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Adang LA, Bonkowsky JL, Boelens JJ, Mallack E, Ahrens-Nicklas R, Bernat JA, Bley A, Burton B, Darling A, Eichler F, Eklund E, Emrick L, Escolar M, Fatemi A, Fraser JL, Gaviglio A, Keller S, Patterson MC, Orchard P, Orthmann-Murphy J, Santoro JD, Schöls L, Sevin C, Srivastava IN, Rajan D, Rubin JP, Van Haren K, Wasserstein M, Zerem A, Fumagalli F, Laugwitz L, Vanderver A. Consensus guidelines for the monitoring and management of metachromatic leukodystrophy in the United States. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:739-748. [PMID: 38613540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.03.487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic mutations in the ARSA (Arylsulfatase A) gene. With the advent of presymptomatic diagnosis and the availability of therapies with a narrow window for intervention, it is critical to define a standardized approach to diagnosis, presymptomatic monitoring, and clinical care. To meet the needs of the MLD community, a panel of MLD experts was established to develop disease-specific guidelines based on healthcare resources in the United States. This group developed a consensus opinion for best-practice recommendations, as follows: (i) Diagnosis should include both genetic and biochemical testing; (ii) Early diagnosis and treatment for MLD is associated with improved clinical outcomes; (iii) The panel supported the development of newborn screening to accelerate the time to diagnosis and treatment; (iv) Clinical management of MLD should include specialists familiar with the disease who are able to follow patients longitudinally; (v) In early onset MLD, including late infantile and early juvenile subtypes, ex vivo gene therapy should be considered for presymptomatic patients where available; (vi) In late-onset MLD, including late juvenile and adult subtypes, hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) should be considered for patients with no or minimal disease involvement. This document summarizes current guidance on the presymptomatic monitoring of children affected by MLD as well as the clinical management of symptomatic patients. Future data-driven evidence and evolution of these recommendations will be important to stratify clinical treatment options and improve clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Adang
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | | | - Jaap Jan Boelens
- Department of Pediatrics, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eric Mallack
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - John A Bernat
- University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Annette Bley
- University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Burton
- Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | | | - Lisa Emrick
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Maria Escolar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Forge Biologics, Grove City, Ohio, USA
| | - Ali Fatemi
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jamie L Fraser
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Amy Gaviglio
- Division of Laboratory Services, Newborn Screening and Molecular Biology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Marc C Patterson
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Paul Orchard
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Jonathan D Santoro
- University of Southern California, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurology and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Isha N Srivastava
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Deepa Rajan
- University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Keith Van Haren
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Melissa Wasserstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Ayelet Zerem
- Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Lucia Laugwitz
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Adeline Vanderver
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Laugwitz L, Schoenmakers DH, Adang LA, Beck-Woedl S, Bergner C, Bernard G, Bley A, Boyer A, Calbi V, Dekker H, Eichler F, Eklund E, Fumagalli F, Gavazzi F, Grønborg SW, van Hasselt P, Langeveld M, Lindemans C, Mochel F, Oberg A, Ram D, Saunier-Vivar E, Schöls L, Scholz M, Sevin C, Zerem A, Wolf NI, Groeschel S. Newborn screening in metachromatic leukodystrophy - European consensus-based recommendations on clinical management. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2024; 49:141-154. [PMID: 38554683 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder resulting from arylsulfatase A enzyme deficiency, leading to toxic sulfatide accumulation. As a result affected individuals exhibit progressive neurodegeneration. Treatments such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and gene therapy are effective when administered pre-symptomatically. Newborn screening (NBS) for MLD has recently been shown to be technically feasible and is indicated because of available treatment options. However, there is a lack of guidance on how to monitor and manage identified cases. This study aims to establish consensus among international experts in MLD and patient advocates on clinical management for NBS-identified MLD cases. METHODS A real-time Delphi procedure using eDELPHI software with 22 experts in MLD was performed. Questions, based on a literature review and workshops, were answered during a seven-week period. Three levels of consensus were defined: A) 100%, B) 75-99%, and C) 50-74% or >75% but >25% neutral votes. Recommendations were categorized by agreement level, from strongly recommended to suggested. Patient advocates participated in discussions and were involved in the final consensus. RESULTS The study presents 57 statements guiding clinical management of NBS-identified MLD patients. Key recommendations include timely communication by MLD experts with identified families, treating early-onset MLD with gene therapy and late-onset MLD with HSCT, as well as pre-treatment monitoring schemes. Specific knowledge gaps were identified, urging prioritized research for future evidence-based guidelines. DISCUSSION Consensus-based recommendations for NBS in MLD will enhance harmonized management and facilitate integration in national screening programs. Structured data collection and monitoring of screening programs are crucial for evidence generation and future guideline development. Involving patient representatives in the development of recommendations seems essential for NBS programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Laugwitz
- Neuropediatrics, General Pediatrics, Diabetology, Endocrinology and Social Pediatrics, University of Tuebingen, University Hospital Tübingen, 72016, Tübingen, Germany; Institute for Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72070, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Daphne H Schoenmakers
- Department of Child Neurology, Emma's Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Medicine for Society, Platform at Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Laura A Adang
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stefanie Beck-Woedl
- Institute for Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72070, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Caroline Bergner
- Leukodystrophy Center, Departement of Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig, Germany
| | - Geneviève Bernard
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Pediatrics and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department Specialized Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada; Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | - Valeria Calbi
- Pediatric Immuno-Hematology Unit, Ospedale San Raffaele Milan, Italy; San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Milan, Italy
| | - Hanka Dekker
- Dutch Association for Inherited Metabolic Diseases (VKS), the Netherlands
| | | | - Erik Eklund
- Pediatrics, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Francesca Fumagalli
- Pediatric Immuno-Hematology Unit, Ospedale San Raffaele Milan, Italy; San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Milan, Italy; Unit of Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Gavazzi
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sabine W Grønborg
- Center for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and Department of Clinical Genetics, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter van Hasselt
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Langeveld
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline Lindemans
- Department of Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, UMC Utrecht and Princess Maxima Center, the Netherlands
| | - Fanny Mochel
- Reference Center for Adult Leukodystrophy, Department of Medical Genetics, Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute, La Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Andreas Oberg
- Norwegian National Unit for Newborn Screening, Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Dipak Ram
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurology and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Ayelet Zerem
- Pediatric Neurology Institute, Leukodystrophy Center, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nicole I Wolf
- Department of Child Neurology, Emma's Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Samuel Groeschel
- Neuropediatrics, General Pediatrics, Diabetology, Endocrinology and Social Pediatrics, University of Tuebingen, University Hospital Tübingen, 72016, Tübingen, Germany
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Chang SC, Bergamasco A, Bonnin M, Bisonó TA, Moride Y. A systematic review on the birth prevalence of metachromatic leukodystrophy. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:80. [PMID: 38383398 PMCID: PMC10880320 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03044-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency in arylsulfatase A (ASA) activity arising primarily from ASA gene (ARSA) variants. Late-infantile, juvenile and adult clinical subtypes are defined by symptom onset at ≤ 2.5, > 2.5 to < 16 and ≥ 16 years, respectively. Epidemiological data were sought to address knowledge gaps and to inform decisions regarding the clinical development of an investigational drug. METHODS To synthesize all available estimates of MLD incidence and birth prevalence worldwide and in selected countries, Ovid MEDLINE and Embase were searched systematically (March 11, 2022) using a population, intervention, comparator, outcome, time and setting framework, complemented by pragmatic searching to reduce publication bias. Where possible, results were stratified by clinical subtype. Data were extracted from non-interventional studies (clinical trials, non-clinical studies and case reports were excluded; reviews were used for snowballing only). RESULTS Of the 31 studies included, 14 reported birth prevalence (13 countries in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America), one reported prevalence and none reported incidence. Birth prevalence per 100,000 live births ranged from 0.16 (Japan) to 1.85 (Portugal). In the three European studies with estimates stratified by clinical subtypes, birth prevalence was highest for late-infantile cases (0.31-1.12 per 100,000 live births). The distribution of clinical subtypes reported in cases diagnosed over various time periods in 17 studies varied substantially, but late-infantile and juvenile MLD accounted for at least two-thirds of cases in most studies. CONCLUSIONS This review provides a foundation for further analysis of the regional epidemiology of MLD. Data gaps indicate the need for better global coverage, increased use of epidemiological measures (e.g. prevalence estimates) and more stratification of outcomes by clinical and genetic disease subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yola Moride
- YOLARX Consultants, Inc, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Yari A, Vafaeie F, Karam ZM, Hosseini M, Hashemzade H, Rahimi MS, Ehsanbakhsh A, Miri-Moghaddam E. Identification of a Novel ARSA Gene Mutation Through High-Throughput Molecular Diagnosis Method in Two Girls with Late Infantile Metachromatic Leukodystrophy. Neuromolecular Med 2023; 25:563-572. [PMID: 37682448 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-023-08757-y] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare leukoencephalopathy caused by pathogenic mutations in the ARSA gene. It manifests as severe motor symptoms, mental problems, and sometimes, seizures. We aimed to investigate the phenotypic manifestations and genetic causes of MLD in an Iranian family. We present the case of a 3-year-old girl who presented with hypotonia, muscular atrophy, and seizures. Neurological and neuromuscular examinations were performed to evaluate clinical characteristics. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was used to detect disease-causing variants. In silico analysis was performed to predict the pathogenicity of this variant. GROMACS software was utilized for molecular dynamic simulation (MDS). Neurological studies revealed marked slowing of motor conduction velocities and an increased motor unit action potential duration. Brain MRI scan revealed white matter abnormalities. By applying WES, we identified a novel homozygous missense variant (NM_000487.6, c.938G > C, p.R313P) in ARSA. Direct sequencing identified this homozygous variant in her asymptomatic younger sister, whereas both parents carried a heterozygous variant. This mutation has not been reported in genetic databases or in literature. In silico analysis predicted that any variation in this DNA position would cause disease, as it is highly conserved. The c.938G > C variant was classified as a pathogenic variant according to ACMG/AMP guidelines. MDS analysis indicated that c.938G > C had a significant impact on both the structure and stabilization of ARSA, ultimately resulting in impaired protein function. The identification of this variant expands the spectrum of ARSA gene mutations associated with MLD and highlights the importance of genetic testing for the diagnosis of MLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abolfazl Yari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Farzane Vafaeie
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Zahra Miri Karam
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahya Hosseini
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Ghaffari Blvd., Birjand, Iran.
| | - Hassan Hashemzade
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Maryam Sadat Rahimi
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Center, Razi Hospital, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Alireza Ehsanbakhsh
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Miri-Moghaddam
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Razi Hospital, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Ghaffari Blvd., Birjand, Iran.
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Santhanakumaran V, Groeschel S, Harzer K, Kehrer C, Elgün S, Beck-Wödl S, Hengel H, Schöls L, Haack TB, Krägeloh-Mann I, Laugwitz L. Predicting clinical phenotypes of metachromatic leukodystrophy based on the arylsulfatase A activity and the ARSA genotype? - Chances and challenges. Mol Genet Metab 2022; 137:273-282. [PMID: 36240581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of arylsulfatase A (ARSA). Subsequent accumulation of sulfatides leads to demyelination and neurodegeneration in the central and peripheral nervous system. To date MLD is classified based on the age at onset, however, especially for late onset forms this classification provides only limited projection regarding the clinical disease course. Moreover, evolving newborn screening approaches raise the need to predict the disease onset and course in pre-symptomatic individuals. Here, we correlate the ARSA activity and the ARSA-genotype with clinical parameters in a large cohort of 96 affected individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinical data of 96 affected individuals with genetically and/or biochemically confirmed MLD were collected from a national database. Leukocyte samples from 69 affected individuals were re-analyzed for the ARSA activity using p-nitrocatecholsulfate as substrate with a refined ARSA assay towards the lower limit of detection. For 84 individuals genetic sequencing was conducted by Sanger or next generation sequencing (NGS). RESULTS The adapted ARSA assay revealed the discriminatory power to differentiate MLD subtypes as the residual enzyme activity was low in late infantile and early juvenile forms, and clearly higher in late juvenile and adult MLD (p < 0.001). A residual enzyme activity below 1% compared to controls predicted an early onset (late-infantile or early-juvenile) and rapid disease progression. A firm genotype-phenotype correlation was proven as reliable for bi-allelic protein-truncating variants in the ARSA gene resulting in minimal residual ARSA activity, an early onset of the disease and initial decline of motor functions. Although the impact of missense variants was equivocal, few variants with a recognizable clinical spectrum were identified. DISCUSSION ARSA activity in leukocytes as well as the ARSA genotype can predict the age of disease onset and the dynamic of disease progression for most of the early onset forms. This knowledge is relevant for patient counseling and to guide treatment decisions, especially when identifying pre-symptomatic individuals, e.g., in newborn screening. However, due to the high cumulative frequency of rare disease-causing missense variants in the ARSA gene that lead to highly variable residual enzyme activity, reiterated biochemical and genetic studies are needed to improve disease course prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidiyaah Santhanakumaran
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Samuel Groeschel
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Harzer
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christiane Kehrer
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Saskia Elgün
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Beck-Wödl
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Holger Hengel
- Department of Neurology and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurology and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias B Haack
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ingeborg Krägeloh-Mann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lucia Laugwitz
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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