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San Millán-Tejado B, Navarro C, Fernández-Martín J, Rivera A, Viéitez I, Teijeira S, Ortolano S. Morphological Hallmarks of Classical Fabry Disease: An Ultrastructural Study in a Large Spanish Family. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5689. [PMID: 37685755 PMCID: PMC10488914 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease (FD) is a rare lysosomal disorder caused by α-galactosidase A deficiency, and it leads to the systemic deposition of globotriasylceramide. Demonstrations of the storage material in biopsies support this diagnosis. We report a histological and ultrastructural study of biopsies that were performed on 11 individuals from a family with the variant p.Gln279Arg in GLA, which is associated with the classical phenotype of Fabry disease. Intralysosomal deposits were found in all biopsies, corresponding to the skin, kidney, and endomyocardium in both sexes and at different ages. In nine of the skin biopsies, deposits were analysed by immunofluorescence and quantified at the ultrastructural level. Then, the findings were compared according to sex, genotype, and treatment. The quantification of the deposits in the skin biopsies revealed a broader involvement in men than in women. A significant clearance of the deposits was observed in one case after treatment. Tissue involvement was remarkable at diagnosis in all individuals. The findings from the skin biopsies were demonstrative of classic FD, thus supporting the diagnosis; repeated biopsy analyses suggested the benefit of early treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz San Millán-Tejado
- Rare Disease and Pediatric Medicine Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), Servizo Galego de Saúde-Universidade de Vigo (SERGAS-UVIGO), 36312 Vigo, Spain; (J.F.-M.); (I.V.); (S.T.)
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Alvaro Cunqueiro, Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), 36213 Vigo, Spain;
- Molecular Medicine PhD Program, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Navarro
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Alvaro Cunqueiro, Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), 36213 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Julián Fernández-Martín
- Rare Disease and Pediatric Medicine Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), Servizo Galego de Saúde-Universidade de Vigo (SERGAS-UVIGO), 36312 Vigo, Spain; (J.F.-M.); (I.V.); (S.T.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Alvaro Cunqueiro, Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), 36213 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Alberto Rivera
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Alvaro Cunqueiro, Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), 36213 Vigo, Spain;
- Systemic Autoimmune Disease and Thrombose Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), Servizo Galego de Saúde-Universidade de Vigo (SERGAS-UVIGO), 36312 Vigo, Spain
| | - Irene Viéitez
- Rare Disease and Pediatric Medicine Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), Servizo Galego de Saúde-Universidade de Vigo (SERGAS-UVIGO), 36312 Vigo, Spain; (J.F.-M.); (I.V.); (S.T.)
| | - Susana Teijeira
- Rare Disease and Pediatric Medicine Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), Servizo Galego de Saúde-Universidade de Vigo (SERGAS-UVIGO), 36312 Vigo, Spain; (J.F.-M.); (I.V.); (S.T.)
| | - Saida Ortolano
- Rare Disease and Pediatric Medicine Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), Servizo Galego de Saúde-Universidade de Vigo (SERGAS-UVIGO), 36312 Vigo, Spain; (J.F.-M.); (I.V.); (S.T.)
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Burand AJ, Stucky CL. Fabry disease pain: patient and preclinical parallels. Pain 2021; 162:1305-1321. [PMID: 33259456 PMCID: PMC8054551 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Severe neuropathic pain is a hallmark of Fabry disease, a genetic disorder caused by a deficiency in lysosomal α-galactosidase A. Pain experienced by these patients significantly impacts their quality of life and ability to perform everyday tasks. Patients with Fabry disease suffer from peripheral neuropathy, sensory abnormalities, acute pain crises, and lifelong ongoing pain. Although treatment of pain through medication and enzyme replacement therapy exists, pain persists in many of these patients. Some has been learned in the past decades regarding clinical manifestations of pain in Fabry disease and the pathological effects of α-galactosidase A insufficiency in neurons. Still, it is unclear how pain and sensory abnormalities arise in patients with Fabry disease and how these can be targeted with therapeutics. Our knowledge is limited in part due to the lack of adequate preclinical models to study the disease. This review will detail the types of pain, sensory abnormalities, influence of demographics on pain, and current strategies to treat pain experienced by patients with Fabry disease. In addition, we discuss the current knowledge of Fabry pain pathogenesis and which aspects of the disease preclinical models accurately recapitulate. Understanding the commonalities and divergences between humans and preclinical models can be used to further interrogate mechanisms causing the pain and sensory abnormalities as well as advance development of the next generation of therapeutics to treat pain in patients with Fabry disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J. Burand
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, United States
| | - Cheryl L. Stucky
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, United States
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Quantification of sweat gland innervation in patients with Fabry disease: A case-control study. J Neurol Sci 2018; 390:135-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Franques J, Sahuc P, Dussol B, Penaranda G, Swiader L, Froissart R, Attarian S, Stavris C, Chiche L, Pouget J. Peripheral nerve involvement in Fabry's disease: Which investigations? A case series and review of the literature. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2017; 173:650-657. [PMID: 28579207 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peripheral nerve system (PNS) involvement is common in Fabry's disease (FD), predominantly affecting the small nerve fibers that are difficult to investigate with conventional electrophysiological methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eighteen patients followed for Fabry's disease underwent a prospective series of electroneurophysiological explorations, including a study of the cardiac parasympathetic autonomic nervous system (ANS) and electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) tests. Data were compared with those obtained in 18 matched healthy controls. RESULTS All patients had at least one clinical sign suggestive of neuropathy: 16 reported an acrosyndrome and 12 had dyshidrosis. Cold hypoesthesia was found in 15 patients and heat hypoesthesia in 13. Electroneurophysiological investigations and study of the cardiac parasympathetic ANS were normal in all patients. The ESC was significantly lower in FD patients compared with controls. CONCLUSION PNS involvement is common in FD and should be suspected in patients exhibiting an acrosyndrome, dyshidrosis and/or cold hypoesthesia. Conventional electrophysiological investigations are normal. New techniques, such as ESC, provide early diagnosis of small fiber involvement that currently requires more sophisticated tests difficult to apply in routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Franques
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires et de la SLA, CHU La Timone, AP-HM, 13005 Marseille, France; Hopital privé La Casamance, 13400 Aubagne, France; Service de médecine interne, hôpital européen, 6, rue Desiree-Clary, 13003 Marseille, France
| | - P Sahuc
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires et de la SLA, CHU La Timone, AP-HM, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - B Dussol
- Service de néphrologie, CHU La Timone, AP-HM, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - G Penaranda
- Service de médecine interne, hôpital européen, 6, rue Desiree-Clary, 13003 Marseille, France
| | - L Swiader
- Service de médecine interne, CHU La Timone, AP-HM, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - R Froissart
- Service des maladies héréditaires du métabolisme et dépistage néonatal, centre de biologie et pathologie Est, CHU de Lyon-GH Est, hospices civils, 69677 Bron, France
| | - S Attarian
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires et de la SLA, CHU La Timone, AP-HM, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - C Stavris
- Service de médecine interne, hôpital européen, 6, rue Desiree-Clary, 13003 Marseille, France
| | - L Chiche
- Service de médecine interne, hôpital européen, 6, rue Desiree-Clary, 13003 Marseille, France.
| | - J Pouget
- Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires et de la SLA, CHU La Timone, AP-HM, 13005 Marseille, France
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El-Abassi R, Singhal D, England JD. Fabry's disease. J Neurol Sci 2014; 344:5-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Fujita K, Hatta K. Acquired Generalized Anhidrosis: Review of the Literature and Report of a Case with Lymphocytic Hidradenitis and Sialadenitis Successfully Treated with Cyclosporine. Dermatology 2013; 227:270-7. [DOI: 10.1159/000355332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Subtle Changes in Cutaneous Nerves and Sural Nerve Biopsy in a Patient With Fabry's Disease. J Clin Neuromuscul Dis 2012; 7:19-24. [PMID: 19078777 DOI: 10.1097/01.cnd.0000172992.73676.c2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We report the clinical manifestations, and sural nerve and skin biopsy findings in a patient with Fabry's disease who had normal renal function. The patient had a typically painful neuropathy with an increase of sensory thresholds in quantitative sensory tests and a low level of serum alpha-galactosidase. Although the sural nerve biopsy revealed electron-dense bodies in the perineurial cells, normal axon and myelin structures and even the fiber density of large and small myelinated fibers were noted. However, the cutaneous nerve biopsy study showed early changes in the small-fiber neuropathy. The data indicate that a cutaneous nerve biopsy study can be an adjuvant diagnostic tool in some patients with Fabry's disease and a normal renal function.
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Bersano A, Lanfranconi S, Valcarenghi C, Bresolin N, Micieli G, Baron P. Neurological features of Fabry disease: clinical, pathophysiological aspects and therapy. Acta Neurol Scand 2012; 126:77-97. [PMID: 22428782 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2012.01661.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Fabry disease is a multisystem, X-linked, lysosomal storage disorder caused by a mutation in the GLA gene on chromosome Xq22 resulting in alpha-galactosidase A enzyme (α-Gal A) deficiency. Neurological manifestations other than cerebrovascular accidents include small fibre neuropathy and dysautonomic disorders, which may be the presenting clinical features in a proportion of patients. An atypical disease onset may be misdiagnosed until the emergence of a more typical clinical picture, characterized by chronic renal and cardiac failure. Thus, neurologists should consider Fabry disease in differential diagnosis and provide an appropriate diagnostic work up. This review focuses on central and peripheral nervous system involving available diagnostic tools and diagnostic work up in Fabry disease. It also covers the most recent evidence regarding enzyme replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Bersano
- Department of Emergency Neurology; IRCCS C. Mondino National Institute of Neurology Foundation; Pavia; Italy
| | - S. Lanfranconi
- Department of Neurological Sciences; Dino Ferrari Centre; IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Policlinico Mangiagalli and Regina Elena Foundation; University of Milan; Milan; Italy
| | - C. Valcarenghi
- Department of Neurological Sciences; Dino Ferrari Centre; IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Policlinico Mangiagalli and Regina Elena Foundation; University of Milan; Milan; Italy
| | - N. Bresolin
- Department of Neurological Sciences; Dino Ferrari Centre; IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Policlinico Mangiagalli and Regina Elena Foundation; University of Milan; Milan; Italy
| | - G. Micieli
- Department of Emergency Neurology; IRCCS C. Mondino National Institute of Neurology Foundation; Pavia; Italy
| | - P. Baron
- Department of Neurological Sciences; Dino Ferrari Centre; IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Policlinico Mangiagalli and Regina Elena Foundation; University of Milan; Milan; Italy
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Microneurographic evaluation of sympathetic activity in small fiber neuropathy. Clin Neurophysiol 2011; 122:1854-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2011.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Weidemann F, Sommer C, Duning T, Lanzl I, Möhrenschlager M, Naleschinski D, Arning K, Baron R, Niemann M, Breunig F, Schaefer R, Strotmann J, Wanner C. Department-related tasks and organ-targeted therapy in Fabry disease: an interdisciplinary challenge. Am J Med 2010; 123:658.e1-658.e10. [PMID: 20609689 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2009.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2009] [Revised: 12/18/2009] [Accepted: 12/25/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Fabry disease is a rare X-linked storage disorder leading to an accumulation of globotriaosylceramides in all cells carrying lysosomes. As the accumulation occurs in most organs, different medical specialties are involved in the diagnostics and therapy of Fabry disease. With this review of the 3 main specialties (cardiology, nephrology, and neurology) and, in addition, the adjacent specialties (ophthalmology and dermatology), we aim to discuss the division-related responsibilities and want to suggest an organ-related additional therapy besides enzyme replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Weidemann
- Department of Medicine, Würzburg University Medical Center, Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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Hoffmann B, Mayatepek E. Fabry disease-often seen, rarely diagnosed. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2009; 106:440-7. [PMID: 19623315 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2009.0440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2008] [Accepted: 12/18/2008] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data obtained from screened newborns and from persons at known risk for Fabry disease suggest that this condition is much more common in Germany than previously assumed. Its clinical manifestations are very diverse, and its differential diagnosis is correspondingly broad. Thus, there is often a delay before the diagnosis of Fabry disease is established. METHODS Selective literature search with special attention to studies of large groups of patients with respect to clinical manifestations, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment. RESULTS The number of patients carrying the diagnosis of Fabry disease in Germany lies far below what would be expected from published prevalence figures from other countries. Angiokeratoma, acroparesthesia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, impaired sweating and corneal opacification (cornea verticillata) are typical manifestations of Fabry disease; many patients also have other, nonspecific complaints, such as gastrointestinal disturbances. It has been clearly shown that women can manifest the entire range of clinical manifestations. Studies involving large groups of patients have improved our understanding of hearing impairment and tinnitus in Fabry disease. Therapeutic trials are currently in progress to determine whether enzyme substitution can delay the occurrence of life-threatening sequelae such as progressive renal failure and cerebrovascular events. CONCLUSIONS Fabry disease is still underdiagnosed. The average delay from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis is more than a decade. Treatment with human alpha-galactosidase A produced with genetic technology can improve most of the disease's manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Hoffmann
- Klinik für Allgemeine Pädiatrie, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Blain S, Mihailidis A, Chau T. Conscious control of electrodermal activity: the potential of mental exercises. CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS : ... ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2007; Suppl:6561-4. [PMID: 17959453 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2006.260875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Few practical methods of communicating with people who are locked-in currently exit. This study investigates conscious control of physiological signals, specifically electrodermal activity, to generate two distinguishable and reproducible states. These states can be translated into a binary signal to control a communication device for people who are locked in. Breathing rates, mental arithmetic and mental music were investigated as means of controlling electrodermal activity. Features extracted from the signals included mean, range and number of electrodermal reactions. For these of four subjects, at least one mental technique caused a reproducible, statistically significant the potential of using mental exercises to develop volitional control of electrodermal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Blain
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Mano T, Iwase S, Toma S. Microneurography as a tool in clinical neurophysiology to investigate peripheral neural traffic in humans. Clin Neurophysiol 2006; 117:2357-84. [PMID: 16904937 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2006.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2005] [Revised: 05/31/2006] [Accepted: 06/02/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Microneurography is a method using metal microelectrodes to investigate directly identified neural traffic in myelinated as well as unmyelinated efferent and afferent nerves leading to and coming from muscle and skin in human peripheral nerves in situ. The present paper reviews how this technique has been used in clinical neurophysiology to elucidate the neural mechanisms of autonomic regulation, motor control and sensory functions in humans under physiological and pathological conditions. Microneurography is particularly important to investigate efferent and afferent neural traffic in unmyelinated C fibers. The recording of efferent discharges in postganglionic sympathetic C efferent fibers innervating muscle and skin (muscle sympathetic nerve activity; MSNA and skin sympathetic nerve activity; SSNA) provides direct information about neural control of autonomic effector organs including blood vessels and sweat glands. Sympathetic microneurography has become a potent tool to reveal neural functions and dysfunctions concerning blood pressure control and thermoregulation. This recording has been used not only in wake conditions but also in sleep to investigate changes in sympathetic neural traffic during sleep and sleep-related events such as sleep apnea. The same recording was also successfully carried out by astronauts during spaceflight. Recordings of afferent discharges from muscle mechanoreceptors have been used to understand the mechanisms of motor control. Muscle spindle afferent information is particularly important for the control of fine precise movements. It may also play important roles to predict behavior outcomes during learning of a motor task. Recordings of discharges in myelinated afferent fibers from skin mechanoreceptors have provided not only objective information about mechanoreceptive cutaneous sensation but also the roles of these signals in fine motor control. Unmyelinated mechanoreceptive afferent discharges from hairy skin seem to be important to convey cutaneous sensation to the central structures related to emotion. Recordings of afferent discharges in thin myelinated and unmyelinated fibers from nociceptors in muscle and skin have been used to provide information concerning pain. Recordings of afferent discharges of different types of cutaneous C-nociceptors identified by marking method have become an important tool to reveal the neural mechanisms of cutaneous sensations such as an itch. No direct microneurographic evidence has been so far proved regarding the effects of sympathoexcitation on sensitization of muscle and skin sensory receptors at least in healthy humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadaaki Mano
- Gifu University of Medical Science, 795-1 Nagamine Ichihiraga, Seki, Gifu 501-3892, Japan.
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Jardim LB, Gomes I, Netto CBO, Nora DB, Matte US, Pereira F, Burin MG, Kalakun L, Giugliani R, Becker J. Improvement of sympathetic skin responses under enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2006; 29:653-9. [PMID: 16972173 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-006-0339-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2006] [Revised: 04/22/2006] [Accepted: 06/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To report the effect of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in sympathetic skin responses (SSR) of patients with Fabry disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seven male patients were included in an open-label protocol using agalsidase-alfa, continued at regular intervals. Five patients completed 24 months of ERT and two of them completed 18 months. Two main measurements were performed at baseline, as well as 1 and 2 years after ERT: (1) a standard neurological examination (NE), with a detailed evaluation of the sensory perception of light touch, pinprick, cold, hot, and vibratory stimuli; (2) the SSR amplitudes. RESULTS Although there were no significant differences between NE in this time period, all patients reported general improvement in their subjective reports of acroparaesthesia and sweating. Before starting ERT, the SSR amplitudes were either too small (3/7 patients) or absent (4/7 patients): the average (range) amplitude of 122 microV (0 through 492) was statistically smaller than that found in a control group, i.e. 1453.6 microV (619.7-2754) (p<0.0001, t-test). Mean +/- SD SSR amplitude increased to 1088+/- 690 microV in the second year of ERT, reaching the range found in a normal control group (p=0.004). CONCLUSION ERT improved SSR continuously in Fabry patients in 2 years of observation. Although the mechanism of the SSR improvement is unknown, this response to ERT can be clinically significant if it reflects a normalization in sweating.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Jardim
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Eng CM, Germain DP, Banikazemi M, Warnock DG, Wanner C, Hopkin RJ, Bultas J, Lee P, Sims K, Brodie SE, Pastores GM, Strotmann JM, Wilcox WR. Fabry disease: Guidelines for the evaluation and management of multi-organ system involvement. Genet Med 2006; 8:539-48. [PMID: 16980809 DOI: 10.1097/01.gim.0000237866.70357.c6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease is an X-linked metabolic storage disorder due to the deficiency of lysosomal alpha-galactosidase A, and the subsequent accumulation of glycosphingolipids, primarily globotriaosylceramide, throughout the body. Males with classical Fabry disease develop early symptoms including pain and hypohidrosis by the second decade of life reflecting disease progression in the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. An insidious cascade of disease processes ultimately results in severe renal, cardiac, and central nervous system complications in adulthood. The late complications are the main cause of late morbidity, as well as premature mortality. Disease presentation in female heterozygotes may be as severe as in males although women may also remain asymptomatic. The recent introduction of enzyme replacement therapy to address the underlying pathophysiology of Fabry disease has focused attention on the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation and management of the multi-organ system involvement. In anticipation of evidence-based recommendations, an international panel of physicians with expertise in Fabry disease has proposed guidelines for the recognition, evaluation, and surveillance of disease-associated morbidities, as well as therapeutic strategies, including enzyme replacement and other adjunctive therapies, to optimize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Eng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Abstract
Fabry's disease is a multisystem disorder that is commonly associated with a painful, debilitating neuropathy. The common coexistence of arthralgias and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate may lead to the misdiagnosis of a rheumatic condition. We report a 38-year-old man who was evaluated for progressive neuropathy and limb pain in the setting of longstanding arthralgias, presumed juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and past renal transplantation. Histopathologic assessment of nerve and muscle biopsy specimens led to the diagnosis of Fabry's disease, thus allowing the patient to receive enzyme replacement therapy that may slow progression and preserve the transplanted kidney.
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Thurberg BL, Randolph Byers H, Granter SR, Phelps RG, Gordon RE, O'Callaghan M. Monitoring the 3-year efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy in fabry disease by repeated skin biopsies. J Invest Dermatol 2004; 122:900-8. [PMID: 15102080 DOI: 10.1111/j.0022-202x.2004.22425.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The earliest clinical signs of Fabry disease often manifest as dermatologic disturbances such as angiokeratomata, hypohidrosis, acroparesthesias, and impaired thermal and vibration detection. These disturbances are caused by cellular globotriaosylceramide accumulation in the skin due to deficient lysosomal alpha-galactosidase A activity. In this histologic study, we analyzed pre- and post-treatment dermatologic biopsies from 58 Fabry patients enrolled in a 5 mo, Phase 3 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial followed by a 30 mo open label extension study of recombinant human alpha-galactosidase A (r-halphaGalA), administered i.v. at 1 mg per kg every 2 wk. Baseline evaluations revealed globotriaosylceramide in multiple dermal cell types (vascular endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, perineurium). Five months of r-halphaGalA treatment in the Phase 3 trial resulted in complete clearance of globotriaosylceramide from the superficial capillary endothelium in all treatment patients and in only 1 (3%) placebo patient (p<0.001). The placebo group achieved similar results after 6 mo of r-halphaGalA in the open label trial. The capillary endothelium remained free of globotriaosylceramide for up to 30 mo into the extension study among 39 of 40 (98%) patients who underwent biopsies. Globotriaosylceramide clearance from deep vascular endothelial cells was similarly robust. Vascular smooth muscle cells and perineurium demonstrated moderate clearance. These findings suggest that long-term treatment with r-halphaGalA may halt the progression of pathology and prevent the dermatologic disturbances in Fabry patients, and that periodic dermal biopsies can serve as a reliable monitor of sustained efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth L Thurberg
- Department of Pathology, Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts 01701-9322, USA.
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Schiffmann R, Floeter MK, Dambrosia JM, Gupta S, Moore DF, Sharabi Y, Khurana RK, Brady RO. Enzyme replacement therapy improves peripheral nerve and sweat function in Fabry disease. Muscle Nerve 2003; 28:703-10. [PMID: 14639584 DOI: 10.1002/mus.10497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder caused by a deficiency of lysosomal alpha-galactosidase A resulting in accumulation of alpha-D-galatosyl conjugated glycosphingolipids. Clinical manifestations include a small-fiber neuropathy associated with debilitating pain and hypohidrosis. We report the effect of a 3-year open-label extension of a previously reported 6-month placebo-controlled enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) trial in which 26 hemizygous patients with Fabry disease received 0.2 mg/kg of alpha-galactosidase A every 2 weeks. The effect of ERT on neuropathic pain scores while off pain medications, quantitative sensory testing, quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART), and thermoregulatory sweat test (TST) is reported. In the patients who crossed-over from placebo to ERT (n = 10), mean pain-at-its-worst scores on a 0-10 scale decreased (from 6.9 to 4.5). There was a significant reduction in the threshold for cold and warm sensation in the foot. At the 3-year time-point, pre-ERT sweat excretion in 17 Fabry patients was 0.24 +/- 0.33 microl/mm(2) vs. 1.05 +/- 0.81 in concurrent controls (n = 38). Sweat function improved 24-72 h post-enzyme infusion (0.57 +/- 0.71 microl/mm(2)) and normalized in four anhidrotic patients. TST confirmed the QSART results. We conclude that prolonged ERT in Fabry disease leads to a modest but significant improvement in the clinical manifestations of the small-fiber neuropathy associated with this disorder. QSART may be useful to further optimize the dose and frequency of ERT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Schiffmann
- Developmental and Metabolic Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 3D03, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-1260, USA.
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Gomes I, Nora DB, Becker J, Ehlers JAC, Schwartz IVD, Giugliani R, Ashton-Prolla P, Jardim L. Nerve conduction studies, electromyography and sympathetic skin response in Fabry's disease. J Neurol Sci 2003; 214:21-5. [PMID: 12972384 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-510x(03)00172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We prospectively performed neurophysiologic studies in nine Fabry's Disease (FD) patients (8 male and 1 female) in order to describe the results of nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) and to verify whether the sympathetic skin response (SSR) is impaired in these patients. The investigation protocol included SSR, sensory and motor NCS and EMG. SSR was performed not only in FD patients, but also in 18 normal controls. All FD patients had normal nerve conduction studies and electromyography. SSR was present in all controls with a mean amplitude of 1453.6+/-682.3 microV. However, the SSR was absent in six and lower than 500 microV in the remaining FD patients. All patients had normal sensory and motor NCS and EMG. SSR, on the other hand, was significantly altered in all patients and this test could, therefore, be useful in the diagnostic evaluation of FD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irenio Gomes
- Neurology Services, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Schiffmann R, Scott LJC. Pathophysiology and assessment of neuropathic pain in Fabry disease. ACTA PAEDIATRICA (OSLO, NORWAY : 1992). SUPPLEMENT 2003; 91:48-52. [PMID: 12572843 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2002.tb03110.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Severe neuropathic pain and hypohidrosis are important symptoms of Fabry disease, particularly in the first three decades of life. The pain is associated with a length-dependent small-fibre neuropathy that also causes a selective deficiency of cold perception. Cold exposure often accentuates the pain and worsens thermal perception. The hypohidrosis leads to poor exercise and heat tolerance. The mechanisms by which alpha-galactosidase A deficiency causes these physiological abnormalities are poorly understood. The stored glycolipid (globotriaosylceramide) may interfere with the function of cellular membrane proteins, such as ion channels, or may lead to cytotoxicity. The characteristic neuropathic pain can be symptomatically treated with various types of anticonvulsant drugs, such as carbamazepine. Improvement in neuropathic pain as a primary outcome measure has been useful in demonstrating that enzyme replacement therapy is effective in improving pain-related quality of life in Fabry disease. CONCLUSIONS The dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system is easily assessable and more readily reversible with specific therapy than the destructive processes that occur in organs such as the kidney. In future, therefore, it is likely that neuropathic pain, quantitative sensory testing and hypohidrosis will serve as clinical outcome measures for studies of specific and effective therapies for Fabry disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Schiffmann
- Developmental and Metabolic Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1260, USA.
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Luciano CA, Russell JW, Banerjee TK, Quirk JM, Scott LJC, Dambrosia JM, Barton NW, Schiffmann R. Physiological characterization of neuropathy in Fabry's disease. Muscle Nerve 2002; 26:622-9. [PMID: 12402283 DOI: 10.1002/mus.10236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Fabry's disease is commonly associated with a painful, debilitating neuropathy. Characterization of the physiological abnormalities is an important step in evaluating response to specific therapies. Twenty-two patients with Fabry's disease, and with relatively preserved renal function, underwent conventional and near-nerve conduction studies, electromyography, sympathetic skin responses, and quantitative sensory testing (QST). Nerve conduction studies were mostly normal except for an increased frequency of median nerve entrapment at the wrist in 6 (27%) patients. Sympathetic skin responses were preserved in 19 of 20 (95%) of the patients. The QST showed increased or immeasurable cold and warm detection thresholds in patients, significantly different from controls (n = 28) in the hand (P < 0.001, P = 0.04, respectively) and foot (P < 0.001 for both). Cold thresholds were more often abnormal than were warm thresholds. Vibration thresholds were normal in the feet and, in some patients, elevated in the hand only, probably due to frequent median nerve entrapment at the wrist. Our findings suggest that the neuropathy of Fabry's disease is characterized by an increased prevalence of median nerve entrapment at the wrist and by thermal afferent fiber dysfunction in a length-dependent fashion, with greater impairment of cold than warm sensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Luciano
- Electromyography Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 10, Rm 3D03, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1260, USA.
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