Diagnostic dilemmas in Fabry disease: a case series study on GLA mutations of unknown clinical significance.

Fabry disease' (FD) phenotype is heterogeneous: alpha-galactosidase A gene mutations (GLA) can lead to classical or non-classical FD, or no FD. The aim of this study is to describe pitfalls in diagnosing non-classical FD and assess the diagnostic value of plasma globotriaosylsphingosine. This is a case series study. Family 1 (p.A143T) presented with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), absent classical FD signs, high residual alpha-galactosidase A activity (AGAL-A) and normal plasma globotriaosylsphingosine. Co-segregating sarcomeric mutations were found. Cardiac biopsy excluded FD. In family 2 (p.P60L), FD was suspected after kidney biopsy in a female with chloroquine use. Males had residual AGAL-A, no classical FD signs and minimally increased plasma globotriaosylsphingosine, indicating that p.P60L is most likely non-pathogenic. Non-specific complications and histology can be explained by chloroquine and alternative causes. Males of two unrelated families (p.R112H) show AGAL-A <5%, but slightly elevated plasma globotriaosylsphingosine (1.2-2.0 classical males >50 nmol/l). Histological evidence suggests a variable penetrance of this mutation. Patients with GLA mutations and non-specific findings such as HCM may have non-classical FD or no FD. Other (genetic) causes of FD-like findings should be excluded, including medication inducing FD-like storage. Plasma globotriaosylsphingosine may serve as a diagnostic tool, but histology of an affected organ is often mandatory.

A systematic review on screening for Fabry disease: prevalence of individuals with genetic variants of unknown significance.

Screening for Fabry disease (FD) reveals a high prevalence of individuals with α-galactosidase A (GLA) genetic variants of unknown significance (GVUS). These individuals often do not express characteristic features of FD. A systematic review on FD screening studies was performed to interpret the significance of GLA gene variants and to calculate the prevalence of definite classical and uncertain cases. We searched PubMed and Embase for screening studies on FD. We collected data on screening methods, clinical, biochemical and genetic assessments. The pooled prevalence of identified subjects and those with a definite diagnosis of classical FD were calculated. As criteria for a definite diagnosis, we used the presence of a GLA variant, absent or near-absent leukocyte enzyme activity and characteristic features of FD. Fifty-one studies were selected, 45 in high-risk and 6 in newborn populations. The most often used screening method was an enzyme activity assay. Cut-off values comprised 10-55% of the mean reference value for men and up to 80% for women. Prevalence of GLA variants in newborns was 0.04%. In high-risk populations the overall prevalence of individuals with GLA variants was 0.62%, while the prevalence of a definite diagnosis of FD was 0.12%. The majority of identified individuals in high-risk and newborn populations harbour GVUS or neutral variants in the GLA gene. To determine the pathogenicity of a GVUS in an individual, improved diagnostic criteria are needed. We propose a diagnostic algorithm to approach the individual with an uncertain diagnosis.

A revised home treatment algorithm for Fabry disease: influence of antibody formation.

BACKGROUND: Enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease, consisting of biweekly infusions, interferes daily life. Home treatment proved beneficial. We evaluated a previously reported home treatment algorithm aiming to shorten the period of in-hospital infusions, while ascertaining patient safety. METHODS: Retrospective analysis on clinical records of treated Fabry patients. Potentially predictive factors for infusion associated reactions (IARs) were studied: agalsidase antibodies, agalsidase product and dose, FOS-SSI scores, and GLA activity and mutation. A questionnaire evaluated patient satisfaction and compliance. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients were included (41 males, 46% agalsidase antibody positive (AB+)). 85% received home treatment. Home treatment complications were erroneous fast infusion rates (n=4) causing IARs and, rarely, venous access problems. The single SAE was unrelated to home treatment. IgG antibody status was significantly associated with IARs (89% vs. 26% p-value<0.01). Negative antibody status did not preclude IARs. Except for three AB+ patients, all first IARs occurred within 13 infusions. IARs occurred more frequently in patients using agalsidase beta 1.0 mg/kg/eow than agalsidase alpha or beta 0.2 mg/kg/eow, but the time to first IAR did not differ between groups. Four AB+ males experienced IARs after a dose increase. Compliance between home and in-hospital treatment was similar. Most patients preferred home treatment. CONCLUSION: In this study home therapy for Fabry disease was safe and improved patient satisfaction. We propose a revised algorithm which allows safe home-treatment in all male patients after 13 instead of 26 infusions, irrespective of ERT preparation or dose. Furthermore, AB+ patients with dosage increase may experience new or increased IARs, necessitating in-hospital observations.

Uncertain diagnosis of Fabry disease: consensus recommendation on diagnosis in adults with left ventricular hypertrophy and genetic variants of unknown significance.

BACKGROUND: Screening in subjects with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) reveals a high prevalence of Fabry disease (FD). Often, a diagnosis is uncertain because characteristic clinical features are absent and genetic variants of unknown significance (GVUS) in the α-galactosidase A (GLA) gene are identified. This carries a risk of misdiagnosis, inappropriate counselling and extremely expensive treatment. We developed a diagnostic algorithm for adults with LVH (maximal wall thickness (MWT) of >12 mm), GLA GVUS and an uncertain diagnosis of FD. METHODS: A Delphi method was used to reach a consensus between FD experts. We performed a systematic review selecting criteria on electrocardiogram, MRI and echocardiography to confirm or exclude FD. Criteria for a definite or uncertain diagnosis and a gold standard were defined. RESULTS: A definite diagnosis of FD was defined as follows: a GLA mutation with ≤ 5% GLA activity (leucocytes, mean of reference value, males only) with ≥ 1 characteristic FD symptom or sign (neuropathic pain, cornea verticillata, angiokeratoma) or increased plasma (lyso)Gb3 (classical male range) or family members with definite FD. Subjects with LVH failing these criteria have a GVUS and an uncertain diagnosis. The gold standard was defined as characteristic storage in an endomyocardial biopsy on electron microscopy. Abnormally low voltages on ECG and severe LVH (MWT>15 mm) <20 years exclude FD. Other criteria were rejected due to insufficient evidence. CONCLUSIONS: In adults with unexplained LVH and a GLA GVUS, severe LVH at young age and low voltages on ECG exclude FD. If absent, an endomyocardial biopsy with electron microscopy should be performed.

Pharmacological small molecules for the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders.

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: Inherited lysosomal storage diseases often cause severe disability and have a devastating effect on quality of life. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) forms a cornerstone in the treatment of lysosomal enzyme deficiencies. Although for some lysosomal disorders ERT is lifesaving, important intrinsic restrictions of the approach are limited access of infused enzyme to less accessible body compartments such as the CNS, the burden of frequent intravenous administration, the emergence of antibodies and the high associated costs. Pharmacological small molecules may overcome these limitations. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: Several novel therapeutic approaches using small molecules are emerging: substrate reduction therapy, pharmacological chaperone therapy, premature nonsense mutation suppressors and proteostasis regulators. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: Based on an extensive literature search up until June 2010, we here review the various therapeutic approaches with small compounds, including those currently in clinical use and those that have entered clinical trials. Compounds that are still in the preclinical phase are also briefly discussed. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: pharmacological small molecules are a new class of agents that show great promise for the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders.