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Adams DR, van Karnebeek CDM, Agulló SB, Faùndes V, Jamuar SS, Lynch SA, Pintos-Morell G, Puri RD, Shai R, Steward CA, Tumiene B, Verloes A. Addressing diagnostic gaps and priorities of the global rare diseases community: Recommendations from the IRDiRC diagnostics scientific committee. Eur J Med Genet 2024; 70:104951. [PMID: 38848991 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2024.104951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC) Diagnostic Scientific Committee (DSC) is charged with discussion and contribution to progress on diagnostic aspects of the IRDiRC core mission. Specifically, IRDiRC goals include timely diagnosis, use of globally coordinated diagnostic pipelines, and assessing the impact of rare diseases on affected individuals. As part of this mission, the DSC endeavored to create a list of research priorities to achieve these goals. We present a discussion of those priorities along with aspects of current, global rare disease needs and opportunities that support our prioritization. In support of this discussion, we also provide clinical vignettes illustrating real-world examples of diagnostic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Adams
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA.
| | - Clara D M van Karnebeek
- Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam Gastro-enterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, the Netherlands
| | - Sergi Beltran Agulló
- Centre Nacional d'Anàlisi Genòmica (CNAG), Spain; Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Spain
| | - Víctor Faùndes
- Laboratorio de Genética y Enfermedades Metabólicas, Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Chile, Chile
| | - Saumya Shekhar Jamuar
- Genetics Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital and Paediatrics ACP, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singhealth Duke-NUS Institute of Precision Medicine, Singapore
| | | | - Guillem Pintos-Morell
- Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital, Spain; MPS-Spain Patient Advocacy Organization, Spain
| | - Ratna Dua Puri
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, India
| | - Ruty Shai
- Pediatric Cancer Molecular Lab, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | | | - Biruté Tumiene
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Lithuania
| | - Alain Verloes
- Département de Génétique, CHU Paris - Hôpital Robert Debré, France
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Feng J, Gao Z, Shi Z, Wang Y, Li S. Patient-reported outcomes in Gaucher's disease: a systematic review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:244. [PMID: 37626429 PMCID: PMC10463869 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02844-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gaucher's disease (GD), a rare condition, represents the most common lysosomal storage disorder. The cardinal manifestations of GD are fatigue, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia, bone pain, and bone infarction, thereby culminating in a marked deterioration of patients' quality of life (QoL). Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) offer valuable insights into the impact of GD on patients' QoL and symptoms. This systematic review aimed to identify and analyze PROs and outcome measures in GD patients. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science Core Collections, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Wan Fang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using a mixed methods assessment tool. RESULTS A total of 33 studies were identified, encompassing 24 distinct patient-reported outcome instruments, with the most frequently employed instrument being the SF-36. The study designs included eighteen cross-sectional studies, seven pre- and post-intervention investigations, three randomized controlled trials, two cohort studies, two qualitative inquiries, and one validation study. These studies explored diverse domains such as the QoL and cardinal symptoms (e.g., fatigue, pain, bleeding, cognition, social relationships, and psychological functioning) in patients with GD. Furthermore, significant attention was directed towards the appraisal of the therapeutic benefits of various interventions in patients with GD. A novel GD-specific instrument has also been developed, which has two applied versions: a 24-item variant for routine clinical monitoring and a 17-item form for use in clinical trials. CONCLUSION PROs have garnered increased attention and concern in the realm of GD. Despite this progress, it is noteworthy that the instruments used to measure PROs in GD are still predominantly generic instruments. While researchers have endeavored to develop and validate a disease-specific instrument, currently the use of this instrument is limited. Owing to several challenges, including the small number of patients, heterogeneity of the disease, and cross-regional discrepancies in study findings, GD poses substantial difficulties in the measurement of QoL and development of instruments. Consequently, patients with GD require more dependable measurement instruments that accurately reflect their QoL, efficacy of treatment, and facilitate healthcare decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchao Feng
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, 250012, China
- Center for Health Preference Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zhongchun Gao
- Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, 266011, China
| | - Zhao Shi
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, 250012, China
- Center for Health Preference Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, 250012, China
- Center for Health Preference Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shunping Li
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, 250012, China.
- Center for Health Preference Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
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Collin-Histed T, Stoodley M, Beusterien K, Elstein D, Jaffe DH, Revel-Vilk S, Davies EH. A global neuronopathic gaucher disease registry (GARDIAN): a patient-led initiative. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:195. [PMID: 37480076 PMCID: PMC10360308 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02828-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. GD types 2 and 3 are known as neuronopathic Gaucher disease (nGD) because they have brain involvement that progresses over time. Implementing a systematic approach to the collection of real-world clinical and patient-relevant outcomes data in nGD presents an opportunity to fill critical knowledge gaps and ultimately help healthcare providers in the management of this patient population. This paper summarizes the development of a patient-initiated Gaucher Registry for Development Innovation and Analysis of Neuronopathic Disease (GARDIAN). METHODS The International Gaucher Alliance led the GARDIAN planning, including governance, scope, stakeholder involvement, platform, and reporting. Registry element input was determined in a series of meetings with clinical experts, patients, and caregivers, who identified key clinical variables and the draft content of nGD patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and observer-reported outcomes (ObsRO) focusing on symptoms, patient physical and emotional functioning. These were then tested in cognitive interviews with patients with nGD (> 12 years of age) and caregivers. RESULTS Core registry data elements (n = 138) were identified by seven global clinical experts from Egypt, Germany, Israel, Japan, United Kingdom (UK), and United State (US) and reviewed via online Delphi method by 14 additional clinicians with experience of nGD from six countries and three pharmaceutical representatives. The elements were consistent with those identified via interviews with 10 patients/caregivers with nGD from Japan, Sweden, UK, and US. Key domains identified were demographics, diagnostic information, health status, clinical symptomatology, laboratory testing, treatment, healthcare resource utilization, aids/home improvements, and patient/caregiver burden and quality of life, specifically physical functioning, self-care, daily and social activities, emotional impacts, support services, and caregiver-specific impacts. Nine caregivers and six patients from the US, UK, China, Mexico, Egypt, and Japan participated in the cognitive interviews that informed revisions to ensure that all items are understandable and interpreted as intended. CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive set of clinical and patient relevant outcomes data, developed collaboratively among all stakeholders, to be reported using GARDIAN will bridge the many gaps in the understanding of nGD and align with regulatory frameworks on real-world data needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Collin-Histed
- International Gaucher Alliance (IGA), 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE, UK.
- International Gaucher Alliance, 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE, UK.
| | - Madeline Stoodley
- International Gaucher Alliance (IGA), 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE, UK
| | - Kathleen Beusterien
- Cerner Enviza, an Oracle Company, 51 Valley Stream Pkwy, Malvern, PA, 19355, USA
| | | | - Dena H Jaffe
- Cerner Enviza, an Oracle Company, 51 Valley Stream Pkwy, Malvern, PA, 19355, USA
| | - Shoshana Revel-Vilk
- Gaucher Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elin Haf Davies
- Aparito, 11-12 Gwenfro Technology Park, Croesnewydd Road, Wrexham, UK
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Koto Y, Narita A, Noto S, Ono M, Hamada AL, Sakai N. Qualitative analysis of patient interviews on the burden of neuronopathic Gaucher disease in Japan. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:280. [PMID: 35854314 PMCID: PMC9295096 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02429-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare, autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder that adversely affects life expectancy and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Although HRQOL questionnaires are available for type 1 GD, they are not suitable for patients with the neuronopathic types 2 and 3 GD who have neurological symptoms that develop during early childhood or adolescence. Here we report the development of a language-validated HRQOL questionnaire specifically for patients with neuronopathic types 2 and 3 GD in Japan, which is the first step toward HRQOL questionnaire provision for all types of GD in the future. METHODS In February and March 2021, semi-structured interviews were conducted by the authors (supported by qualified interviewers) with patients and/or their caregivers (for patients < 16 years old) who were recruited from a Japanese patient association, the Association of Gaucher Disease Patients in Japan. Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts was used to identify major themes and key topics within those themes. Hierarchical cluster analysis and co-occurrence network analysis were performed to map relationships between commonly occurring words. The study is registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry ( https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm [UMIN000042872]). RESULTS Three main themes emerged from qualitative analysis: treatment status, patient burden, and social support systems. Key topics within each theme included hearing impairment, visual impairment, difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking, involuntary movement of extremities, epileptic seizures, and body aches (treatment status); anxiety about symptoms, difficulty with exercise and work, anxiety about continuing treatment, anxiety about going out, and tiredness from hospital visit or treatment (patient burden); and dissatisfaction about government service, lack of social support, and information exchange in the patient association (social support systems). Commonly used words and the relationships between words identified through the hierarchical cluster and co-occurrence network analyses supported these themes and topics. CONCLUSIONS The themes and topics identified in this analysis were specific to patients with types 2 and 3 GD and will be used to inform the development of a HRQOL questionnaire specifically for patients with all GD types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Koto
- Child Healthcare and Genetic Science Laboratory, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-7 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Aya Narita
- Division of Child Neurology, Institute of Neurological Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori, 683-8504, Japan
| | - Shinichi Noto
- Department of Rehabilitation, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 950-3198, Japan
| | - Midori Ono
- Japan Medical Office, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 1-1 Nihonbashi-Honcho 2-chome Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-8668, Japan
| | - Anna Lissa Hamada
- Japan Medical Office, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 1-1 Nihonbashi-Honcho 2-chome Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-8668, Japan
| | - Norio Sakai
- Child Healthcare and Genetic Science Laboratory, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-7 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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Koto Y, Ueki S, Yamakawa M, Sakai N. Experiences of patients with lysosomal storage disorders who are receiving enzyme-replacement therapy and the experiences of their family members: a qualitative systematic review. JBI Evid Synth 2022; 20:1474-1510. [PMID: 34839313 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-21-00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to investigate the experiences of patients with lysosomal storage disorders who are receiving enzyme-replacement therapy and the experiences of their family members. INTRODUCTION Lysosomal storage disorders are rare diseases caused by mutations in the genes that encode proteins required for lysosomal function. The age of onset of these disorders varies from infancy to adulthood, depending on the specific disease and type. Enzyme-replacement therapy is the standard treatment for some lysosomal storage disorders. However, patients' adherence to this treatment is affected not only by the resultant changes (or lack thereof) in their symptoms, but also by the scheduling of the frequent hospital visits necessary to receive this treatment. No previous qualitative systematic review has examined the experiences of these patients and their families. INCLUSION CRITERIA Qualitative studies on the experiences of patients with lysosomal storage disorders who were receiving enzyme-replacement therapy and/or the experiences of the family members of these patients were included. These experiences could include satisfaction/dissatisfaction with diagnosis, difficulties and expectations regarding continuing treatment, advantages/disadvantages concerning school and work life, the psychological burden on families, and the support provided by families. This review considered studies in all settings because relevant experiences may occur outside medical institutions. METHODS MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, APA PsycINFO, Scopus, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi were searched for articles published between January 1991 and May 13, 2021. No language restrictions were applied. The study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis were performed in accordance with the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. RESULTS Seven studies were included in this review, from which 37 findings with narrative illustrations were extracted; of these, 33 were assessed as unequivocal and four as credible. These findings were integrated into 10 categories and three synthesized findings. The first synthesized finding was encouraging awareness of the minor changes in physical symptoms caused by the treatment, which contains categories such as physical change caused by treatment. The second synthesized finding was supporting acceptance of the disease and coping with associated psychological challenges, which contains categories such as concerns regarding the future. The third synthesized finding was customization of treatment plans to minimize restrictions on the lives of patients and their families, which contains categories such as restrictions on patients' lives. According to the ConQual criteria, all three synthesized findings had low confidence levels. CONCLUSION Evidence obtained through the synthesized findings produced in this review identified the primary experiences of patients with lysosomal storage disorders who are receiving enzyme-replacement therapy and their family members. These experiences concerned challenges regarding physical, psychological, and social health. When supporting patients with lysosomal storage disorders and their families, it is necessary to consider not only the symptoms and treatments but also the mental and social aspects. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42019147751.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Koto
- Child Healthcare and Genetic Science Laboratory, Division of Health Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Osaka Aoyama University, Osaka, Japan
- The Japan Centre for Evidence Based Practice: A JBI Affiliated Group, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shingo Ueki
- The Japan Centre for Evidence Based Practice: A JBI Affiliated Group, Osaka, Japan
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Miyae Yamakawa
- The Japan Centre for Evidence Based Practice: A JBI Affiliated Group, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Evidence-Based Clinical Nursing, Division of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norio Sakai
- Child Healthcare and Genetic Science Laboratory, Division of Health Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Weinreb NJ, Goker-Alpan O, Kishnani PS, Longo N, Burrow TA, Bernat JA, Gupta P, Henderson N, Pedro H, Prada CE, Vats D, Pathak RR, Wright E, Ficicioglu C. The diagnosis and management of Gaucher disease in pediatric patients: Where do we go from here? Mol Genet Metab 2022; 136:4-21. [PMID: 35367141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gaucher disease (GD) is an autosomal recessive inherited lysosomal storage disease that often presents in early childhood and is associated with damage to multiple organ systems. Many challenges associated with GD diagnosis and management arise from the considerable heterogeneity of disease presentations and natural history. Phenotypic classification has traditionally been based on the absence (in type 1 GD) or presence (in types 2 and 3 GD) of neurological involvement of varying severity. However, patient management and prediction of prognosis may be best served by a dynamic, evolving definition of individual phenotype rather than by a rigid system of classification. Patients may experience considerable delays in diagnosis, which can potentially be reduced by effective screening programs; however, program implementation can involve ethical and practical challenges. Variation in the clinical course of GD and an uncertain prognosis also complicate decisions concerning treatment initiation, with differing stakeholder perspectives around efficacy and acceptable cost/benefit ratio. We review the challenges faced by physicians in the diagnosis and management of GD in pediatric patients. We also consider future directions and goals, including acceleration of accurate diagnosis, improvements in the understanding of disease heterogeneity (natural history, response to treatment, and prognosis), the need for new treatments to address unmet needs for all forms of GD, and refinement of the tools for monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy, such as specific biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal J Weinreb
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Ozlem Goker-Alpan
- Lysosomal and Rare Disorders Research and Treatment Center, Fairfax, VA, USA.
| | - Priya S Kishnani
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Nicola Longo
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - T Andrew Burrow
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - John A Bernat
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Punita Gupta
- St Joseph's University Hospital, Paterson, NJ, USA.
| | - Nadene Henderson
- Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Helio Pedro
- Center for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA.
| | - Carlos E Prada
- Division of Genetics, Birth Defects & Metabolism, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Divya Vats
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Ravi R Pathak
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Lexington, MA, USA.
| | | | - Can Ficicioglu
- Division of Human Genetics and Metabolism, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.
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Elstein D, Belmatoug N, Deegan P, Göker-Alpan Ö, Hughes DA, Schwartz IVD, Weinreb N, Bonner N, Panter C, Fountain D, Lenny A, Longworth L, Miller R, Shah K, Schenk J, Sen R, Zimran A. Development and validation of Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1)-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for clinical monitoring and for clinical trials. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:9. [PMID: 34991656 PMCID: PMC8734239 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-02163-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are fundamental to understanding the impact on, and expectations of, patients with genetic disorders, and can facilitate constructive and educated conversations about treatments and outcomes. However, generic PROMs may fail to capture disease-specific concerns. Here we report the development and validation of a Gaucher disease (GD)-specific PROM for patients with type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, anemia, bruising, bone disease, and fatigue. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The questionnaire was initially developed with input from 85 patients or parents of patients with GD1 or GD3 in Israel. Owing to few participating patients with GD3, content validity was assessed for patients with GD1 only. Content validity of the revised questionnaire was assessed in 33 patients in the US, France, and Israel according to US Food and Drug Administration standards, with input from a panel of six GD experts and one patient advocate representative. Concept elicitation interviews explored patient experience of symptoms and treatments, and a cognitive debriefing exercise explored patients' understanding and relevance of instructions, items, response scales, and recall period. Two versions of the questionnaire were subsequently developed: a 24-item version for routine monitoring in clinical practice (rmGD1-PROM), and a 17-item version for use in clinical trials (ctGD1-PROM). Psychometric validation of the ctGD1-PROM was assessed in 46 adult patients with GD1 and re-administered two weeks later to examine test-retest reliability. Findings from the psychometric validation study revealed excellent internal consistency and strong evidence of convergent validity of the ctGD1-PROM based on correlations with the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. Most items were found to show moderate, good, or excellent test-retest reliability. CONCLUSIONS Development of the ctGD1-PROM represents an important step forward for researchers measuring the impact of GD and its respective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Elstein
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Nadia Belmatoug
- Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris Nord, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Deegan
- Lysosomal Disorders Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK
| | - Özlem Göker-Alpan
- Lysosomal Disorders Unit and Center for Clinical Trials, O&O Alpan LLC, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Neal Weinreb
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jörn Schenk
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rohini Sen
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ari Zimran
- Gaucher Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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Sieberg CB, Lebel A, Silliman E, Holmes S, Borsook D, Elman I. Left to themselves: Time to target chronic pain in childhood rare diseases. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 126:276-288. [PMID: 33774086 PMCID: PMC8738995 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is prevalent among patients with rare diseases (RDs). However, little is understood about how biopsychosocial mechanisms may be integrated in the unique set of clinical features and therapeutic challenges inherent in their pain conditions. METHODS This review presents examples of major categories of RDs with particular pain conditions. In addition, we provide translational evidence on clinical and scientific rationale for psychosocially- and neurodevelopmentally-informed treatment of pain in RD patients. RESULTS Neurobiological and functional overlap between various RD syndromes and pain states suggests amalgamation and mutual modulation of the respective conditions. Emotional sequelae could be construed as an emotional homologue of physical pain mediated via overlapping brain circuitry. Given their clearly defined genetic and molecular etiologies, RDs may serve as heuristic models for unraveling pathophysiological processes inherent in chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS Systematic evaluation of chronic pain in patients with RD contributes to sophisticated insight into both pain and their psychosocial correlates, which could transform treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine B Sieberg
- Biobehavioral Pediatric Pain Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Center for Pain and the Brain (P.A.I.N Group), Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alyssa Lebel
- Center for Pain and the Brain (P.A.I.N Group), Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Erin Silliman
- Biobehavioral Pediatric Pain Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Scott Holmes
- Center for Pain and the Brain (P.A.I.N Group), Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - David Borsook
- Center for Pain and the Brain (P.A.I.N Group), Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Igor Elman
- Center for Pain and the Brain (P.A.I.N Group), Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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Owaidah T, Alabbas F, Alhazmi I, Al Saeed H, Balelah S, ElYamany G, Kashari O, Qari M, Saleh M, Roushdy S, ElBagoury M. Diagnosis and management of hematological manifestations of gaucher disease: Insights from Saudi Arabia. JOURNAL OF APPLIED HEMATOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/joah.joah_79_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Parental psychosocial aspects and stressors involved in the management of inborn errors of metabolism. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2020; 25:100654. [PMID: 33042776 PMCID: PMC7536737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2020.100654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Parents of children with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) face numerous psychosocial challenges. An increased understanding and awareness of these stressors can ensure better overall outcomes for the entire family. We conducted semi-structured, in-person interviews with ten parents to identify psychosocial stressors, strategies, and supports they utilized to overcome their challenges. Our interview guide was designed to elicit familial experiences during the pre- and post-diagnosis periods. The themes and sub-themes were identified through qualitative descriptive textual analysis of audio-recorded transcripts. Major themes identified include ambiguity of illness, changing family and spousal dynamics, and navigating the healthcare system. Sub-themes revolved around disease effects, psychological stressors, health systems, support, and facing the disease. Healthcare professionals have an opportunity to minimize the impact of negative emotional outcomes by assisting families as they navigate the experience of having a child with an IEM. Our findings can be used to develop and continue a more well-rounded, family-oriented framework for IEM management.
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Alioto AG, Gomez R, Moses J, Paternostro J, Packman S, Packman W. Quality of life and psychological functioning of pediatric and young adult patients with Gaucher disease, type 1. Am J Med Genet A 2020; 182:1130-1142. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G. Alioto
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of California, Davis Walnut Creek California USA
| | - Rowena Gomez
- Department of Clinical PsychologyPalo Alto University Palo Alto California USA
| | - James Moses
- Department of Clinical PsychologyPalo Alto University Palo Alto California USA
| | | | - Seymour Packman
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of California, San Francisco San Francisco California USA
| | - Wendy Packman
- Department of Clinical PsychologyPalo Alto University Palo Alto California USA
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Psychiatric manifestations in Egyptian Gaucher patients on enzyme replacement therapy. J Psychosom Res 2019; 122:75-81. [PMID: 31079842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gaucher disease (GD) may include psychiatric symptoms as a part of its wide spectrum of manifestations, with several reports describing its association with mood or psychotic symptoms. We investigated the presence of psychiatric manifestations in an Egyptian sample of Gaucher Disease (GD) patients. METHODS Our sample consisted of 22 GD patients (diagnosed by low glucocerebrosidase (GBA) activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts and molecular analysis by full (GBA) gene sequencing). 13 patients were classified as GD type 1 and 9 patients as GD type 3. We assessed the presence of psychiatric symptoms using the Mini-international neuropsychiatric interview (M.I.N·I) and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID) tools. Arabic versions were used. RESULTS The results showed that 41% of the sample had psychiatric disorders, with the most common being depression. None was receiving any form of psychiatric treatment. We found no statistically significant association between the presence of psychiatric disorders and any of the clinical variables of GD, its phenotype, or genotype. CONCLUSION The current results suggest that GD patients are susceptible to psychiatric disorders. However, these results need to be replicated on a wider scale. These findings are of ultimate importance, considering the lack of integrated services addressing both the medical and psychological aspects of inborn errors of metabolism in many countries.
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Remor E, Baldellou A. Health-related quality of life in children and adolescents living with Gaucher disease and their parents. Health Psychol Behav Med 2018; 6:79-92. [PMID: 34040822 PMCID: PMC8114346 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2018.1462705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The health-related quality of life (HRQoL), clinical status and perceived burden of disease in children and adolescents with Gaucher Disease (GD) were assessed. Method: A Spanish multicenter collaboration study involving 13 hospitals was performed to evaluate pediatric patients with GD (n = 17, ages 5–18; n = 3, ages 2–4) and their parents (n = 20) using a HRQoL measure (PedsQL 4.0) and a survey on the perceived burden of the disease. Three children under five years old were evaluated by parent proxy-report. Relevant medical and socio-demographical characteristics were recorded. Results: Sixty-nine percent of the participants with GD had mild and 31% had moderate severity level, all receiving enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). HRQoL was associated with the severity score index and was adjusted for age. Age was related to school functioning (older patients had lower scores), and female patients reported worse school functioning than males. Symptoms such as bone, joint or abdominal pain, bleeding, and fatigue were negatively associated with HRQoL. Perceptions of the burden related to GD, such as feeling ill and feeling sad, were negatively associated with HRQoL. Although the PedsQL scores of children and parents showed concordance, patterns of association between symptoms and perceived burden differed between children and parents. No associations were observed between HRQoL scores and time on ERT or ERT dosage. Conclusion: HRQoL perceptions were affected by clinical status, observable and subjective symptoms, feelings of burden related to the disease, and patient characteristics (e.g. age and gender). Aspects of the disease that affect HRQoL may be perceived differently by children and parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Remor
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Psychology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Antonio Baldellou
- Unidad de Enfermedades Metabólicas, Hospital Universitario "Miguel Servet", Zaragoza, Spain
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Nalysnyk L, Rotella P, Simeone JC, Hamed A, Weinreb N. Gaucher disease epidemiology and natural history: a comprehensive review of the literature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 22:65-73. [PMID: 27762169 DOI: 10.1080/10245332.2016.1240391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this research were: (1) to heighten awareness of Gaucher disease (GD), a rare lysosomal storage disorder with highly heterogeneous patterns of organ involvement and disease severity, to clinicians most likely to encounter these patients, and; (2) to summarize the published evidence on GD epidemiology which is essential to accurately depict the total societal burden of this rare worldwide disorder. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to summarize the published evidence on the epidemiology of GD. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and 'grey' literature sources published in English between January 1990 and March 2015 were searched to identify relevant publications. RESULTS In total, 188 full-text articles were reviewed and findings from 49 studies are summarized herein. The standardized birth incidence of GD in the general population varied from 0.39 to 5.80 per 100 000, and prevalence ranged from 0.70 to 1.75 per 100 000, respectively. Time from onset of GD symptoms to clinical diagnosis was highly variable, with median delays of up to 7 years reported. DISCUSSION The incidence and prevalence of GD is substantially higher among the Ashkenazi Jewish population than the general population. Limited epidemiologic information was available from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and developed nations such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. CONCLUSIONS Signs and symptoms of GD frequently mimic more common hematologic conditions resulting in missed or delayed diagnosis. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment when indicated is crucial to prevent or minimize life-altering or life-threatening liver and skeletal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Neal Weinreb
- c University Research Foundation for Lysosomal Storage Disorders , Coral Springs , FL , USA
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Kesselheim AS, McGraw S, Thompson L, O'Keefe K, Gagne JJ. Development and use of new therapeutics for rare diseases: views from patients, caregivers, and advocates. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2016; 8:75-84. [PMID: 25362528 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-014-0096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with rare diseases experience the health care system differently than patients with more common conditions. They can therefore provide important perspectives on the process of developing therapeutics for their conditions. METHODS We conducted three in-person focus groups involving rare disease patients (n = 9), caregivers (n = 8), and advocates (n = 9). Focus group participants were asked to describe their experiences with a rare disease, what they would want to know about a new drug for the disease, what outcomes they believe should be assessed in drug testing, perceptions of off-label use of a drug for treating a rare disease, views on participation in clinical trials, and opinions of the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) function. The coding structure was populated from the transcripts of the sessions, using Atlas.ti qualitative analysis software, and then analyzed for common themes. RESULTS Participants described the challenges of learning to live with a poorly understood condition for which treatment is limited. Rare disease patients were willing to accept certain risks in their care in the hopes of finding some benefit, but also expressed frustrations with the costs of their care and the lack of scientific data about their treatments. They were concerned that the development and testing of therapies should, as quickly as possible, yield effective treatments to advance their quality of life. CONCLUSION With limited therapeutic options, rare disease patients often considered off-label treatments or novel drugs that posed substantial risk. Nonetheless, rare disease patients generally appreciated the rigor of the research underlying the drugs and supported the FDA's gatekeeping role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron S Kesselheim
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 1620 Tremont Street, Suite 3030, Boston, MA, 02120, USA,
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Khangura SD, Tingley K, Chakraborty P, Coyle D, Kronick JB, Laberge AM, Little J, Miller FA, Mitchell JJ, Prasad C, Siddiq S, Siriwardena K, Sparkes R, Speechley KN, Stockler S, Trakadis Y, Wilson BJ, Wilson K, Potter BK. Child and family experiences with inborn errors of metabolism: a qualitative interview study with representatives of patient groups. J Inherit Metab Dis 2016. [PMID: 26209272 PMCID: PMC4710640 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-015-9881-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-centered health care for children with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) and their families is important and requires an understanding of patient experiences, needs, and priorities. IEM-specific patient groups have emerged as important voices within these rare disease communities and are uniquely positioned to contribute to this understanding. We conducted qualitative interviews with IEM patient group representatives to increase understanding of patient and family experiences, needs, and priorities and inform patient-centered research and care. METHODS We developed a sampling frame of patient groups representing IEM disease communities from Canada, the United States, and United Kingdom. With consent, we interviewed participants to explore their views on experiences, needs, and outcomes that are most important to children with IEM and their families. We analyzed the data using a qualitative descriptive approach to identify key themes and sub-themes. RESULTS We interviewed 18 organizational representatives between February 28 and September 17, 2014, representing 16 IEMs and/or disease categories. Twelve participants voluntarily self-identified as parents and/or were themselves patients. Three key themes emerged from the coded data: managing the uncertainty associated with raising and caring for a child with a rare disease; challenges associated with the affected child's life transitions, and; the collective struggle for improved outcomes and interventions that rare disease communities navigate. CONCLUSION Health care providers can support children with IEM and their families by acknowledging and reducing uncertainty, supporting families through children's life transitions, and contributing to rare disease communities' progress toward improved interventions, experiences, and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara D Khangura
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Kylie Tingley
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Pranesh Chakraborty
- Newborn Screening Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Metabolics and Newborn Screening, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Doug Coyle
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jonathan B Kronick
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Julian Little
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Fiona A Miller
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Shabnaz Siddiq
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Brenda J Wilson
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | | | - Beth K Potter
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
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Žnidar I, Collin-Histed T, Niemeyer P, Parkkinen J, Lauridsen AG, Zariņa S, Cohen Y, Manuel J. The European Gaucher Alliance: a survey of member patient organisations' activities, healthcare environments and concerns. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2014; 9:134. [PMID: 25178161 PMCID: PMC4158124 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-014-0134-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The European Gaucher Alliance (EGA) was established in 1994 and constituted in 2008 as an umbrella group supporting patient organisations for Gaucher disease. Every two years, the EGA conducts a questionnaire survey of member associations to help develop its priorities and annual work programme. Results of the latest survey are presented. Methods Between June 2012 and April 2013, the 36 members and associate members of the EGA were asked to complete a questionnaire detailing membership numbers, disease specific treatments used by patients, means of access to treatment, availability of treatment centres and home infusions, sources of support for patients with Gaucher disease, patient organisations’ activities, collaborations, funding sources and any issues of concern. Questionnaires completed in 2012 were revised in January 2013 and responses analysed between July and September 2013. Results Thirty three members returned data on one or more questions. Findings identified inequalities in access to treatment both within and between members’ countries. Three of 27 countries, for which data were available, relied totally on humanitarian aid for treatment and 6% of untreated patients in 20 countries were untreated because of funding issues, a situation many feared would worsen with deteriorating economic climates. Access to treatment and reimbursement represented 45% of members’ concerns, while 35% related to access to specialist treatment centres, home infusions and doctors with expertise in Gaucher disease. Member associations’ main activities centred on patient support (59% of responses) and raising awareness of Gaucher disease and patients’ needs amongst the medical community, government and healthcare decision makers and the general public (34% of responses). Twenty one (78% of respondents) indicated they were the only source of help for Gaucher disease patients in their country. For many, activities were constrained by funds; two members had no external funding source. Activities were maximised through collaboration with other patient organisations and umbrella organisations for rare diseases. Conclusion The survey provided a ‘snapshot’ of the situation for patients and families affected by Gaucher disease, helping the EGA direct its activities into areas of greatest need.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeremy Manuel
- European Gaucher Alliance, Evesham House Business Centre, 48-52 Silver Street, Dursley GL11 4ND, Gloucestershire, UK.
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Freedman R, Sahhar M, Curnow L, Lee J, Peters H. Receiving enzyme replacement therapy for a lysosomal storage disorder: a preliminary exploration of the experiences of young patients and their families. J Genet Couns 2013; 22:517-32. [PMID: 23536258 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-013-9579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Medical intervention for lysosomal storage disorders becomes part of life, shaping the reality of the condition for affected individuals and families. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is available to treat some lysosomal storage disorders. ERT is costly and time consuming, requiring frequent hospital visits to receive intravenous infusions. This qualitative study sought to explore the impact of receiving ERT for a lysosomal storage disorder on the health related quality of life (HRQoL) of young patients and their families. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people and parents and siblings of young people accessing ERT for Pompe disease, Gaucher disease or mucopolysaccharidosis types I or II living in Victoria, Australia. Interviews were transcribed then analyzed thematically. The biopsychosocial model assisted in interpreting themes. Findings revealed positive attitudes towards ERT, with noticed improvements in physical and psychosocial well-being. Participants prioritised intervention over other activities and provided suggestions for improving current service delivery. Communication with family members and professionals was deemed important, especially in respect to information provision. Participants described challenges associated with living with a lysosomal storage disorder and receiving ERT and coping strategies, such as positive thinking and ways to manage uncertainty. These findings provide valuable insights into the impact of living with a chronic genetic condition and receiving intensive treatment on HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Freedman
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Weber SL, Segal S, Packman W. Inborn errors of metabolism: psychosocial challenges and proposed family systems model of intervention. Mol Genet Metab 2012; 105:537-41. [PMID: 22532988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2012.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Inborn errors of metabolism result in psychosocial crises that challenge individual and familial modes of functioning across the life cycle. Increased stress, mood disorders, interpersonal challenges, decreased quality of life, and grief reactions are all common for patients and their families. To effectively care for these patients, a holistic approach to their care, which incorporates their social context, is essential. Patients and their families need support as they focus on immediate practical demands, grieve over illness-related losses, and reorient future expectations. A family systems based model provides a flexible and individualized approach to care that allows for optimal psychosocial adjustment throughout the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy L Weber
- Palo Alto University, Department of Psychology, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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