Exploring Quality of Life in Adults Living With Late-onset Pompe Disease: A Combined Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Patient Perceptions from Australia, France, Italy, and the Netherlands

Background: Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a rare, autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that is heterogeneous in disease presentation and progression. People with LOPD report a significantly lower physical, psychological, and social quality of life (QoL) than the general population. Objectives: This study investigated how individuals' self-reported LOPD status (improving, stable, declining) relates to their QoL. Participant experiences such as use of mobility or ventilation aids, caregivers, symptomology, and daily life impacts were also characterized. Methods: A 2-part observational study was conducted online between October and December 2023 using the 36-item short-form tool (SF-36) and a survey. Adults with LOPD (N=41) from Australia, France, Italy, and the Netherlands were recruited. Results: Participants reporting "declining" LOPD status (56%) had lower physical functioning SF-36 scores than those reporting as "stable" or "improving." Those self-reporting as stable or improving often described an acceptance of declining health in their responses. Physical functioning scores were generally stable in respondents who had been receiving enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for 1-15 years, but those who had received ERT for >15 years had lower scores. Requiring ventilation and mobility aids had additive negative impacts on physical functioning. Difficulty swallowing, speaking, and scoliosis were the most burdensome symptoms reported by those on ERT for >15-25 years. Discussion: These results demonstrate the humanistic burden of LOPD; through declining physical functioning SF-36 scores over increasing time and increased use of aids, and also through factors related to self-reported LOPD status (where declining status was associated with lower scores) and symptomology variances. Taken holistically, these areas are valuable to explore when informing optimized care. Among a largely declining cohort, even those not self-reporting decline often assumed future deterioration, highlighting the need for improved therapies and the potential to initiate or switch ERT based on evolving symptomology and daily life impacts. Conclusion: Our results indicate that progressing LOPD leads to loss of QoL in ways that relate to time, use of aids, evolving symptomology, and the patient's own perspective. A holistic approach to assessing the individual can help ensure relevant factors are investigated and held in balance, supporting optimized care.

High-risk screening for late-onset Pompe disease in China: An expanded multicenter study

Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is caused by a genetic deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), leading to progressive limb-girdle weakness and respiratory impairment. The insidious onset of non-specific early symptoms often prohibits timely diagnosis. This study aimed to validate the high-risk screening criteria for LOPD in the Chinese population. A total of 726 patients were included, including 96 patients under 14 years of age. Dried blood spots (DBS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) were employed to evaluate serum GAA activity. Forty-four patients exhibited a decreased GAA activity, 16 (2.2%) of which were confirmed as LOPD by genetic testing. Three previously unreported GAA mutations were also identified. The median diagnostic delay was shortened to 3 years, which excelled the previous retrospective studies. At diagnosis, most patients exhibited impaired respiratory function and/or limb-girdle weakness. Elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels were more frequently observed in patients who manifested before age 16. Overall, high-risk screening is a feasible and efficient method to identify LOPD patients at an early stage. Patients over 1 year of age with either weakness in axial and/or proximal limb muscles, or unexplained respiratory distress shall be subject to GAA enzymatic test, while CK levels above 2 times the upper normal limit shall be an additional criterion for patients under 16. This modified high-risk screening criteria for LOPD requires further validation in larger Chinese cohorts.

Decoding the muscle transcriptome of patients with late-onset Pompe disease reveals markers of disease progression

Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by the deficiency of acid alpha-glucosidase leading to progressive cellular dysfunction owing to the accumulation of glycogen in the lysosome. The mechanism of relentless muscle damage (a classic manifestation of the disease) has been studied extensively by analysing the whole-muscle tissue; however, little, if anything, is known about transcriptional heterogeneity among nuclei within the multinucleated skeletal muscle cells. This is the first report of application of single-nucleus RNA sequencing to uncover changes in the gene expression profile in muscle biopsies from eight patients with LOPD and four muscle samples from age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We matched these changes with histological findings using GeoMx spatial transcriptomics to compare the transcriptome of control myofibres from healthy individuals with non-vacuolated (histologically unaffected) and vacuolated (histologically affected) myofibres of LODP patients. We observed an increase in the proportion of slow and regenerative muscle fibres and macrophages in LOPD muscles. The expression of the genes involved in glycolysis was reduced, whereas the expression of the genes involved in the metabolism of lipids and amino acids was increased in non-vacuolated fibres, indicating early metabolic abnormalities. Additionally, we detected upregulation of autophagy genes and downregulation of the genes involved in ribosomal and mitochondrial function leading to defective oxidative phosphorylation. Upregulation of genes associated with inflammation, apoptosis and muscle regeneration was observed only in vacuolated fibres. Notably, enzyme replacement therapy (the only available therapy for the disease) showed a tendency to restore dysregulated metabolism, particularly within slow fibres. A combination of single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics revealed the landscape of the normal and diseased muscle and highlighted the early abnormalities associated with disease progression. Thus, the application of these two new cutting-edge technologies provided insight into the molecular pathophysiology of muscle damage in LOPD and identified potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Detection of gene variants associated with recessive limb-girdle muscular weakness and Pompe disease in a global cohort of patients through the application of next-generation sequencing analysis

Introduction

Hereditary myopathies arise due to numerous pathogenic variants occurring in distinct genes, which amount to several hundred. Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) constitute a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders involving more than 30 genes. Clinically, LGMD is characterized by limb-girdle muscular weakness (LGMW). Late-onset Pompe disease is an important disorder with a differential diagnosis for LGMD, where next-generation sequencing (NGS) plays a crucial role in accurate and prompt diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity of a 10-gene NGS panel have been previously evaluated for the prevalent forms of recessive LGMD (LGMD-R) and Pompe disease in Latin American patients with LGMW of unknown cause. This project aims to identify the regional relative prevalence of frequent LGMD-R subtypes and Pompe disease in a larger geographic area and to diagnose patients with LGMW by identifying genetic variants of LGMD-R and Pompe disease.

Methods and Results

This 21-country multicentric analysis enrolled 2,372 patients with LGMW from 2017 to 2018. Sequencing analysis was performed using the Illumina NextSeq 500 system, and variant interpretation was performed according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were seen in 11% of patients (n = 261). Among the positive cases, NGS effectively diagnosed 86.2% and 13.8% of patients with LGMD and Pompe disease, respectively. The most prevalent pathogenic acid α-glucosidase (GAA) variant identified was c.-32-13T > G.

Conclusion

The study adds to the knowledge of the relative occurrence of various subtypes of LGMD worldwide. The inclusion of GAA in the NGS panel to investigate patients with LGMW is a powerful diagnostic approach to screen for late-onset Pompe disease.

Effectiveness of Respiratory Muscle Training in Pompe Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Pompe disease is a rare metabolic myopathy caused by the lack or deficiency of the lysosomal acid alpha-glucosidase, resulting in skeletal muscle weakness and cardiomyopathy. The disease varies by onset age and genetic mutations and is categorized into infantile-onset and late-onset Pompe disease. Respiratory muscle weakness may persist regardless enzyme replacement therapy. This systemic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the effect of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on respiratory muscle strength, functional endurance, and pulmonary function in patient with Pompe disease. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched up until Aug 2024. Studies examining the therapeutic effects of RMT in patients with Pompe disease were included. Outcome measures included the change in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), six-minute walking test (6MWT), pulmonary function before after RMT, quality of life and adverse events. Results: The meta-analysis consisted of 5 single-arm studies, including 31 patients in total. Regarding inspiratory muscle strength, RMT has significantly improving MIP (8.71 cmH2O; 95% CI, 6.23-11.19, p < 0.001) and MEP (12.15 cmH2O; 95% CI, 10.55-13.74, p < 0.001) in both types of Pompe disease. However, no significant change regarding 6MWT. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis revealed that RMT may increase inspiratory muscle and expiratory muscle strength, but may not have an effect on 6MWT in patients with Pompe disease. RMT has potential to be integrated into the cardioplulmonary rehabilitation for patients with Pompe disease. Further large randomized controlled trials are needed to verify the efficacy and safety of RMT in patients with Pompe disease.

Acid α-glucosidase (GAA) activity and glycogen content in muscle biopsy specimens of patients with Pompe disease: A systematic review

Pompe disease is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency of acid α-glucosidase (GAA), leading to the accumulation of glycogen in various tissues, especially in skeletal muscles. The disease manifests as a large spectrum of phenotypes from infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) to late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), depending on the age of symptoms onset. Quantifying GAA activity and glycogen content in skeletal muscle provides important information about the disease severity. However, the distribution of GAA and glycogen levels in skeletal muscles from healthy individuals and those impacted by Pompe disease remains poorly understood, and there is currently no universally accepted standard assay for GAA activity measurement. This systematic literature review aims to provide an overview of the available information on GAA activity and glycogen content levels in skeletal muscle biopsies from patients with Pompe disease. A structured review of PubMed and Google Scholar literature (with the latter used to check that no additional publications were identified) was conducted to identify peer-reviewed publications on glycogen storage disease type II [MeSH term] + GAA, protein human (supplementary concept), Pompe, muscle; and muscle, acid alpha-glucosidase. A limit of English language was applied. Results were grouped by methodologies used to quantify GAA activity and glycogen content in skeletal muscle. The search and selection strategy were devised and carried out in line with Preferred Reporting of Items in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines and documented using a flowchart. Bibliographies of papers included in the analysis were reviewed and applicable publications not already identified in the search were included. Of the 158 articles retrieved, 24 (comprising >100 muscle biopsies from >100 patients) were included in the analysis, with four different assays. Analysis revealed that patients with IOPD exhibited markedly lower GAA activity in skeletal muscles than those with LOPD, regardless of the measurement method employed. Additionally, patients with IOPD had notably higher glycogen content levels in skeletal muscles than those with LOPD. In general, however, it was difficult to fully characterize GAA activity because of the different methods used. The findings underscore the challenges in the interpretation and comparison of the results across studies because of the substantial methodological variations. There is a need to establish standardized reference ranges of GAA activity and glycogen content in healthy individuals and in Pompe disease patients based on globally standardized methods to improve comparability and reliability in assessing this rare disease.

Description of clinical and genetic features of 122 patients included in the Spanish Pompe registry

Pompe disease is a rare genetic disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1:60.000. The two main phenotypes are Infantile Onset Pompe Disease (IOPD) and Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD). There is no published data from Spain regarding the existing number of cases, regional distribution, clinical features or, access and response to the treatment. We created a registry to collect all these data from patients with Pompe in Spain. Here, we report the data of the 122 patients registered including nine IOPD and 113 LOPD patients. There was a high variability in how the diagnosis was obtained and how the follow-up was performed among different centres. Seven IOPD patients were still alive being all treated with enzymatic replacement therapy (ERT) at last visit. Ninety four of the 113 LOPD patients had muscle weakness of which 81 were receiving ERT. We observed a progressive decline in the results of muscle function tests during follow-up. Overall, the Spanish Pompe Registry is a valuable resource for understanding the demographics, patient's journey and clinical characteristics of patients in Spain. Our data supports the development of agreed guidelines to ensure that the care provided to the patients is standardized across the country.

Clinical Reasoning: Adult Patient Presenting With Spine Pain Following a Motor Vehicle Accident

A 52-year-old woman with a complex medical history, including a history of consanguinity, developed refractory uncontrollable spine pain after a motor vehicle accident 2 years before presentation. There were no well-defined findings on clinical examination. She was found to have mildly elevated serum creatine phosphokinase levels, and spine imaging revealed fatty replacement and atrophy affecting predominantly lumbar paraspinal muscles. Initial EMG sampling of multiple limb muscles was normal. However, a follow-up concentric needle examination sampling paraspinal and trunk muscles showed abundant myotonic discharges, fibrillations and positive sharp waves, and myopathic motor unit action potential changes. This pattern of neurophysiologic abnormalities prompted the search for a myopathic disorder, which was ultimately confirmed with additional studies. This case highlights the critical role of neurophysiologic evaluation of paraspinal and other trunk muscles in the disambiguation of clinical and imaging data, helping to establish the diagnosis of a rare but treatable myopathy at early disease stages.

[Molecular therapies: present and future in neuromuscular diseases]

BACKGROUND

The possibilities in the field of molecular therapies of neuromuscular diseases have rapidly developed in recent years. First compounds are already available in clinical practice and numerous other substances are in advanced phases of clinical trials. This article gives an exemplary overview of the current state of clinical research in molecular therapies of neuromuscular diseases. It also gives a view into the near future of the clinical application, including the challenges.

DISCUSSION

Using Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and myotubular myopathy as examples, the principles of gene addition in monogenetic skeletal muscle diseases, which are already manifested in childhood are described. In addition to initial successes, the challenges and setbacks hindering the approval and regular clinical application of further compounds are demonstrated. Furthermore, the state of current clinical research in Becker-Kiener muscular dystrophy (BMD) and the numerous forms of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) are summarized. Numerous new therapeutic approaches and a corresponding outlook are also shown for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), Pompe disease, and myotonic dystrophy.

CONCLUSION

Clinical research in the field of molecular therapy of neuromuscular diseases is one of the pacesetters of modern precision medicine; however, challenges need to be seen, jointly addressed and overcome in the future.

Expert opinion on the diagnostic odyssey and management of late-onset Pompe disease: a neurologist's perspective

This consensus statement by a panel of neurology experts aimed to provide a practical and implementable guidance document to assist clinicians with the best clinical practice in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). The participating experts consider the clinical suspicion of LOPD by the physician to be of utmost importance in the prevention of diagnostic and therapeutic delay in LOPD patients. A diagnostic algorithm is proposed to facilitate the diagnosis of LOPD in patients presenting with unexplained proximal/axial weakness (with or without respiratory symptoms) or restrictive respiratory insufficiency with hyperCKemia and/or exercise intolerance as the red flag symptoms/signs that raise the index of suspicion for LOPD diagnosis. The diagnosis is based on the subsequent use of dried blood spot (DBS) assay, and the DBS assay can be confirmed by acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) tissue analysis in leukocytes, fibroblasts, or muscle fibers and/or genetic mutation analysis. Accordingly, experts consider increased awareness among physicians about potential presenting characteristics with a high index of suspicion for LOPD to be crucial to suspect and consider LOPD in the differential diagnosis, while strongly suggesting the use of a diagnostic algorithm combined with DBS assay and confirmatory tests in the timely diagnosis of LOPD and implementation of best practice patterns.

Molekulare Therapien erblicher Myopathien im Erwachsenenalter – eine kursive Rundschau

Unterschiedliche Formen der molekularen Therapie sind zu einer neuen Möglichkeit in der Präzisionsbehandlung erblicher neuromuskulärer Erkrankungen geworden. Dieser kursive Überblick über die molekularen Therapien bei hereditären Myopathien wird sich auf ausgewählte aktuelle Phase 1 bis 3 Studien zu häufigen hereditären Myopathien im Erwachsenenalter wie die Dystrophinopathie Becker-Kiener, die Fazioskapulohumerale Muskeldystrophie, Calpainopathie, und die Dysferlinopathie fokussieren. Die Therapieoptionen zum Morbus Pompe dienen als Beispiel für die hereditären metabolischen Myopathien.

High-risk screening of late-onset Pompe disease: A different early portrait in China

Introduction

The lack of knowledge regarding the differences between Chinese and other ethnicities in the early manifestation of late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) prohibits the development of an effective screening strategy. We conducted a multicenter screening study to determine LOPD prevalence in high-risk populations and define the early manifestation of LOPD in China.

Methods

Between August 2020 and April 2021, the participants were prospectively identified through medical examination at 20 centers from inpatient departments and outpatient neuromuscular clinics in China. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) age ≥ 1 year and (2) either one of the following conditions: (a) persistent hyperCKemia, (b) muscle weakness of the axial and/or limb-girdle muscles, or (c) unexplained restrictive respiratory insufficiency (RI). Enzymatic activity of acid α-glucosidase (GAA) was measured in a dried blood spot (DBS) using a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) assay. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to evaluate all samples with decreased GAA activity, searching for GAA mutations and pseudodeficiency alleles.

Results

Among the 492 cases, 26 positive samples (5.3%) were detected in the DBS test. Molecular studies confirmed a diagnosis of LOPD in eight cases (1.6%). Using MS/MS assay, GAA activities in individuals with pseudodeficiency could be distinguished from those in patients with LOPD. The median interval from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 5 years. All patients also showed RI, with a mean forced vital capacity (FVC) of 48%, in addition to axial/proximal muscle weakness. The creatine kinase (CK) level ranged from normal to no more than 5-fold the upper normal limit (UNL). LOPD with isolated hyperCKemia was not identified.

Conclusion

Less frequent hyperCKemia and predominant RI depict a different early portrait of adult Chinese patients with LOPD. A modified high-risk screening strategy should be proposed for the early diagnosis of Chinese patients with LOPD.

BNIP3 Is Involved in Muscle Fiber Atrophy in Late-Onset Pompe Disease Patients

Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a rare genetic disorder produced by mutations in the GAA gene and is characterized by progressive muscle weakness. LOPD muscle biopsies show accumulation of glycogen along with the autophagic vacuoles associated with atrophic muscle fibers. The expression of molecules related to muscle fiber atrophy in muscle biopsies of LOPD patients was studied using immunofluorescence and real-time PCR. BCL2 and adenovirus E1B 19-kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), a well-known atrogene, was identified as a potential mediator of muscle fiber atrophy in LOPD muscle biopsies. Vacuolated fibers in LOPD patient muscle biopsies were smaller than nonvacuolated fibers and expressed BNIP3. The current data suggested that BNIP3 expression is regulated by inhibition of the AKT-mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, leading to phosphorylation of Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) at Ser317 by AMP-activated protein kinase. Myoblasts and myotubes obtained from LOPD patients and age-matched controls were studied to confirm these results using different molecular techniques. Myotubes derived from LOPD patients were likewise smaller and expressed BNIP3. Conclusively, transfection of BNIP3 into control myotubes led to myotube atrophy. These findings suggest a cascade that starts with the inhibition of the AKT-mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and activation of BNIP3 expression, leading to progressive muscle fiber atrophy. These results open the door to potential new treatments targeting BNIP3 to reduce its deleterious effects on muscle fiber atrophy in Pompe disease.

Quantitative Evaluation of Upright Posture by x-Ray and 3D Stereophotogrammetry with a New Marker Set Protocol in Late Onset Pompe Disease

BACKGROUND

Late Onset Pompe Disease(LOPD) is a rare myopathy characterized by prevailing weakness of trunk and pelvic girdle muscles that causes motor disabilities. Spinal deformities have been reported unclearly on clinical examination. No study quantitatively assessed upright posture defining specific alterations of LOPD various phenotype.

OBJECTIVE

Identify postural abnormalities in a homogeneous group of LOPD patients using 3D-Stereophotogrammetry(St) and x-Ray(xR).

METHODS

Seven LOPD siblings were recruited. They were assessed by clinical scales and, in upright posture, using xR and 3D-St with a new marker set protocol. Fourteen healthy individuals, age and sex-matched, were used as controls for St-parameters; normative xR-values were found in literature.

RESULTS

LOPD patients showed a significant weakness of trunk and tibialis anterior muscles. Statistical analysis of St-parameters showed a larger ankle, knee, elbow, dorsal, S2-C7, heel-S2-C7, heel-S2-nasion angles and a lower sagittal vertical axis(SVA) than controls.xR-analysis highlighted an absence of scoliosis and a lower occipito-cervical, C2-C7 cervical and Cobb dorsal angles, and a trend to lower lumbar lordosis and SVA compared to normal values. Significant correlation was found in dorsal and lumbar angles calculated using xR-markers placed on spiny apophysis, xR-centre of vertebral bodies, Cobb-method and St-markers.

CONCLUSION

This is the first quantitative study of postural abnormalities in LOPD patients using 3D-St and xR, highlighting sagittal standing alignment changes,difficult to assess to direct exam.Our new St-protocol showed a high reliability compared to xR. Further studies on larger population of LOPD might confirm the usefulness of these instrumental methods for monitoring disease course.

Pain Phenotypes in Rare Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular Diseases

For patients diagnosed with a rare musculoskeletal or neuromuscular disease, pain may transition from acute to chronic; the latter yielding additional challenges for both patients and care providers. We assessed the present understanding of pain across a set of ten rare, noninfectious, noncancerous disorders; Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Achondroplasia, Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Infantile- and Late-Onset Pompe disease, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Through the integration of natural history, cross-sectional, retrospective, clinical trials, & case studies we described pathologic and genetic factors, pain sources, phenotypes, and lastly, existing therapeutic approaches. We highlight that while rare diseases possess distinct core pathologic features, there are a number of shared pain phenotypes and mechanisms that may be prospectively examined and therapeutically targeted in a parallel manner. Finally, we describe clinical and research approaches that may facilitate more accurate diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of pain as well as elucidation of the evolving nature of pain phenotypes in rare musculoskeletal or neuromuscular illnesses.

Late onset Pompe Disease in India - Beyond the Caucasian phenotype

We evaluated the clinical histories, motor and pulmonary functions, cardiac phenotypes and GAA genotypes of an Indian cohort of twenty patients with late onset Pompe disease (LOPD) in this multi-centre study. A mean age at onset of symptoms and diagnosis of 9.9 ± 9.7 years and 15.8 ± 12.1 years respectively was identified. All patients had lower extremity limb-girdle muscle weakness. Seven required ventilatory support and seven used mobility assists. Of the four who used both assists, two received ventilatory support prior to wheelchair use. Cardiac involvement was seen in eight patients with various combinations of left ventricular hypertrophy, tricuspid regurgitation, cardiomyopathy, dilated ventricles with biventricular dysfunction and aortic regurgitation. Amongst 20 biochemically diagnosed patients (low residual GAA enzyme activity) GAA genotypes of 19 patients identified homozygous variants in eight and compound heterozygous in 11: 27 missense, 3 nonsense, 2 initiator codon, 3 splice site and one deletion. Nine variants in 7 patients were novel. The leaky Caucasian, splice site LOPD variant, c.-32-13T>G mutation was absent. This first study from India provides an insight into a more severe LOPD phenotype with earlier disease onset at 9.9 years compared to 33.3 years in Caucasian patients, and cardiac involvement more than previously reported. The need for improvement in awareness and diagnosis of LOPD in India is highlighted.

Are there common walking gait characteristics in patients diagnosed with late-onset Pompe disease?

Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a rare disease, defined as a progressive accumulation of lysosomal glycogen resulting in muscle weakness and respiratory problems. Anecdotally, individuals often have difficulties walking, yet, there is no three-dimensional data supporting these claims. We aimed to assess walking patterns in individuals with LOPD and compare with healthy individuals. Kinematic, kinetic and spatiotemporal data were compared during walking at a self-selected speed between individuals with LOPD (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 12). Gait profile scores and movement analysis profiles were also determined to indicate gait quality. In comparison with healthy individuals, the LOPD group demonstrated greater thoracic sway (96%), hip adduction angles (56%) and pelvic range of motion (77%) and reduced hip extensor moments (36%). Greater group variance for the LOPD group were also observed. Individuals with LOPD had a slower (15%) walking speed and reduced cadence (7%). Gait profile scores were 37% greater in the LOPD group compared to the healthy group. Proximal muscular weakness associated with LOPD disease is likely to have resulted in a myopathic gait pattern, slower selected walking speeds and deviations in gait patterns. Although individuals with LOPD presented with some common characteristics, greater variability in gait patterns is likely to be a result of wide variability in phenotype spectrum observed with LOPD. This is the first study to examine walking in individuals with LOPD using instrumented gait analysis and provides an understanding of LOPD on walking function which can help orientate physiotherapy treatment for individuals with LOPD.

Cardiovascular disease in non-classic Pompe disease: A systematic review

Pompe disease is a rare inherited metabolic and neuromuscular disorder, presenting as a spectrum, with the classic infantile form on one end and the more slowly progressive non-classic form on the other end. While being a hallmark in classic infantile Pompe disease, cardiac involvement in non-classic Pompe disease seems rare. Vascular abnormalities, such as aneurysms and arterial dolichoectasia, likely caused by glycogen accumulation in arterial walls, have been reported in non-classic Pompe patients. With this first systematic review on cardiovascular disease in non-classic Pompe disease, we aim to gain insight in the prevalence and etiology of cardiovascular disease in these patients. Forty-eight studies (eight case-control studies, 15 cohort studies and 25 case reports/series) were included. Fourteen studies reported cardiac findings, 25 studies described vascular findings, and nine studies reported both cardiac and vascular findings. Severe cardiac involvement in non-classic Pompe disease patients has rarely been reported, particularly in adult-onset patients carrying the common IVS1 mutation. There are indications that intracranial dolichoectasia and aneurysms are more prevalent in non-classic Pompe patients compared to the general population. To further investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in non-classic Pompe patients, larger case-control studies that also study established cardiovascular risk factors should be conducted.

Respiratory failure and sleep-disordered breathing in late-onset Pompe disease: a narrative review

Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a rare autosomal recessive glycogen storage disease that results in accumulation of glycogen in muscle cells causing muscular weakness. It causes a progressive proximal myopathy, accompanied by respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to ventilatory failure. In untreated LOPD, the most common cause of death is respiratory failure. Patients suffering from respiratory compromise may present with symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) before overt signs of respiratory failure. Diaphragm weakness leads to nocturnal hypoventilation, which can result in sleep disruption. Both subjective and objective sleep quality can be impaired with associated excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Health-related quality of life worsens as sleep disturbance increases. The mainstay of treatment for SDB and respiratory failure in LOPD is non-invasive ventilation (NIV), which aims to ensure adequate ventilation, particularly during sleep, and prevent acute hypercapnic failure. These patients are at risk of acute deterioration due to lower respiratory tract infections; effective secretion clearance and vaccination against common pathogens is an important facet of care. Whilst disease-modifying enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) delays progression of locomotor dysfunction and prolongs life, its effect on respiratory function and SDB remains unclear. There are no data demonstrating the impact of ERT on sleep quality or SDB.

Follow-up of late-onset Pompe disease patients with muscle magnetic resonance imaging reveals increase in fat replacement in skeletal muscles

BACKGROUND

Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of the skeletal muscles produced by a deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase. Enzymatic replacement therapy with recombinant human alpha-glucosidase seems to reduce the progression of the disease; although at the moment, it is not completely clear to what extent. Quantitative muscle magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) is a good biomarker for the follow-up of fat replacement in neuromuscular disorders. The aim of this study was to describe the changes observed in fat replacement in skeletal muscles using qMRI in a cohort of LOPD patients followed prospectively.

METHODS

A total of 36 LOPD patients were seen once every year for 4 years. qMRI, several muscle function tests, spirometry, activities of daily living scales, and quality-of-life scales were performed on each visit. Muscle MRI consisted of two-point Dixon studies of the trunk and thigh muscles. Computer analysis of the images provided the percentage of muscle degenerated and replaced by fat in every muscle (known as fat fraction). Longitudinal analysis of the measures was performed using linear mixed models applying the Greenhouse-Geisser test.

RESULTS

We detected a statistically significant and continuous increase in mean thigh fat fraction both in treated (+5.8% in 3 years) and in pre-symptomatic patients (+2.6% in 3years) (Greenhouse-Geisser p < 0.05). As an average, fat fraction increased by 1.9% per year in treated patients, compared with 0.8% in pre-symptomatic patients. Fat fraction significantly increased in every muscle of the thighs. We observed a significant correlation between changes observed in fat fraction in qMRI and changes observed in the results of the muscle function tests performed. Moreover, we identified that muscle performance and mean thigh fat fraction at baseline visit were independent parameters influencing fat fraction progression over 4 years (analysis of covariance, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identifies that skeletal muscle fat fraction continues to increase in patients with LOPD despite the treatment with enzymatic replacement therapy. These results suggest that the process of muscle degeneration is not stopped by the treatment and could impact muscle function over the years. Hereby, we show that fat fraction along with muscle function tests can be considered a good outcome measures for clinical trials in LOPD patients.

Diffusion tensor imaging reveals changes in non-fat infiltrated muscles in late onset Pompe disease

MRI is a helpful tool for monitoring disease progression in late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). Our study aimed to evaluate if muscle diffusion tensor imaging (mDTI) shows alterations in muscles of LOPD patients with <10% fat-fraction. We evaluated 6 thigh and 7 calf muscles (both legs) of 18 LOPD and 29 healthy controls (HC) with muscle diffusion tensor imaging (mDTI), T1w, and mDixonquant sequences in a 3T MRI scanner. The quantitative mDTI-values axial diffusivity (λ₁ ), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) as well as fat-fraction were analyzed. 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) data were correlated to diffusion metrics. We found that mDTI showed significant differences between LOPD and HC in diffusion parameters (P < .05). Thigh muscles with <10% fat-fraction showed significant differences in MD, RD, and λ_1-3 . MD positively correlated with 6-MWT (P = .06). To conclude, mDTI reveals diffusion restrictions in muscles of LOPD with and without fat-infiltration and reflects structural changes prior to fatty degeneration.

Is it Pompe Disease? Australian diagnostic considerations

Pompe Disease is a spectrum disorder with an evolving phenotype in which diagnostic delay is common. Contributing factors include the rarity of the disorder, its wide clinical spectrum, signs and symptoms that overlap with those of other neuromuscular disorders, variable diagnostic approaches, lack of awareness of the clinical manifestations and difficulties in completing the diagnostic inventory. International updates and recommendations have been published providing diagnostic guidelines and management criteria. However, questions remain in the Australian setting. A panel (two neurologists, one clinical geneticist) reviewed the literature, examined clinical questions of relevance to the Australian setting, and developed a framework for the guidance. A wider panel, comprising the initial panel plus eight additional members, critiqued the framework and contributed clinical guidance within the scope of their respective areas of clinical expertise. The resultant expert consensus recommendations build on currently available data to propose an appropriate management framework incorporating the diagnosis, classification, therapeutic approach, multidisciplinary care, and on-going monitoring of patients with Pompe Disease in the Australian setting. It is hoped that diagnostic delay can be reduced with appropriate recourse to evidence-based insights and practical advice on diagnosis and management tailored to the Australian setting.

GAA compound heterozygous mutations associated with autophagic impairment cause cerebral infarction in Pompe disease

Clinical manifestations of the late-onset adult Pompe disease (glycogen storage disease type II) are heterogeneous. To identify genetic defects of a special patient population with cerebrovascular involvement as the main symptom, we performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis on a consanguineous Chinese family of total eight members including two Pompe siblings both had cerebral infarction. Two novel compound heterozygous variants were found in GAA gene: c.2238G>C in exon 16 and c.1388_1406del19 in exon 9 in the two patients. We verified the function of the two mutations in leading to defects in GAA protein expression and enzyme activity that are associated with autophagic impairment. We further performed a gut microbiome metagenomics analysis, found that the child’s gut microbiome metagenome is very similar to his mother. Our finding enriches the gene mutation spectrum of Pompe disease, and identified the association of the two new mutations with autophagy impairment. Our data also indicates that gut microbiome could be shared within Pompe patient and cohabiting family members, and the abnormal microbiome may affect the blood biochemical index. Our study also highlights the importance of deep DNA sequencing in potential clinical applications.

Study of the effect of anti-rhGAA antibodies at low and intermediate titers in late onset Pompe patients treated with ERT

Late onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a genetic disorder characterized by slowly progressive skeletal and respiratory muscle weakness. Symptomatic patients are treated with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with alglucosidase alpha (rhGAA). Although most of ERT treated patients develop antibodies against rhGAA, their influence on clinical progression is not completely known. We studied the impact of anti-rhGAA antibodies on clinical progression of 25 ERT treated patients. We evaluated patients at visit 0 and, after 1 year, at visit 1. We performed several muscle function tests, conventional spirometry and quantitative muscle MRI (qMRI) using 3-point Dixon analysis of thigh muscles at both visits. We also obtained serum samples at both visits and anti-rhGAA antibodies were quantified using ELISA. Antibody titers higher than 1:200 were identified in 18 patients (72%) of our cohort. Seven patients (28%) did not develop antibodies (0 to <1:200), 17 patients (68%) developed low to intermediate titers (1:200 to <1:31,200) and 1 patient (4%) developed high titers (>1:31,200). We analyzed the effect of low and intermediate antibody titers in clinical and radiological progression. There were no differences between the results of muscle function tests, spirometry or fat fraction analyzed using qMRI between patients with and without antibodies groups at baseline. Moreover, antibody titers did not influence muscle function test, spirometry results or qMRI results at year 1 visit. Most of the LOPD patients developed antibodies against ERT that persisted over time at low or intermediate levels. However, antibodies at these low and intermediate titers might not influence clinical response to the drug.

Molecular genetics of Pompe disease: a comprehensive overview

Pompe disease (PD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal disorder caused by the deficient activity of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme due to mutations in the GAA gene. The enzymatic deficiency leads to the accumulation of glycogen within the lysosomes. Clinically, the disease has been classically classified in infantile and childhood/adult forms. The GAA gene has been localized to chromosome 17q25.2-q25.3 and to date, 582 mutations distributed throughout the whole gene have been reported (HGMD: http://www.hgmd.cf.ac.uk/ac/). All types of mutations have been described; missense variants are the most frequent type followed by small deletions. Most GAA mutations are private or found in a small number of families. However, an exception is represented by the c.-32-13T>G splice mutation that is very common in patients of Caucasian origin affected by the childhood/adult form of the disease, with an allelic frequency ranging from 40% to 70%. In this article, we review the spectrum of GAA mutations, their distribution in different populations, and their classification according to their impact on GAA splicing process, protein expression and activity. In addition, whenever possible, we discuss the phenotype/genotype correlation. The information collected in this review provides an overview of the molecular genetics of PD and can be used to facilitate diagnosis and genetic counseling of families affected by this disorder.

Spanish Pompe registry: Baseline characteristics of first 49 patients with adult onset of Pompe disease

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Pompe disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder produced by a deficiency of acid maltase. This deficit produces an accumulation of glycogen in tissues. Clinically it is mainly characterized by limb girdle and respiratory muscle weakness. In 2013, we developed the Spanish Pompe Registry. The objective of this article was to analyse the characteristics of the first 49 patients and disclose the existence of this registry within the medical community.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An observational retrospective study was undertaken. We analysed the 49 patients included in the Spanish Registry of Pompe Disease from May 2013 to October 2018.

RESULTS

Patients were visited at 7 different Spanish hospitals. Twenty-six patients were women and 23 were men. The average age at the time of the analysis was 47.2 years. Ten patients were asymptomatic. The mean age of onset of symptoms was 29, and low limb girdle weakness was the most frequent initial symptom. Of the patients, 49% had respiratory involvement, and 70.8% of them required non-invasive mechanical ventilation. The most common mutation found was IVS1-13T>G in 85.3% of the patients. All symptomatic patients received treatment with ERT.

CONCLUSIONS

This registry allows us to know the clinical and genetic characteristics of adult patients with Pompe disease in Spain. Moreover, it can be the basis for future studies of natural history to understand the impact of ERT in the course of the disease.

The nature of respiratory muscle weakness in patients with late-onset Pompe disease

Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) causes myopathy of skeletal and respiratory muscles, and phrenic nerve pathology putatively contributes to diaphragm weakness. The aim of this study was to investigate neural contributions to diaphragm dysfunction, usefulness of diaphragm ultrasound, and involvement of expiratory abdominal muscles in LOPD. Thirteen patients with LOPD (7 male, 51±17 years) and 13 age- and gender-matched controls underwent respiratory muscle strength testing, ultrasound evaluation of diaphragm excursion and thickness, cortical and cervical magnetic stimulation (MS) of the diaphragm with simultaneous recording of surface electromyogram and twitch transdiaphragmatic pressure (twPdi; n = 6), and MS of the abdominal muscles with recording of twitch gastric pressure (twPgas; n = 6). The following parameters were significantly reduced in LOPD patients versus controls: forced vital capacity (p<0.01), maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure (both p<0.001), diaphragm excursion velocity (p<0.05), diaphragm thickening ratio (1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 2.6 ± 0.6, p<0.01), twPdi following cervical MS (12.0 ± 6.2 vs. 19.4 ± 4.8 cmH₂O, p<0.05), and twPgas following abdominal muscle stimulation (8.8 ± 8.1 vs. 34.6 ± 17.1 cmH₂O, p<0.01). Diaphragm motor evoked potentials and compound muscle action potentials showed no between-group differences. In conclusion, phrenic nerve involvement in LOPD could not be electrophysiologically confirmed. Ultrasound supports assessment of diaphragm function. Abdominal expiratory muscles are functionally involved in LOPD.

PDGF-BB serum levels are decreased in adult onset Pompe patients

Adult onset Pompe disease is a genetic disorder characterized by slowly progressive skeletal and respiratory muscle weakness. Symptomatic patients are treated with enzymatic replacement therapy with human recombinant alfa glucosidase. Motor functional tests and spirometry are commonly used to follow patients up. However, a serological biomarker that correlates with the progression of the disease could improve follow-up. We studied serum concentrations of TGFβ, PDGF-BB, PDGF-AA and CTGF growth factors in 37 adult onset Pompe patients and 45 controls. Moreover, all patients performed several muscle function tests, conventional spirometry, and quantitative muscle MRI using 3-point Dixon. We observed a statistically significant change in the serum concentration of each growth factor in patients compared to controls. However, only PDGF-BB levels were able to differentiate between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, suggesting its potential role in the follow-up of asymptomatic patients. Moreover, our results point to a dysregulation of muscle regeneration as an additional pathomechanism of Pompe disease.

Differential diagnosis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies in adults - the first step when approaching a patient with muscle weakness

Despite its misleading adjective, the most commonly used diagnostic criteria of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are applicable only after all other non-autoimmune muscle diseases have been excluded. It makes differential diagnosis the first step when approaching a patient with muscle weakness. This article is designed to list the most common conditions from which to differentiate in rheumatological care. In fact, many patients with the diseases described here have been initially misdiagnosed with IIM. For the purpose of this article, only the most commonly found and important conditions according to the authors are listed with the essence of information; other autoimmune muscle diseases, such as sarcoidosis and eosinophilic myositis, are not portrayed. The attached bibliography may serve as a source, when further exploration of a specific subject is needed.

Skeletal alterations, developmental delay and new mutations in juvenile-onset Pompe disease

Pompe disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of acid α-glucosidase. In addition to the severe infantile form with cardiac involvement, late-onset variants can affect older children, adolescents (aged >1 year old) or adults. Patients with juvenile (a subgroup of late-onset type) Pompe disease typically do not have cardiac alterations e.g. hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and the diagnosis is often difficult because it can clinically resemble myriad other neuromuscular disorders. A high level of clinical suspicion is necessary for a timely and accurate diagnosis. We describe 3 interesting cases of patients with juvenile-onset Pompe disease who presented some uncommon clinical features e.g. skeletal alterations and developmental delay, and describe a new genetic variant. Juvenile-onset Pompe disease may be accompanied by uncommon clinical signs that could delay the diagnosis of Pompe disease due to the global pictures resembling other metabolic disorders.

Safety of Intradiaphragmatic Delivery of Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Alpha-Glucosidase (rAAV1-CMV-hGAA) Gene Therapy in Children Affected by Pompe Disease

A first-in-human trial of diaphragmatic gene therapy (AAV1-CMV-GAA) to treat respiratory and neural dysfunction in early-onset Pompe disease was conducted. The primary objective of this study was to assess the safety of rAAV1-CMV-hGAA vector delivered to the diaphragm muscle of Pompe disease subjects with ventilatory insufficiency. Safety was assessed by measurement of change in serum chemistries and hematology, urinalysis, and immune response to GAA and AAV, as well as change in level of health. The data demonstrate that the AAV treatment was safe and there were no adverse events related to the study agent. Adverse events related to the study procedure were observed in subjects with lower baseline neuromuscular function. All adverse events were resolved before the end of the study, except for one severe adverse event determined not to be related to either the study agent or the study procedure. In addition, an anti-capsid and anti-transgene antibody response was observed in all subjects who received rAAV1-CMV-hGAA, except for subjects who received concomitant immunomodulation to manage reaction to enzyme replacement therapy, as per their standard of care. This observation is significant for future gene therapy studies and serves to establish a clinically relevant approach to blocking immune responses to both the AAV capsid protein and transgene product.

Quantitative muscle MRI to follow up late onset Pompe patients: a prospective study

Late onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a slow, progressive disorder characterized by skeletal and respiratory muscle weakness. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) slows down the progression of muscle symptoms. Reliable biomarkers are needed to follow up ERT-treated and asymptomatic LOPD patients in clinical practice. In this study, 32 LOPD patients (22 symptomatic and 10 asymptomatic) underwent muscle MRI using 3-point Dixon and were evaluated at the time of the MRI with several motor function tests and patient-reported outcome measures, and again after one year. Muscle MRI showed a significant increase of 1.7% in the fat content of the thigh muscles in symptomatic LOPD patients. In contrast, there were no noteworthy differences between muscle function tests in the same period of time. We did not observe any significant changes either in muscle MRI or in muscle function tests in asymptomatic patients over the year. We conclude that 3-point Dixon muscle MRI is a useful tool for detecting changes in muscle structure in symptomatic LOPD patients and could become part of the current follow-up protocol in daily clinics.

Mitochondrial Variants in Pompe Disease: A Comparison between Classic and Non-Classic Forms

Objective

Pompe disease (PD) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that is caused by glucosidase acid alpha (GAA) deleterious mutations. Mitochondrial involvement is an important contributor to neuromuscular diseases. In this study the sequence of MT-ATP 6/8 and Cytochrome C oxidase I/II genes along with the expression levels of the former genes were compared in classic and non-classic patients.

Materials and Methods

In this case-control study, the sequence of MT-ATP 6/8 and Cytochrome C oxidase was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-Sanger sequencing and expression of MT-ATP genes were quantified by real time-PCR (RT-PCR) in 28 Pompe patients. The results were then compared with 100 controls. All sequences were compared with the revised Cambridge reference sequence as reference.

Results

Screening of MT-ATP6/8 resulted in the identification of three novel variants, namely T9117A, A8456C and A8524C. There was a significant decrease in MT-ATP6 expression between classic (i.e. adult) and control groups (P=0.030). Additionally, the MT-ATP8 expression was significantly decreased in classic (P=0.004) and non-classic (i.e. infant) patients (P=0.013). In total, 22 variants were observed in Cytochrome C oxidase, five of which were non- synonymous, one leading to a stop codon and another (C9227G) being a novel heteroplasmic variant. The A8302G in the lysine tRNA gene was found in two brothers in a pedigree, while a T7572C variant in the aspartate tRNA gene was observed in two brothers in another pedigree.

Conclusion

The extent of mitochondrial involvement in the classic group was more significant than in the non-classic form. Beside GAA deleterious mutations, it seems that mtDNA variants have a secondary effect on PD. Understanding, the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of Pompe may potentially be helpful in developing new therapeutic strategies.

Impact, Characterization, and Rescue of Pre-mRNA Splicing Mutations in Lysosomal Storage Disorders

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) represent a group of more than 50 severe metabolic diseases caused by the deficiency of specific lysosomal hydrolases, activators, carriers, or lysosomal integral membrane proteins, leading to the abnormal accumulation of substrates within the lysosomes. Numerous mutations have been described in each disease-causing gene; among them, about 5-19% affect the pre-mRNA splicing process. In the last decade, several strategies to rescue/increase normal splicing of mutated transcripts have been developed and LSDs represent excellent candidates for this type of approach: (i) most of them are inherited in an autosomic recessive manner and patients affected by late-onset (LO) phenotypes often retain a fair amount of residual enzymatic activity; thus, even a small recovery of normal splicing may be beneficial in clinical settings; (ii) most LSDs still lack effective treatments or are currently treated with extremely expensive approaches; (iii) in few LSDs, a single splicing mutation accounts for up to 40-70% of pathogenic alleles. At present, numerous preclinical studies support the feasibility of reverting the pathological phenotype by partially rescuing splicing defects in LSDs. This review provides an overview of the impact of splicing mutations in LSDs and the related therapeutic approaches currently under investigation in these disorders.

Pompe disease in Austria: clinical, genetic and epidemiological aspects

In this study, we performed a survey of infantile and late-onset Pompe disease (IOPD and LOPD) in Austria. Paediatric and neuromuscular centres were contacted to provide a set of anonymized clinical and genetic data of patients with IOPD and LOPD. The number of patients receiving enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) was obtained from the pharmaceutical company providing alglucosidase alfa. We found 25 patients in 24 families, 4 IOPD and 21 LOPD with a resulting prevalence of 1:350,914. The most frequent clinical manifestation in LOPD was a lower limb-girdle phenotype combined with axial weakness. Three patients were clinically pauci- or asymptomatic and were diagnosed because of persistent hyperCKemia. Diagnostic delay in LOPD was 7.4 ± 9.7 years. The most common mutation was c.-32-13T > G. All IOPD and 17 symptomatic LOPD patients are receiving ERT. Standardized follow-up was only available in six LOPD patients for the 6-min walk test (6minWT) and in ten for the forced vital capacity (FVC). Mean FVC did not decline (before ERT; 63.6 ± 39.7%; last evaluation during ERT: 61.9 ± 26.9%; P = 0.5) while there was a trend to decline in the mean distance covered by the 6minWT (before ERT: 373.5 ± 117.9 m; last evaluation during ERT: 308.5 ± 120.8 m; P = 0.077). The study shows a lower prevalence of Pompe disease in Austria than in other European countries and corroborates a limb-girdle phenotype with axial weakness as the most common clinical presentation, although asymptomatic hyperCKemia may be the first indication of LOPD.

The humanistic burden of Pompe disease: are there still unmet needs? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Humanistic burden considers the impact of an illness on a patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL), activities of daily living (ADL), caregiver health, and caregiver QoL. Humanistic burden also considers treatment satisfaction and adherence to treatment regimens. Pompe disease is an autosomal recessive, progressive, multisystemic neuromuscular disease. Approval of enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) markedly improved prognosis for patients, but considerable morbidity and a substantial humanistic burden remain. This article characterizes the humanistic burden of Pompe disease through a systematic literature review.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE® and Embase® with back-referencing and supplementary literature searches was performed to retrieve data from interventional and non-interventional studies on the humanistic burden of Pompe disease. Publications were screened according to predefined criteria, extracted, and assessed for quality. Extracted data were narratively synthesized.

RESULTS

No publications on the humanistic burden of infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) were identified. As such, of 17 publications included here, all are in patients with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). Thirteen publications were initiated after approval of ERT, two were initiated before, and two overlapped the approval of ERT. The review shows that LOPD patients have a significantly lower HRQoL than the general population, even if treated with ERT. On transitioning to ERT, treatment was associated with improvement in the physical component score of the SF-36 and fatigue, although the SF-36 mental component score remained stable. Physical HRQoL remained below population norms after 4 years of ERT. Significantly more ERT-treated patients reported pain than controls, and bodily pain worsened in later years following ERT initiation. Treatment-naïve LOPD patients had significantly poorer ADL functioning compared with the general population, although ERT stabilized deteriorating functioning impairment. ERT studies showed caregivers provide 17.7 h/week informal care on average. Fifty percent, 40% and <20% of caregivers reported mental health, physical health, and financial/relational problems, respectively. In ERT-naïve patients, wheelchair use and home ventilatory support was associated with lower physical HRQoL and ADL functioning. In ERT-treated patients, key factors predicting worse HRQoL and ADL functioning were higher respiratory distress, poorer sleep quality, greater pain, and more fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

Pompe disease has a substantial humanistic burden, with strong inter-relationships among and between humanistic burden parameters and clinical progression.

Identification of GAA variants through whole exome sequencing targeted to a cohort of 606 patients with unexplained limb-girdle muscle weakness

Background

Late-onset Pompe disease is a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder caused by a primary deficiency of α-glucosidase and the associated accumulation of glycogen in lysosomal vacuoles. The deficiency of α-glucosidase can often be detected using an inexpensive and readily accessible dried blood spot test when Pompe disease is suspected. Like several neuromuscular disorders, Pompe disease typically presents with progressive weakness of limb-girdle muscles and respiratory insufficiency. Due to the phenotypic heterogeneity of these disorders, however, it is often difficult for clinicians to reach a diagnosis for patients with Pompe disease. Six hundred and six patients from a European population were recruited onto our study. Inclusion criteria stipulated that index cases must present with limb-girdle weakness or elevated serum creatine kinase activity. Whole exome sequencing with at least 250 ng DNA was completed using an Illumina exome capture and a 38 Mb baited target. A panel of 169 candidate genes for limb-girdle weakness was analysed for disease-causing variants.

Results

A total of 35 variants within GAA were detected. Ten distinct variants in eight unrelated index cases (and four siblings not sequenced in our study) were considered disease-causing, with the patients presenting with heterogeneous phenotypes. The eight unrelated individuals were compound heterozygotes for two variants. Six patients carried the intronic splice site c.-13 T > G transversion and two of the six patients also carried the exonic p.Glu176ArgfsTer45 frameshift. Four of the ten variants were novel in their association with Pompe disease.

Conclusions

Here, we highlight the advantage of using whole exome sequencing as a tool for detecting, diagnosing and treating patients with rare, clinically variable genetic disorders.

Moonlighting newborn screening markers: the incidental discovery of a second-tier test for Pompe disease

PURPOSE

To describe a novel biochemical marker in dried blood spots suitable to improve the specificity of newborn screening for Pompe disease.

METHODS

The new marker is a ratio calculated between the creatine/creatinine (Cre/Crn) ratio as the numerator and the activity of acid α-glucosidase (GAA) as the denominator. Using Collaborative Laboratory Integrated Reports (CLIR), the new marker was incorporated in a dual scatter plot that can achieve almost complete segregation between Pompe disease and false-positive cases.

RESULTS

The (Cre/Crn)/GAA ratio was measured in residual dried blood spots of five Pompe cases and was found to be elevated (range 4.41-13.26; 99%ile of neonatal controls: 1.10). Verification was by analysis of 39 blinded specimens that included 10 controls, 24 samples with a definitive classification (16 Pompe, 8 false positives), and 5 with genotypes of uncertain significance. The CLIR tool showed 100% concordance of classification for the 24 known cases. Of the remaining five cases, three p.V222M homozygotes, a benign variant, were classified by CLIR as false positives; two with genotypes of unknown significance, one likely informative, were categorized as Pompe disease.

CONCLUSION

The CLIR tool inclusive of the new ratio could have prevented at least 12 of 13 (92%) false-positive outcomes.

The Initial Evaluation of Patients After Positive Newborn Screening: Recommended Algorithms Leading to a Confirmed Diagnosis of Pompe Disease

Newborn screening (NBS) for Pompe disease is done through analysis of acid α-glucosidase (GAA) activity in dried blood spots. When GAA levels are below established cutoff values, then second-tier testing is required to confirm or refute a diagnosis of Pompe disease. This article in the "Newborn Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment for Pompe Disease" guidance supplement provides recommendations for confirmatory testing after a positive NBS result indicative of Pompe disease is obtained. Two algorithms were developed by the Pompe Disease Newborn Screening Working Group, a group of international experts on both NBS and Pompe disease, based on whether DNA sequencing is performed as part of the screening method. Using the recommendations in either algorithm will lead to 1 of 3 diagnoses: classic infantile-onset Pompe disease, late-onset Pompe disease, or no disease/not affected/carrier. Mutation analysis of the GAA gene is essential for confirming the biochemical diagnosis of Pompe disease. For NBS laboratories that do not have DNA sequencing capabilities, the responsibility of obtaining sequencing of the GAA gene will fall on the referral center. The recommendations for confirmatory testing and the initial evaluation are intended for a broad global audience. However, the Working Group recognizes that clinical practices, standards of care, and resource capabilities vary not only regionally, but also by testing centers. Individual patient needs and health status as well as local/regional insurance reimbursement programs and regulations also must be considered.

Glycogen Reduction in Myotubes of Late-Onset Pompe Disease Patients Using Antisense Technology

Glycogen storage disease type II (GSDII) is a lysosomal disorder caused by the deficient activity of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme, leading to the accumulation of glycogen within the lysosomes. The disease has been classified in infantile and late-onset forms. Most late-onset patients share a splicing mutation c.-32-13T > G in intron 1 of the GAA gene that prevents efficient recognition of exon 2 by the spliceosome. In this study, we have mapped the splicing silencers of GAA exon 2 and developed antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (AMOs) to inhibit those regions and rescue normal splicing in the presence of the c.-32-13T > G mutation. Using a minigene approach and patient fibroblasts, we successfully increased inclusion of exon 2 in the mRNA and GAA enzyme production by targeting a specific silencer with a combination of AMOs. Most importantly, the use of these AMOs in patient myotubes results in a decreased accumulation of glycogen. To our knowledge, this is the only therapeutic approach resulting in a decrease of glycogen accumulation in patient tissues beside enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and TFEB overexpression. As a result, it may represent a highly novel and promising therapeutic line for GSDII.

Prevalence of late-onset pompe disease in Portuguese patients with diaphragmatic paralysis - DIPPER study

Pompe disease is a rare autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by acid α-glucosidase enzyme (GAA) deficiency and divided into two distinct variants, infantile- and late-onset. The late-onset variant is characterized by a spectrum of phenotypic variation that may range from asymptomatic, to reduced muscle strength and/or diaphragmatic paralysis. Since muscle strength loss is characteristic of several different conditions, which may also cause diaphragmatic paralysis, a protocol was created to search for the diagnosis of Pompe disease and exclude other possible causes.

METHODS

We collected a sample size of 18 patients (10 females, 8 males) with a median age of 60 years and diagnosis of diaphragmatic paralysis of unknown etiology, followed in the Pulmonology outpatient consultation of 9 centers in Portugal, over a 24-month study period. We evaluated data from patient's clinical and demographic characteristics as well as complementary diagnostic tests including blood tests, imaging, neurophysiologic and respiratory function evaluation. All patients were evaluated for GAA activity with DBS (dried blood test) or serum quantification and positive results confirmed by serum quantification and sequencing.

RESULTS

Three patients were diagnosed with Pompe's disease and recommended for enzyme replacement therapy. The prevalence of Pompe, a rare disease, in our diaphragmatic paralysis patient sample was 16.8%.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that DBS test for GAA activity should be recommended for all patients with diaphragmatic paralysis which, despite looking at all the most common causes, remains of unknown etiology; this would improve both the timing and accuracy of diagnosis for Pompe disease in this patient population. Accurate diagnosis will lead to improved care for this rare, progressively debilitating but treatable neuromuscular disease.

New mutations and genotype-phenotype correlation in late-onset Pompe patients

Pompe disease is a glycogen storage disease caused by acid alfa-glucosidase deficiency. Here, we report clinical properties, genetic features of our late-onset Pompe patients. Seven patients were followed during the last 10 years in our institute. The clinical and laboratory findings were reviewed. Neuropsychological evaluation was performed in four patients. Myotonic discharges of paraspinal muscles and denervation potentials were seen in all patients at the diagnosis and were disappeared during follow-up in two. Only one patient, whose MRI showed cerebral atrophy, had attention and executive dysfunction. Compound heterozygous patients with IVS 1-13T>G have a milder disease. One patient who has homozygous IVS 1-13T>G mutation had more severe disease. Two of our patients who had very severe and fatal disease course carry double mutations on both alleles (c.547-39T>G and c.858+5ins7) that previously scored as "unknown" in Erasmus Pompe Center database. Lastly, we found new mutations (c.1209 C>A, 2737dupG) in two patients carrying IVS 1-13T>G in the other allele. Systemic involvements are very rare in late-onset Pompe patients. Similarly, Pompe disease does not cause cognitive impairment in adult population. Homozygous IVS 1-13T>G mutation and c.547-39T>G mutation which are previously noted as "unknown" pathogenicities cause a more severe disease.

The emerging phenotype of late-onset Pompe disease: A systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Pompe disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of the lysosomal glycogen-hydrolyzing enzyme acid α-glucosidase (GAA). The adult-onset form, late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), has been characterized by glycogen accumulation primarily in skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles, causing weakness of the proximal limb girdle and respiratory muscles. However, increased scientific study of LOPD continues to enhance understanding of an evolving phenotype.

PURPOSE

To expand our understanding of the evolving phenotype of LOPD since the approval of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with alglucosidase alfa (Myozyme™/Lumizyme™) in 2006.

METHODS

All articles were included in the review that provided data on the charactertistics of LOPD identified via the PubMed database published since the approval of ERT in 2006. All signs and symptoms of the disease that were reported in the literature were identified and included in the review.

RESULTS

We provide a comprehensive review of the evolving phenotype of LOPD. Our findings support and extend the knowledge of the multisystemic nature of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

With the advent of ERT and the concurrent increase in the scientific study of LOPD, the condition once primarily conceptualized as a limb-girdle muscle disease with prominent respiratory involvement is increasingly recognized to be a condition that results in signs and symptoms across body systems and structures.

[Diagnostic orientation of « Rigid spine » familial case with whole body muscle MRI]

La maladie de Pompe est une maladie lysosomale avec atteinte musculaire prédominante. On distingue la forme sévère du nourrisson avec troubles cardiaques des formes tardives de l’enfant, de l’adolescent et de l’adulte qui n’ont en général pas de manifestations cardiaques. L’association d’une maladie de Pompe et d’un « rigid spine » a été occasionnellement rapportée. Plusieurs profils ont été décrits. La présentation la plus fréquente est un déficit des muscles des ceintures et du diaphragme. Une scoliose est rapportée dans un tiers des patients, mais seulement 15 % associent une raideur spinale. L’atteinte extra-musculaire, en particulier des symptômes cardio-cérébrovasculaires sont observés dans un tiers des patients. L’observation rapportée ici présente un tableau de myopathie avec un phénotype typique de raideur spinale sélective, associé à une augmentation modérée des enzymes musculaires, des signes myopathiques à la biopsie, et une atteinte cardiaque.

Practical Recommendations for Diagnosis and Management of Respiratory Muscle Weakness in Late-Onset Pompe Disease

Pompe disease is an autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by progressive myopathy with proximal muscle weakness, respiratory muscle dysfunction, and cardiomyopathy (in infants only). In patients with juvenile or adult disease onset, respiratory muscle weakness may decline more rapidly than overall neurological disability. Sleep-disordered breathing, daytime hypercapnia, and the need for nocturnal ventilation eventually evolve in most patients. Additionally, respiratory muscle weakness leads to decreased cough and impaired airway clearance, increasing the risk of acute respiratory illness. Progressive respiratory muscle weakness is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in late-onset Pompe disease even if enzyme replacement therapy has been established. Practical knowledge of how to detect, monitor and manage respiratory muscle involvement is crucial for optimal patient care. A multidisciplinary approach combining the expertise of neurologists, pulmonologists, and intensive care specialists is needed. Based on the authors' own experience in over 200 patients, this article conveys expert recommendations for the diagnosis and management of respiratory muscle weakness and its sequelae in late-onset Pompe disease.