Fabry disease is a rare X-linked hereditary condition caused by mutations in the α-galactosidase A (GLA) gene, resulting in decreased α-GAL A enzyme activity. The clinical manifestations of Fabry disease are diverse, which leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment, thereby increasing the disease burden for patients and their families. Given its characteristics, multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) is critical for the long-term management of Fabry disease, and should include nephrology departments, cardiovascular departments, neurology departments, and pediatric department, among others. This study focuses on early screening for Fabry disease, the indication for initiating enzyme replacement therapy, pre-treatment evaluation, and monitoring to provide practical guidance for Chinese clinicians.
Child ; Humans ; Fabry Disease/drug therapy* ; alpha-Galactosidase/therapeutic use* ; Mutation ; Enzyme Replacement Therapy

Fabrazyme has been widely used for treatment of Fabry disease since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2003. This study was undertaken to assess the short-term efficacy and safety of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Fabry disease in Korea. Eight male patients and three female symptomatic carriers aged 13 to 48 yr were included. Fabrazyme was administered by intravenous infusion at a dose of 1 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Plasma and urine globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) levels, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and 24-hr urine protein levels were measured every 3 months. Kidney biopsies, ophthalmologic exams, and pure tone audiometry were performed before and 1 yr after ERT. Kidney function, including serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and the 24-hr urine protein level, remained stable during ERT. Plasma and urine GL-3 levels were reduced within 3 to 6 months of ERT initiation. Microvascular endothelial deposits of GL-3 were decreased from renal biopsy specimens after 1 yr of treatment. The severity of sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus did not improve after ERT. ERT is safe and effective in stabilizing renal function and clearing microvascular endothelial GL-3 from kidney biopsy specimen in Korean patients with Fabry disease.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Biopsy ; Creatinine/blood/urine ; Enzymes/*therapeutic use ; Fabry Disease/blood/ethnology/*therapy ; Female ; *Heterozygote ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Microcirculation ; Middle Aged ; Trihexosylceramides/blood ; alpha-Galactosidase/*therapeutic use

No abstract available.
Biopsy ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; *Diagnostic Errors ; Enzyme Replacement Therapy ; Fabry Disease/complications/*diagnosis/enzymology/genetics ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA/diagnosis/etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch/*diagnosis ; alpha-Galactosidase/genetics/therapeutic use