Abstract
Abstract Background and Aims Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder in which mutations of the GLA gene cause a decreased or absent activity of the alpha-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) and intracellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide and other sphingolipids [1]. FD causes a variety of symptoms, including heart and kidneys damage - cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) type 5. In patients with FD, CRS is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular events and death [2]. The aim of our study was to assess renal function and outcomes in patients with FD and CRS receiving enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Method We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 10 patients (pts) from 7 unrelated families with established diagnosis of FD and cardiac and renal involvement. Pts #1 and #3 are siblings, pt # 10 is their mother; pt #9 is mother of pt #8 (Table 1). The diagnosis was confirmed by DNA diagnostics in all plus levels of α-Gal A enzymatic activity, globotriaosylsphingosine concentrations in some patients. All the patients underwent ERT. Seven out of 10 patients received blockers of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, 3 - did not receive due to contraindications. Results All 10 patients, including 3 women, had left ventricular hypertrophy - left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT) ≥ 1.2 cm. (Table 1). Average LVWT was 1.850 ± 0.097 cm. Two patients had atrial fibrillation. None of the patients had proteinuria 1 g/24 h or higher. In all еGFR was below 60 ml/min/1,73 m2: 4 patients had CKD-G3a, 4 – G3b, 1 – G4 and 1 – G5. Average еGFR was 41,111 ± 8.069 ml/min/1,73 m2 excluding hemodialysis (HD) patient. There were 4 unfavorable outcomes in our group: death occurred in 3 patients from cardiac pathology (congestive heart failure), one patient reached CKD-G5 at 25 years of age and started HD treatment. Patient on HD, brother of deceased pt #1, began receiving ERT after the start of renal replacement therapy. The death of pt #1, who had a very high Lyso-Gb3 level - 118.36 ng/ml (normal 0.05-3.0 ng/ml), appears to be related to the late diagnosis and delayed start of ERT. Conclusion Patients with FD and CRS are likely to have a high risk of cardiovascular complications, loss of kidney function and death, especially with a late start of enzyme replacement and cardio-renoprotective therapy. Early diagnosis of FD and timely initiation of treatment are important in preventing the serious complications and death.
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