Two Cases of Fabry Disease in Women with Proteinuria Diagnosed by Molecular Analysis of the alpha-Galactosidase A Gene and Kidney Biopsy / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by alpha-galactosidase A deficiency, which results in the intracellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide and leads to severe painful neuropathy with progressive renal, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular dysfunction and early death. We report 52- and 55-year-old women with proteinuria and hematuria that were proven to be due to Fabry disease. A gene analysis using PCR direct sequencing confirmed a missense mutation of the GLA (alpha-galactosidase A) gene. Electron microscopy of a kidney biopsy showed lamella inclusion bodies, which are typical findings of Fabry disease. The patients were treated with enzyme replacement therapy as outpatients. They had a reduction in proteinuria and normal renal function.