Incidence and risk factors for development of left ventricular hypertrophy in Fabry disease.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is the principal cardiac manifestation of Fabry disease (FD). This study aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of LVH development in a contemporary cohort of patients with FD and no LVH at baseline evaluation. METHODS: Consecutively referred adult (aged ≥16 years) patients with FD were enrolled into an observational cohort study. Patients were prospectively followed in a specialist cardiomyopathy centre and the primary endpoint was the first detection of LVH (left ventricular mass index (LVMi) ≥115 g/m2 in men and ≥95 g/m2 in women). RESULTS: From a cohort of 393 patients, 214 (aged 35.8±13.8 years; 61 (29%) males) had no LVH at first evaluation. During a median follow-up of 9.4 years (IQR 4.7-12.7), 55 patients (24.6%) developed LVH. The estimated incidence of LVH was 11.3% (95% CI 6.5% to 16.1%) at 5 years, 29.1% (95% CI 21.5% to 36.7%) at 10 years and 45.0% (95% CI 33.8% to 62.4%) at 15 years of follow-up. On multivariable analysis, independent predictors for LVH development were age (HR 1.04 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.06) per 1-year increase, p<0.001), male sex (HR 2.90 (95% CI 1.66 to 5.09), p<0.001) and an abnormal ECG (HR 3.10 (95% CI 1.72 to 5.57), p<0.001). The annual rate of change in LVMi was +2.77 (IQR 1.45-4.62) g/m2/year in males and +1.38 (IQR 0.09-2.85) g/m2/year in females (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-quarter of patients with FD developed LVH during follow-up. Age, male sex and ECG abnormalities were associated with a higher risk of developing LVH in patients with FD.

Assessment of health state utilities associated with adult and pediatric acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD).

INTRODUCTION: Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) type B is a rare genetic disorder leading to enlargement of the spleen and liver, pulmonary dysfunction, and other symptoms. Cost-utility analyses are often conducted to quantify the value of new treatments, and these analyses require health state utilities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate utilities associated with varying levels of severity of adult and pediatric ASMD type B. METHODS: Seven adult and seven child health state vignettes describing ASMD were developed based on published literature, clinical trial results, and interviews with clinicians, patients with ASMD, and parents of children with ASMD. The health states were valued in time trade-off interviews with adult general population respondents in the UK. RESULTS: Interviews were completed with 202 participants (50.0% female; mean age = 41.3 years). The health state representing ASMD without impairment had the highest mean utility for both the adult and child health states (0.92/0.94), and severe ASMD had the lowest mean utility (0.33/0.45). Every child health state had a significantly greater utility than the corresponding adult health state. Differences between adult/child paired states ranged from 0.02 to 0.13. Subgroup analyses explored the impact of parenting status on valuation of child health states. DISCUSSION: Greater severity of ASMD was associated with lower mean utility. Results have implications for valuation of pediatric health states. The resulting utilities may be useful in cost-utility modeling estimating the value of treatment for ASMD.

Continued improvement in disease manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency for adults with up to 2 years of olipudase alfa treatment: open-label extension of the ASCEND trial.

BACKGROUND: Olipudase alfa is a recombinant human acid sphingomyelinase enzyme replacement therapy for non-central-nervous-system manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD). The ASCEND randomized placebo-controlled trial in adults with ASMD demonstrated reductions in sphingomyelin storage, organomegaly, interstitial lung disease and impaired diffusion capacity of the lung (DLCO), during the first year of olipudase alfa treatment. In an ongoing open-label extension of the ASCEND trial, individuals in the placebo group crossed over to olipudase alfa, and those in the olipudase alfa group continued treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-five of 36 participants continued in the extension trial, and 33 completed year 2. Change-from-baseline results are presented as least-square mean percent change ± SEM. Improvements in the cross-over group after 1 year of treatment paralleled those of the olipudase alfa group from the primary analysis, while clinical improvement continued for those receiving olipudase alfa for 2 years. In the cross-over group, percent-predicted DLCO increased by 28.0 ± 6.2%, spleen volume decreased by 36.0 ± 3.0% and liver volume decreased by 30.7 ± 2.5%. For those with 2 years of olipudase alfa treatment, the percent predicted DLCO increased by 28.5 ± 6.2%, spleen volume decreased by 47.0 ± 2.7%, and liver volume decreased by 33.4 ± 2.2%. Lipid profiles and elevated liver transaminase levels improved or normalized by 1 year and remained stable through 2 years of treatment. Overall, 99% of treatment-emergent adverse events were mild or moderate, with one treatment-related serious adverse event (extrasystoles; previously documented cardiomyopathy). No individual discontinued due to an adverse event. CONCLUSION: Treatment with olipudase alfa is well tolerated and reduces manifestations of chronic ASMD with sustained efficacy. Trial registration NCT02004691 registered 9 December 2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02004691.

The incidence of movement disorder increases with age and contrasts with subtle and limited neuroimaging abnormalities in argininosuccinic aciduria.

Argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) is integral to the urea cycle detoxifying neurotoxic ammonia and the nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis cycle. Inherited ASL deficiency causes argininosuccinic aciduria (ASA), a rare disease with hyperammonemia and NO deficiency. Patients present with developmental delay, epilepsy and movement disorder, associated with NO-mediated downregulation of central catecholamine biosynthesis. A neurodegenerative phenotype has been proposed in ASA. To better characterise this neurodegenerative phenotype in ASA, we conducted a retrospective study in six paediatric and adult metabolic centres in the UK in 2022. We identified 60 patients and specifically looked for neurodegeneration-related symptoms: movement disorder such as ataxia, tremor and dystonia, hypotonia/fatigue and abnormal behaviour. We analysed neuroimaging with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an individual with ASA with movement disorders. We assessed conventional and DTI MRI alongside single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) with dopamine analogue radionuclide 123 I-ioflupane, in Asl-deficient mice treated by hASL mRNA with normalised ureagenesis. Movement disorders in ASA appear in the second and third decades of life, becoming more prevalent with ageing and independent from the age of onset of hyperammonemia. Neuroimaging can show abnormal DTI features affecting both grey and white matter, preferentially basal ganglia. ASA mouse model with normalised ureagenesis did not recapitulate these DTI findings and showed normal 123 I-ioflupane SPECT and cerebral dopamine metabolomics. Altogether these findings support the pathophysiology of a late-onset movement disorder with cell-autonomous functional central catecholamine dysregulation but without or limited neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons, making these symptoms amenable to targeted therapy.

Anticipated effects of burosumab treatment on long-term clinical sequelae in XLH: expert perspectives.

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare, progressive, genetic disease with multisystem impact that typically begins to manifest in early childhood. Two treatment options exist: oral phosphate in combination with active vitamin D ("conventional therapy") and a fully human monoclonal anti-FGF23 antibody, burosumab. The clinical benefit of conventional therapy in adults is limited, and poor tolerance and complications are common. Burosumab was first approved as a treatment for XLH in 2018 and its disease-modifying benefits in clinical trials in children suggest burosumab treatment could also alter the disease course in adults. Without long-term clinical data on multiple XLH-related sequelae available, the results of an elicitation exercise are reported, in which eight global experts in XLH posited how long-term treatment with burosumab is anticipated to impact the life course of clinical sequelae in adults with XLH. Based on their clinical experiences, the available evidence and their disease understanding, the experts agreed that some long-term benefits of using burosumab are likely in adults with XLH even if they have a misaligned skeleton from childhood. Burosumab treatment is anticipated to reduce the incidence of fractures and halt the progression of clinical sequelae associated with conventional therapy. While the trajectories for established dental abscesses are not expected to improve with burosumab treatment, dental abscess development may be prevented. Starting treatment with burosumab in childhood to increase the likelihood of an aligned skeleton and continuation into and throughout adulthood to maintain euphosphatemia may optimize patient outcomes, although future real-world investigation is required to support this hypothesis.

Olipudase alfa enzyme replacement therapy for acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD): sustained improvements in clinical outcomes after 6.5 years of treatment in adults.

BACKGROUND: Enzyme replacement therapy with olipudase alfa, a recombinant human acid sphingomyelinase (rhASM), is indicated for non-central nervous system manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) in children and adults. An ongoing, open-label, long-term study (NCT02004704) assessed the safety and efficacy of olipudase alfa in 5 adults with ASMD. RESULTS: After 6.5 years of treatment, there were no discontinuations, no olipudase-alfa-related serious adverse events, and no new safety signals compared to earlier assessments. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild in intensity (1742/1766, 98.6%). Among treatment-related adverse events (n = 657), more than half were considered infusion-associated reactions (n = 403, 61.3%) such as headache, nausea, abdominal pain, arthralgia, pyrexia, and fatigue. No patient developed neutralizing anti-drug antibodies to cellular uptake, and there were no clinically significant adverse changes in vital signs, hematology, or cardiac safety parameters. Improvements (decreases) in spleen and liver volumes progressed through 6.5 years (mean changes from baseline of -59.5% and -43.7%, respectively). There was a mean increase in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide from baseline of 55.3%, accompanied by improvements in interstitial lung disease parameters. Lipid profiles at baseline indicated dyslipidemia. All patients had sustained decreases in pro-atherogenic lipid levels and increases in anti-atherogenic lipid levels following olipudase alfa treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Olipudase alfa is the first disease-specific treatment for ASMD. This study demonstrates that long-term treatment with olipudase alfa is well-tolerated and is associated with sustained improvements in relevant disease clinical measures. NCT02004704 registered 26 November 2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02004704?term=NCT02004704&draw=2&rank=1 .

Natural history of epilepsy in argininosuccinic aciduria provides new insights into pathophysiology: A retrospective international study.

OBJECTIVE: Argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) is integral to the urea cycle, which enables nitrogen wasting and biosynthesis of arginine, a precursor of nitric oxide. Inherited ASL deficiency causes argininosuccinic aciduria, the second most common urea cycle defect and an inherited model of systemic nitric oxide deficiency. Patients present with developmental delay, epilepsy, and movement disorder. Here we aim to characterize epilepsy, a common and neurodebilitating comorbidity in argininosuccinic aciduria. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in seven tertiary metabolic centers in the UK, Italy, and Canada from 2020 to 2022, to assess the phenotype of epilepsy in argininosuccinic aciduria and correlate it with clinical, biochemical, radiological, and electroencephalographic data. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients, 1-31 years of age, were included. Twenty-two patients (60%) presented with epilepsy. The median age at epilepsy onset was 24 months. Generalized tonic-clonic and focal seizures were most common in early-onset patients, whereas atypical absences were predominant in late-onset patients. Seventeen patients (77%) required antiseizure medications and six (27%) had pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy presented with a severe neurodebilitating disease with higher rates of speech delay (p = .04) and autism spectrum disorders (p = .01) and more frequent arginine supplementation (p = .01) compared to patients without epilepsy. Neonatal seizures were not associated with a higher risk of developing epilepsy. Biomarkers of ureagenesis did not differ between epileptic and non-epileptic patients. Epilepsy onset in early infancy (p = .05) and electroencephalographic background asymmetry (p = .0007) were significant predictors of partially controlled or refractory epilepsy. SIGNIFICANCE: Epilepsy in argininosuccinic aciduria is frequent, polymorphic, and associated with more frequent neurodevelopmental comorbidities. We identified prognostic factors for pharmacoresistance in epilepsy. This study does not support defective ureagenesis as prominent in the pathophysiology of epilepsy but suggests a role of central dopamine deficiency. A role of arginine in epileptogenesis was not supported and warrants further studies to assess the potential arginine neurotoxicity in argininosuccinic aciduria.

Benefit of burosumab in adults with X-linked hypophosphataemia (XLH) is maintained with long-term treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To report the impact of continued burosumab treatment on clinical laboratory tests of efficacy, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and ambulatory function in adults with X-linked hypophosphataemia who continued from a 96-week phase 3 study into a 48-week open-label extension. METHODS: Eligible participants from the phase 3 study continued on the burosumab regimen received at the end of the phase 3 study for a further 48 weeks (n=31). Some (not all) received compassionate burosumab treatment between the two studies (a period of 6-18 months). The primary efficacy outcome was fasting serum phosphate concentration; secondary outcomes were serum 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D concentration, renal phosphate reabsorption, PROs and ambulatory function. RESULTS: Improvements in fasting serum phosphate, serum 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D and renal phosphate reabsorption at 96 weeks were maintained through the 48-week extension. Improvements were also maintained in stiffness and physical function measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, pain and fatigue endpoints measuring using the Brief Pain Inventory short-form and Brief Pain Inventory, respectively, and in ambulatory function (6-Minute Walk Test).A post-hoc exploratory analysis exploring outcomes in participants who discontinued burosumab treatment between the studies (n=7) and those who received at least one dose (n=23) indicated that the benefits of burosumab on clinical laboratory tests of efficacy, PROs and ambulatory function may be lost when treatment is interrupted but recover over time when treatment is reinstated. CONCLUSION: Continued treatment with burosumab appears necessary for sustained clinical benefit. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: Phase 3: NCT02526160; open-label extension: NCT03920072.

Safety and efficacy of leriglitazone for preventing disease progression in men with adrenomyeloneuropathy (ADVANCE): a randomised, double-blind, multi-centre, placebo-controlled phase 2-3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Adult patients with adrenoleukodystrophy have a poor prognosis owing to development of adrenomyeloneuropathy. Additionally, a large proportion of patients with adrenomyeloneuropathy develop life-threatening progressive cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. Leriglitazone is a novel selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist that regulates expression of key genes that contribute to neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes implicated in adrenoleukodystrophy disease progression. We aimed to assess the effect of leriglitazone on clinical, imaging, and biochemical markers of disease progression in adults with adrenomyeloneuropathy. METHODS: ADVANCE was a 96-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2-3 trial done at ten hospitals in France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, and the USA. Ambulatory men aged 18-65 years with adrenomyeloneuropathy without gadolinium enhancing lesions suggestive of progressive cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy were randomly assigned (2:1 without stratification) to receive daily oral suspensions of leriglitazone (150 mg starting dose; between baseline and week 12, doses were increased or decreased to achieve plasma concentrations of 200 µg·h/mL [SD 20%]) or placebo by means of an interactive response system and a computer-generated sequence. Investigators and patients were masked to group assignment. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in the Six-Minute Walk Test distance at week 96, analysed in the full-analysis set by means of a mixed model for repeated measures with restricted maximum likelihood and baseline value as a covariate. Adverse events were also assessed in the full-analysis set. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03231878; the primary study is complete; patients had the option to continue treatment in an open-label extension, which is ongoing. FINDINGS: Between Dec 8, 2017, and Oct 16, 2018, of 136 patients screened, 116 were randomly assigned; 62 [81%] of 77 patients receiving leriglitazone and 34 [87%] of 39 receiving placebo completed treatment. There was no between-group difference in the primary endpoint (mean [SD] change from baseline leriglitazone: -27·7 [41·4] m; placebo: -30·3 [60·5] m; least-squares mean difference -1·2 m; 95% CI -22·6 to 20·2; p=0·91). The most common treatment emergent adverse events in both the leriglitazone and placebo groups were weight gain (54 [70%] of 77 vs nine [23%] of 39 patients, respectively) and peripheral oedema (49 [64%] of 77 vs seven [18%] of 39). There were no deaths. Serious treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 14 (18%) of 77 patients receiving leriglitazone and ten (26%) of 39 patients receiving placebo. The most common serious treatment emergent adverse event, clinically progressive cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, occurred in six [5%] of 116 patients, all of whom were in the placebo group. INTERPRETATION: The primary endpoint was not met, but leriglitazone was generally well tolerated and rates of adverse events were in line with the expected safety profile for this drug class. The finding that cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, a life-threatening event for patients with adrenomyeloneuropathy, occurred only in patients in the placebo group supports further investigation of whether leriglitazone might slow the progression of cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. FUNDING: Minoryx Therapeutics.

International Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Consensus-Based Approach.

Pathogenic variants in the ABCD1 gene cause adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a progressive metabolic disorder characterized by 3 core clinical syndromes: a slowly progressive myeloneuropathy, a rapidly progressive inflammatory leukodystrophy (cerebral ALD), and primary adrenal insufficiency. These syndromes are not present in all individuals and are not related to genotype. Cerebral ALD and adrenal insufficiency require early detection and intervention and warrant clinical surveillance because of variable penetrance and age at onset. Newborn screening has increased the number of presymptomatic individuals under observation, but clinical surveillance protocols vary. We used a consensus-based modified Delphi approach among 28 international ALD experts to develop best-practice recommendations for diagnosis, clinical surveillance, and treatment of patients with ALD. We identified 39 discrete areas of consensus. Regular monitoring to detect the onset of adrenal failure and conversion to cerebral ALD is recommended in all male patients. Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is the treatment of choice for cerebral ALD. This guideline addresses a clinical need in the ALD community worldwide as the number of overall diagnoses and presymptomatic individuals is increasing because of newborn screening and greater availability of next-generation sequencing. The poor ability to predict the disease course informs current monitoring intervals but remains subject to change as more data emerge. This knowledge gap should direct future research and illustrates once again that international collaboration among physicians, researchers, and patients is essential to improving care.

Efficacy of Burosumab in Adults with X-linked Hypophosphatemia (XLH): A Post Hoc Subgroup Analysis of a Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Phase 3 Study.

The anti-fibroblast growth factor 23 monoclonal antibody burosumab corrects hypophosphatemia in adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) and improves pain, stiffness, physical function, and fatigue. This post hoc subgroup analysis used data from the 24-week placebo-controlled period of a phase 3 study in 134 adults with XLH (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02526160), to assess whether the benefits of burosumab are evident in 14 clinically relevant subgroups defined by baseline demographic and functional criteria, including sex, Brief Pain Inventory-short form (BPI-SF) Average And Worst Pain, region, race, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC®) Stiffness, Physical Function and Pain domains and total score, use of opioid/other pain medication, active fractures/pseudo-fractures, and 6-min walk test distance. There were no statistically significant interactions between any of the subgroups and treatment arm for any endpoint. Higher proportions of subjects achieved mean serum phosphate concentration above the lower limit of normal (the primary endpoint) with burosumab than with placebo in all subgroups. For the key secondary endpoints (WOMAC Stiffness and Physical Function; BPI-SF Worst Pain) individual subgroup categories showed improvements with burosumab relative to placebo. For additional efficacy endpoints, burosumab was favored in some subgroups but differences were not significant and confidence intervals were wide. For some endpoints the treatment effect is small at 24 weeks in all subjects. This subgroup analysis shows that burosumab was largely superior to placebo across endpoints in the 14 clinically relevant subgroup variables at 24 weeks and is likely to benefit all symptomatic adults with active XLH.

Very long-term outcomes in 23 patients with cblA type methylmalonic acidemia.

OBJECTIVES: To present the very long-term follow up of patients with cobalamin A (cblA) deficiency. METHODS: A retrospective case series of adult (>16 years) patients with molecular or enzymatic diagnosis of cblA deficiency. RESULTS: We included 23 patients (mean age: 27 ± 7.6 years; mean follow-up: 24.9 ± 7.6 years). Disease onset was mostly pediatric (78% < 1 year, median = 4 months) with acute neurologic deterioration (65%). Eight patients presented with chronic symptoms, and one had an adult-onset mild cblA deficiency. Most of the patients (61%) were initially classified as vitamin B12-unresponsive methylmalonic aciduria (MMA); in vitro B12 responsiveness was subsequently found in all the tested patients (n = 13). Initial management consisted of protein restriction (57%), B12 (17%), or both (26%). The main long-term problems were intellectual disability (39%) and renal failure (30%). However, 56.5% of the patients were living independently. Intellectual disability was equally distributed among the initial treatment groups, while renal failure (moderate and beginning at the age of 38 years) was present in only one out of seven patients initially treated with B12. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a detailed picture of the long-term outcome of a series of adult cblA patients, mostly diagnosed before the enzymatic and molecular era. We confirm that about 35% of the patients do not present acutely, underlining the importance of measuring MMA in any case of unexplained chronic renal failure, intellectual disability, or growth delay. In addition, we describe a patient with a milder adult-onset form. Early B12 supplementation seems to protect from severe renal insufficiency.

A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating olipudase alfa enzyme replacement therapy for chronic acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) in adults: One-year results.

PURPOSE: This trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of olipudase alfa enzyme replacement therapy for non-central nervous system manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) in adults. METHODS: A phase 2/3, 52 week, international, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ASCEND; NCT02004691/EudraCT 2015-000371-26) enrolled 36 adults with ASMD randomized 1:1 to receive olipudase alfa or placebo intravenously every 2 weeks with intrapatient dose escalation to 3 mg/kg. Primary efficacy endpoints were percent change from baseline to week 52 in percent predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide and spleen volume (combined with splenomegaly-related score in the United States). Other outcomes included liver volume/function/sphingomyelin content, pulmonary imaging/function, platelet levels, lipid profiles, and pharmacodynamics. RESULTS: Least square mean percent change from baseline to week 52 favored olipudase alfa over placebo for percent predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (22% vs 3.0% increases, P = .0004), spleen volume (39% decrease vs 0.5% increase, P < .0001), and liver volume (28% vs 1.5% decreases, P < .0001). Splenomegaly-related score decreased in both groups (P = .64). Other clinical outcomes improved in the olipudase alfa group compared with the placebo group. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events or adverse event-related discontinuations. Most adverse events were mild. CONCLUSION: Olipudase alfa was well tolerated and associated with significant and comprehensive improvements in disease pathology and clinically relevant endpoints compared with placebo in adults with ASMD.

Aerobic capacity and skeletal muscle characteristics in glycogen storage disease IIIa: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with glycogen storage disease IIIa (GSD IIIa) (OMIM #232400) experience muscle weakness and exercise limitation that worsen through adulthood. However, normative data for markers of physical capacity, such as strength and cardiovascular fitness, are limited. Furthermore, the impact of the disease on muscle size and quality is unstudied in weight bearing skeletal muscle, a key predictor of physical function. We aim to produce normative reference values of aerobic capacity and strength in individuals with GSD IIIa, and to investigate the role of muscle size and quality on exercise impairment. RESULTS: Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) was lower in the individuals with GSD IIIa than predicted based on demographic data (17.0 (9.0) ml/kg/min, 53 (24)% of predicted, p = 0.001). Knee extension maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) was also substantially lower than age matched predicted values (MVC: 146 (116) Nm, 57% predicted, p = 0.045), though no difference was found in MVC relative to body mass (1.88 (2.74) Nm/kg, 61% of predicted, p = 0.263). There was a strong association between aerobic capacity and maximal leg strength (r = 0.920; p = 0.003). Substantial inter-individual variation was present, with a high physical capacity group that had normal leg strength (MVC), and relatively high V̇O2peak, and a low physical capacity that display impaired strength and substantially lower V̇O2peak. The higher physical capacity sub-group were younger, had larger Vastus Lateralis (VL) muscles, greater muscle quality, undertook more physical activity (PA), and reported higher health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: V̇O2peak and knee extension strength are lower in individuals with GSD IIIa than predicted based on their demographic data. Patients with higher physical capacity have superior muscle size and structure characteristics and higher health-related quality of life, than those with lower physical capacity. This study provides normative values of these important markers of physical capacity.

Functional electrical stimulation to aid walking in patients with adrenomyeloneuropathy: A case study and observational series.

Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) is a rare inherited condition where affected individuals develop slowly progressive spastic paraparesis with a gradual decline in walking ability. There is no cure for AMN and treatment focuses on supportive measures and aids. One treatment option is functional electrical stimulation (FES), a treatment, approved by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), for managing foot drop in upper motor neuron disorders. Limited evidence exists for its use in AMN patients. We describe the effects of FES in an individual case and more broadly within a cohort of 21 patients successfully treated with FES. Patients with AMN referred for FES typically report frequent falls (71%) and foot drop (57%) as the most common barriers to walking. When using FES, walking speed at baseline (0.70 m/s [SD = 0.2]) was maintained at the 2-year review (0.68 m/s [SD = 0.2]) with a persistent orthotic effect (improvement in walking speed when device on vs. off) seen from wearing FES over the same 2-year period (11%-19%). Patient walking satisfaction (visual analogue scale: 0 - very dissatisfied; 10 - very satisfied) was also greater when comparing no-FES versus FES over the same period (Year 1: 2.5 vs. 7.7; Year 2: 2.1 vs. 6.1). FES is not effective in all patients. Twelve patients referred found no benefit from the device; although there was no clear evidence, this was related to the degree of AMN associated peripheral neuropathy. However, FES is a safe, cost-effective treatment option and should be considered, along with assessment in a multidisciplinary clinic, for all AMN patients with walking difficulties.

In-depth phenotyping for clinical stratification of Gaucher disease.

BACKGROUND: The Gaucher Investigative Therapy Evaluation is a national clinical cohort of 250 patients aged 5-87 years with Gaucher disease in the United Kingdom-an ultra-rare genetic disorder. To inform clinical decision-making and improve pathophysiological understanding, we characterized the course of Gaucher disease and explored the influence of costly innovative medication and other interventions. Retrospective and prospective clinical, laboratory and radiological information including molecular analysis of the GBA1 gene and comprising > 2500 variables were collected systematically into a relational database with banking of collated biological samples in a central bioresource. Data for deep phenotyping and life-quality evaluation, including skeletal, visceral, haematological and neurological manifestations were recorded for a median of 17.3 years; the skeletal and neurological manifestations are the main focus of this study. RESULTS: At baseline, 223 of the 250 patients were classified as type 1 Gaucher disease. Skeletal manifestations occurred in most patients in the cohort (131 of 201 specifically reported bone pain). Symptomatic osteonecrosis and fragility fractures occurred respectively in 76 and 37 of all 250 patients and the first osseous events occurred significantly earlier in those with neuronopathic disease. Intensive phenotyping in a subgroup of 40 patients originally considered to have only systemic features, revealed neurological involvement in 18: two had Parkinson disease and 16 had clinical signs compatible with neuronopathic Gaucher disease-indicating a greater than expected prevalence of neurological features. Analysis of longitudinal real-world data enabled Gaucher disease to be stratified with respect to advanced therapies and splenectomy. Splenectomy was associated with an increased hazard of fragility fractures, in addition to osteonecrosis and orthopaedic surgery; there were marked gender differences in fracture risk over time since splenectomy. Skeletal disease was a heavy burden of illness, especially where access to specific therapy was delayed and in patients requiring orthopaedic surgery. CONCLUSION: Gaucher disease has been explored using real-world data obtained in an era of therapeutic transformation. Introduction of advanced therapies and repeated longitudinal measures enabled this heterogeneous condition to be stratified into obvious clinical endotypes. The study reveals diverse and changing phenotypic manifestations with systemic, skeletal and neurological disease as inter-related sources of disability.