Anesthetic management in a pregnant woman with type 1 Gaucher disease

Gaucher disease is a genetic disorder in which the enzyme activity of lysosomal acid beta-glucocerebrosidase is impaired, causing excessive lysosomal storage of glucocerebrosidase in monocytes and macrophages. Coagulation and multiorgan disorders can develop during pregnancy in women with this disorder, affecting anesthetic management. We report the case of a woman with type 1 Gaucher disease who was scheduled for cesarean section. The blood workup showed evidence of hepatosplenomegaly and thrombocytopenia, osteopenia, and gastroesophageal reflux. Epidural anesthesia-analgesia was provided. Surgical conditions and analgesia were both satisfactory and no complications developed after withdrawal of the epidural catheter. We conclude that the management of anesthesia for pregnant women with Gaucher disease will depend on the degree of systemic involvement. Regional anesthesia has been used in many such patients, but there is insufficient literature on which to base guidelines or protocols.