RESUMO
Classic galactosemia (CG, OMIM #230400, ORPHA: 79,239) is a hereditary disorder of galactose metabolism that, despite treatment with galactose restriction, affects brain function in 85% of the patients. Problems with cognitive function, neuropsychological/social emotional difficulties, neurological symptoms, and abnormalities in neuroimaging and electrophysiological assessments are frequently reported in this group of patients, with an enormous individual variability. In this review, we describe the role of impaired galactose metabolism on brain dysfunction based on state of the art knowledge. Several proposed disease mechanisms are discussed, as well as the time of damage and potential treatment options. Furthermore, we combine data from longitudinal, cross-sectional and retrospective studies with the observations of specialist teams treating this disease to depict the brain disease course over time. Based on current data and insights, the majority of patients do not exhibit cognitive decline. A subset of patients, often with early onset cerebral and cerebellar volume loss, can nevertheless experience neurological worsening. While a large number of patients with CG suffer from anxiety and depression, the increased complaints about memory loss, anxiety and depression at an older age are likely multifactorial in origin.
RESUMO
Abstract Mucopolysaccharidosis type IH (MPS IH) is caused by homozygous IDUA gene pathogenic variants. This results in deficiency of the enzyme α-L-iduronidase (IDUA), which is necessary for the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). This study outlines the long-term outcomes in adult Irish patients affected with MPS IH, who were followed up for mean 28 years post Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Nineteen adult MPS IH patients underwent HSCT in childhood. The participant cohort represents 6 families. Among the 13 patients with Irish Traveller ethnicity, 6 patients were either siblings or first cousins. All these related patients were homozygous for p. Trp402Ter (W402X). Mean age at the first transplantation was 8 months (range 3-21). Five patients had undergone a second transplantation (n=5, 26%) in childhood, due to graft failure. None of the patients had a cardiac valve surgery at the time of the study. 14/19 patients had mild to moderate aortic or mitral valve insufficiency or stenosis. 3/19 patients used non-invasive ventilation at night. Two patients had tracheostomy in situ. Both sensorineural as well as conductive hearing defects. No corneal clouding post corneal transplantation (n=8) was observed. Six patients attended regular secondary school. Multidisciplinary follow-up is needed to address the disease specific complications in adulthood.