Baseline Characteristics of Fabry Disease "Amenable" Migalastat Patients in Argentinian Cohort.

Fabry disease (FD) is a multisystem lysosomal storage disorder induced by genetic variants in the alpha-galactosidase A (αGalA) gene. Some FD patients have GLA variants with a reduction in overall αGalA enzymatic activity due to mutated proteins with reduced stability, caused by protein misfolding and premature degradation, but the αGalA catalytic activity remains conserved ("amenable" genetic variants). To correct this misfolding and to prevent premature degradation, migalastat, a small iminosugar molecule was developed. We report the clinical characteristics of FD "amenable" cohort patients from Argentina, prior to starting treatment with migalastat. Seventeen Fabry adult patients were recruited from 13 Argentinian Centers; 8 males (47.1%) and 9 females (52.9%) were included. All genotypes included were missense-type "amenables" mutations. Some classic FD typical early manifestations were more frequent in patients with "classic" versus "late-onset" FD phenotype (pain, p=0.002; cornea verticillata, p=0.019). There was a statistically significant difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate in the "classic" versus "late-onset" phenotype (p=0.026) but no difference between genders (p=0.695). Left ventricular mass was similar between genders (p=0.145) and phenotypes (p=0.303). Cardiovascular risk factors were present among "late-onset" females (obesity 50% and smoke 25%). In patients who started "de novo" migalastat, the main indications were (i) heart disease, (ii) kidney damage, and (iii) pain, while in "switched from prior enzyme replacement therapy" patients, the most frequent indication was "patient decision;" this coincides with publications by other authors.

Migalastat como monoterapia oral para la enfermedad de Fabry

Contexto: la enfermedad de Fabry es una patología de depósito lisosomal poco frecuente, ligada al cromosoma X y causada por la deficiencia o ausencia de la enzima α-galactosidasa-A. La nefropatía, junto con la cardiopatía y el compromiso neurológico de la enfermedad, conduce a una muerte prematura. Objetivo: esta revisión describe la monoterapia oral con migalastat en pacientes con enfermedad de Fabry y mutaciones "amenables". Metodología: una chaperona farmacológica oral denominada migalastat (Galafold®), estabiliza y favorece el pasaje de formas mutadas "amenables" de la enzima hacia los lisosomas, aumentando así su actividad. Resultados: los estudios de fase III Facets y Attract demostraron seguridad y eficacia en comparación con las terapias de reemplazo enzimático disponibles, alcanzando estabilización de la función renal, reducción de la masa ventricular izquierda y estabilización del biomarcador plasmático Lyso-Gb3. Conclusiones: migalastat fue generalmente bien tolerado en ambos estudios. Publicaciones posteriores de extensión evidenciaron resultados similares, confirmando la seguridad y la eficacia, tanto en pacientes que previamente se encontraban con terapia de reemplazo enzimático y han sido rotados a migalastat, como también en pacientes que han iniciado migalastat como primer tratamiento.

Background: Fabry disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder, linked to the X chromosome, and caused by the deficiency or absence of the enzyme α-galactosidase-A. Nephropathy together with heart disease and neurological involvement lead to premature death. Purpose: This review describes oral migalastat monotherapy in patients with Fabry disease and "amenable" mutations. Methodology: An oral pharmacological chaperone called Migalastat (Galafold®), stabilizes and facilitates the trafficking of "amenable" mutated forms of the enzyme to the lysosomes, thus increasing its activity. Results: The phase III FACETS and ATTRACT studies have demonstrated safety and efficacy compared to available enzyme replacement therapies; achieving renal function stabilization, reduction of left ventricular mass and maintenance of plasmatic Lyso-Gb3 levels. Conclusions: Migalastat was generally well tolerated in both trials. Subsequent extension publications showed similar results, confirming the safety and efficacy both in patients who were previously on enzyme replacement therapy and have been switched to migalastat, as well as in patients who have started migalastat as their first treatment.

Fabry Disease: Switch from Enzyme Replacement Therapy to Oral Chaperone Migalastat: What Do We Know Today?

Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of the α-galactosidase-A enzyme. The result is the progressive accumulation of complex glycosphingolipids and cellular dysfunction. Cardiac, renal, and neurological involvement significantly reduces life expectancy. Currently, there is increasing evidence that clinical response to treatment improves with early and timely initiation. Until a few years ago, treatment options for Fabry disease were limited to enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alfa or beta administered by intravenous infusion every 2 weeks. Migalastat (Galafold®) is an oral pharmacological chaperone that increases the enzyme activity of "amenable" mutations. The safety and efficacy of migalastat were supported in the phase III FACETS and ATTRACT studies, compared to available enzyme replacement therapies, showing a reduction in left ventricular mass, and stabilization of kidney function and plasma Lyso-Gb3. Similar results were confirmed in subsequent extension publications, both in patients who started migalastat as their first treatment and in patients who were previously on enzyme replacement therapy and switched to migalastat. In this review we describe the safety and efficacy of switching from enzyme replacement therapy to migalastat in patients with Fabry disease and "amenable" mutations, referring to publications available to date.

Direct Correlation between Age at Diagnosis and Severity of Nephropathy in Fabry Disease Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Nephropathy is one of the major complications of Fabry disease and mainly includes reduced glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria. Affected patients show different degrees of annual loss of renal function according to the magnitude of proteinuria and decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the baseline. OBJETIVE: To analyze the relationship between age at diagnosis and severity of nephropathy in a Fabry disease population. METHODS: Cross-sectional design with retrospective data collection. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were studied with mean age of 26.26 ± 16.48 years and 30 men (41.6%). Twenty-seven paediatric patients and 45 adults were included. Thirteen genotypes were found: E398X, L415P, c886A>G, L106R, c.680G>A, A292T, c. 448.delG, R363H, C382Y, R301Q, D109G, del 3 and 4 exons, W81X, all pathogenic mutations of GLA gene. The mean eGFR in paediatric population was 115.81 ± 20.87 ml/min/1.73 m2 and in adults was 80.63 ± 42.22 ml/min/1.73 m2. The Pearson's bilateral correlation coefficient test (value = -0.462) between the age at diagnosis and eGFR indicates inverse correlation between both variables with a strong statistical significance (P = < 0.01). Spearman's bilateral correlation coefficient (value = +0.385) between the variables at diagnosis and the degree of proteinuria indicates direct correlation between both variables with a strong statistical significance (P = <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of Fabry disease patients at a younger age could be a key to improve the nephropathy prognosis and allow early and effective interventions.

Variables Associated with a Urinary MicroRNAs Excretion Profile Indicative of Renal Fibrosis in Fabry Disease Patients.

INTRODUCTION: In advanced Fabry nephropathy stages, enzyme replacement theraphy (ERT) efficacy decreases, due to its impossibility to reverse renal fibrosis. Therefore, the finding of early kidney fibrosis biomarkers in affected patients is of interest. During renal fibrosis miR-21, miR-192 and miR-433 (fibrosis promotors) are activated by transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), and miR-29 and miR-200 family (fibrosis supressors) are inhibited by TGF-ß. The aim of this study is to analyze the probability that Fabry disease (FD) patients with some clinical variables can present an urinary microRNAs excretion profile indicative of renal fibrosis through a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A population of 34 participants was included: 24 FD patients and 10 controls. 16/24 (66.66%) FD patients presented microRNAs urinary excretion profile indicative of renal fibrosis. This profile was observed by decrease of fibrosis suppresors miR-29 and miR-200 and not by increase of fibrosis promotors miR-21, miR192, and miR-433. Hypohidrosis, angiokeratomas, neuropathic pain, hearing loss, cardiac involvement, male gender, reduced αGalA activity, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors treatment are associated with the appearance of amicroRNAs urinary excretion profile indicative of renal fibrosis. A probable beneficial effect on urinary microRNAs excretion profile was observed in patients receiving ERT with agalsidase beta. The correlation between parameters of renal function with each family of microRNAs was studied. The only association with statistical significance was found between miR-21 and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (p =0.021). CONCLUSIONS: A probable microRNAs regulation not mediated by TGF-ß should be considered or TGF-ß has a different effect in FD than in other nephropathies on microRNAs regulation. Typical clinical manifestations of classic FD are associated with appearance of urinary microRNAs profile indicative of renal fibrosis. FD patients express renal fibrosis biomarkers in urine prior to onset of pathological albuminuria. A direct correlation between urinary miR-21 and degree of albuminuria was observed.

Enfermedad vascular en pacientes varones con enfermedad de Fabry en hemodiálisis: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en Argentina / Vascular disease in male patients with Fabry disease on hemodialysis: a retrospective cohort study in Argentina

Introducción: Los eventos vasculares (EV) tanto cardiovasculares (ECV) como cerebrovasculares (ACV) son la principal causa de muerte en pacientes con enfermedad de Fabry (EF). El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la aparición de EV en pacientes con EF y enfermedad renal crónica terminal (ERCT) en hemodiálisis durante el seguimiento. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo realizado en tres centros de Argentina entre enero de 2010 y enero de 2017. Se incluyeron pacientes con EF y ERT en hemodiálisis. Se recopiló información sobre aspectos demográficos, clínicos y EV. Resultados: Se incluyeron ocho pacientes varones adultos (40 ± 4.2 años) con ERCT en hemodiálisis (tiempo medio en diálisis 39.1 ± 20.6 meses), con un tiempo medio de seguimiento de 55 ± 12 meses. Cinco pacientes recibieron terapia de reemplazo enzimático durante el seguimiento. Cuatro pacientes (50%) tuvieron EV durante el seguimiento. En tres de ellos el evento cardiovascular fue fatal. El tiempo medio desde el ingreso a diálisis hasta la aparición del EV fue de 38 ± 8 meses. Conclusión: 50% de los pacientes con EF y ERCT presentaron un EV en un tiempo medio de 38 meses aproximadamente desde su ingreso en diálisis

Introduction: Vascular events (VE), both cardiovascular (CVD) and cerebrovascular (CVA), are the main cause of death in patients with Fabry disease (FD). The aim of this study was to describe the occurrence of VE in patients with FD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis during follow-up. Methods: a retrospective, cohort study was carried out at three centers in Argentina between January 2010 and January 2017. Hemodialysis patients with FD and ESRD were included. Information was collected regarding demographic, clinical and VE aspects. Results: Eight adult (40 ± 4.2 year-old) male patients with ESRD on hemodialysis (mean time on dialysis: 39.1 ± 20.6 months) were included; the mean follow-up time was 55 ± 12 months. Five patients received enzyme replacement therapy during follow-up. Four patients (50%) had VE during follow-up. In three of them the cardiovascular event was fatal. The mean time from admission to dialysis until the onset of VE was 38 ± 8 months. Conclusion: 50% of the patients with FD and ESRD presented a VE in a mean time of approximately 38 months since their admission to dialysis

Nefropatía por enfermedad de Fabry. Rol del nefrólogo y variables clínicas asociadas al diagnóstico / No disponible

ANTECEDENTES: La detección temprana de la nefropatía por enfermedad de Fabry es de interés, pues su tratamiento es más eficaz en estadios precoces. Ha sido estudiada por biomarcadores moleculares y tisulares, pero estos poseen desventajas que dificultan su uso rutinario. El propósito del presente trabajo es describir el rol del nefrólogo en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad y las variables clínicas asociadas a nefropatía en pacientes afectados. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes de tres centros de referencia de Argentina. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 72 pacientes (26,26 ± 16,48 años): 30 (41,6%) varones y 42 (58,4%) mujeres; 27 pediátricos y 45 adultos. Se detectaron 14 "casos índice", el 50% diagnosticados por nefrólogos. Se halló nefropatía en 44 pacientes (61%): 6 pediátricos y 38 adultos. Dos tipos de variables clínicas se asociaron a nefropatía: a)compromiso del sistema nervioso periférico (p ≤ 0,001), angioqueratomas (p ≤ 0,001) y compromiso auditivo (p = 0,01-0,001), siendo estas manifestaciones clínicas tempranas del fenotipo más severo de la enfermedad, y b)cardiopatía estructural (p = 0,01-0,001) y compromiso del sistema nervioso central (p = 0,05-0,01), que son complicaciones mayores y tardías, responsables de la morbimortalidad aumentada y la menor expectativa de vida. CONCLUSIÓN: El nefrólogo cumple un rol importante en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Fabry, ya que aunque la detección de esta por su compromiso renal significaría diagnóstico tardío, debido a que la nefropatía se asocia a complicaciones tardías del fenotipo más severo de la enfermedad

BACKGROUND: The early detection of Fabry nephropathy is of interest to us. Its treatment is more effective in early stages. It has been studied by analysing molecular and tissue biomarkers. These have certain disadvantages that hinder its routine use. The aim of this study is to describe the role of the nephrologist in the diagnosis of the disease, and to describe the clinical variables associated with nephropathy in affected patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Patients were included from three reference centres in Argentina. RESULTS: Seventy two patients were studied (26.26 ± 16.48 years): 30 of which (41.6%) were men and 42 of which (58.4%) were women; 27 paediatric patients and 45 adults. Fourteen "index cases" were detected, 50% of which were diagnosed by nephrologists. Nephropathy was found in 44 patients (61%): 6 paediatric patients and 38 adults. Two types of clinical variables were associated with nephropathy: (I)peripheral nervous system compromise (P ≤ .001), angiokeratomas (P ≤. 001) and auditory compromise (P = .01-.001), with these being early clinical manifestations of the most severe disease phenotype, and (II)structural heart disease (P = .01-.001) and central nervous system compromise (P =.05-.01), which are major and late complications, responsible for increased morbidity and mortality and lower life expectancy. CONCLUSION: The nephrologist plays an important role in the diagnosis of Fabry nephropathy, although the detection thereof owing to its renal involvement would represent a late diagnosis, because nephropathy is associated with late complications of the most severe disease phenotype

Fabry nephropathy. Role of nephrologist and clinical variables associated with the diagnosis. / Nefropatía por enfermedad de Fabry. Rol del nefrólogo y variables clínicas asociadas al diagnóstico.

BACKGROUND: The early detection of Fabry nephropathy is of interest to us. Its treatment is more effective in early stages. It has been studied by analysing molecular and tissue biomarkers. These have certain disadvantages that hinder its routine use. The aim of this study is to describe the role of the nephrologist in the diagnosis of the disease, and to describe the clinical variables associated with nephropathy in affected patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Patients were included from three reference centres in Argentina. RESULTS: Seventy two patients were studied (26.26±16.48years): 30 of which (41.6%) were men and 42 of which (58.4%) were women; 27 paediatric patients and 45 adults. Fourteen "index cases" were detected, 50% of which were diagnosed by nephrologists. Nephropathy was found in 44 patients (61%): 6 paediatric patients and 38 adults. Two types of clinical variables were associated with nephropathy: (i)peripheral nervous system compromise (P≤.001), angiokeratomas (P≤.001) and auditory compromise (P=.01-.001), with these being early clinical manifestations of the most severe disease phenotype, and (ii)structural heart disease (P=.01-.001) and central nervous system compromise (P=.05-.01), which are major and late complications, responsible for increased morbidity and mortality and lower life expectancy. CONCLUSION: The nephrologist plays an important role in the diagnosis of Fabry nephropathy, although the detection thereof owing to its renal involvement would represent a late diagnosis, because nephropathy is associated with late complications of the most severe disease phenotype.

Fabry disease. A potential pitfall A family with a novel intronic mutation.

Fabry disease is a genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide in cell lysosomes resulting from an X-linked deficiency of α-galactosidase A activity. It presents with multiorgan manifestations, including progressive renal disease, cardiomyopathy and premature demise. Recently, its prevalence has been reported to be higher in hemodialysis (HD) patients than in the general population. We report two cases of homozygous patients with an intronic alpha-galactosidase gene mutation and a classic phenotype of the disease. One of the patients had a kidney transplant and the donor was his brother, before Fabry disease were diagnose.

Clinical parameters, LysoGb3, podocyturia, and kidney biopsy in children with Fabry disease: is a correlation possible?

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by α-galactosidase enzyme deficiency. We present clinical, biochemical, and histologic findings in children with classical phenotypic presentation of Fabry disease. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed using charts from 14 children with confirmed diagnosis. Clinical parameters were evaluated. Globotriaosylsphingosine -lysoGb3- detection in plasma, podocyturia, and kidney biopsy were carried out in all cases. RESULTS: All patients except one demonstrated at least one symptom of Fabry disease. LysoGb3 levels were above the normal range in all patients. Podocyturia was documented in all patients. Kidney biopsy revealed glomerular, interstitial, vascular, and tubular changes on light microscopy in nearly all patients. Electron microscopy showed podocyte inclusions in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: No difference in symptomatology was discernible between boys and girls. Podocyturia was detectable in children serving as a possible early marker of kidney injury. LysoGb3 was elevated in all cases, emphasizing the importance for diagnosis especially in female patients with normal αGal A activity. A possible association between lysoGb3 and symptom severity and histological involvement in kidney biopsy should be assessed in prospective studies with enough statistical power to determine if lysoGb3 can be used to predict nephropathy in children with Fabry disease.

Major Organic Involvement in Women with Fabry Disease in Argentina.

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder resulting from the deficiency or absence of the alpha galactosidase A enzyme. Organic involvement in men is well known, but in women it is controversial, partly due to the random X-chromosomes inactivation (Lyon hypothesis). The aim of this study was to describe the organic involvement in women at the time of FD diagnosis. A descriptive, cross-sectional and multicenter study was carried out. Thirty-five women with FD from three reference centers in Argentina were evaluated. The mean age of the whole group (n = 35) was 26.6 ± 16.9 years; 22 were adult (over 18) and 13 were paediatric patients. Enzymatic activity was performed in 29/35 patients, which was normal in 24/29 (82.8%). Seven different mutations of the GLA gene were found. The results showed urinary protein loss (45.7%) and decreased glomerular filtration rate (31.4%), mainly in adults. And also, cornea verticillata (56.5%), peripheral neuropathy (51.4%), cardiovascular manifestations (31.4%), hearing loss (20%), angiokeratomas (20%), central nervous system (17.1%), and gastrointestinal involvement (14.3%). Organic compromise in females with FD may be as severe as in men. This analysis has demonstrated a significant proportion of women with signs, symptoms, and major organic involvement at FD diagnosis.

Early Renal Involvement in a Girl with Classic Fabry Disease.

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder resulting from the deficiency or absence of the enzyme alpha galactosidase A; this defect leads to the systemic accumulation of globotriaosylceramide and its metabolites. Organic involvement in men is well known, but in women it is controversial, mainly due to the random X-chromosome inactivation in each of their cells (Lyon hypothesis). This would explain why women (heterozygotes) present a wide variability in the severity of their phenotype. The manifestations are multisystemic and begin in early childhood, reaching a severe compromise in adulthood. Typical acroparesthesia in hands and feet, gastrointestinal symptoms, angiokeratomas, dyshidrosis, hearing loss, arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cerebrovascular accidents, and renal failure can be observed. Nephropathy is one of the major complications of Fabry disease. Glomerular and vascular changes are present before progression to overt proteinuria and decreased glomerular filtration rate, even in pediatric patients. A case of incipient renal involvement in a girl with classic Fabry disease is reported.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in fabry disease patients: Multicenter cross sectional study in Argentina.

Nephropathy is one of the major complications of Fabry Disease (FD) and mainly includes reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and proteinuria. Despite the frequency, scarce information exists regarding the frequency of CKD as well as other related complications in FD patients in Argentina. The aim of the study was to measure the prevalence of CKD at diagnosis of FD as well as to describe other related conditions in a large cohort of patients with FD. Methods: a cross-sectional study performed in three FD centers of Argentina during January 2014 and January 2016. Information at diagnosis regarding patient demographics, disease characteristics, key laboratory values, and renal, cardiac, cerebrovascular diseases and other related complications were collected. Results: A total of 60 patients were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 25.5 ± 16 years. 42% of included patients presented CKD in which the disease was mild (GFR ≥ 60 and < 90) in 60% (n = 15), moderate (GFR ≥ 30 and < 60) in 16% (n = 4), severe (GFR ≥ 15 and < 30) in 4% (n = 1) and failure (GFR < 15) in 20% (n = 5). Arrhythmias were reported for 13.3% of patients. In 33.3% the echocardiographic evaluation demonstrated left ventricular hypertrophy and peripheral neuropathy in 63.3%. Conclusion: This study presents information regarding the prevalence of CKD in a large cohort of FD patients at the moment of diagnosis in Argentina. Future studies will help us to confirm these initial findings.

Fabry disease: Four case reports of meningioma and a review of the literature on other malignancies.

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by loss of function mutations in the GLA gene at Xq22 with subsequent functional deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A, resulting in the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GL-3 or Gb3) in multiple cells types throughout the body. As with other rare metabolic disorders, little is known about the incidence of malignancies in these populations and the relationship to the underlying disease, if any. We report the occurrence of meningioma in four female patients with Fabry disease. Two of the cases are from the same family and shared the same GLA mutation. All four patients underwent surgical excision of their tumor. High resolution light microscopy and electron microscopy examination of one case revealed extensive involvement of tumor cells and associated blood vessels by GL-3 accumulation. Because of the small number of Fabry-associated cancer cases reported in the literature, questions about a possible link between lysosomal storage disorders and the development of malignancy remain open.