite sodium bicarbonate and vitamin supplementation.

Conclusions

Early diagnosis and initiation of supportvive treatment with sodium bicarbonate, vitamin C, and vitamin E are esential for survival in severe GSSD. Dilated cardiomyopathy may represent a new complication of disease, highlighting the need for early cardiac monitoring.


Corresponding author: Aysegul Demirsu, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye, E-mail:

  1. Research ethics: Not applicable.

  2. Informed consent: Written informed consent was obtained from patient’s parents for publication of this case report.

  3. Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

  4. Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.

  5. Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.

  6. Research funding: None declared.

  7. Data availability: Not applicable.

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Received: 2025-08-13
Accepted: 2025-10-18
Published Online: 2025-11-10
Published in Print: 2026-02-24

© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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