Cognitive and adaptive functioning of children with infantile Pompe disease treated with enzyme replacement therapy: Long‐term follow‐up

Abstract

This report documents the long-term cognitive and adaptive outcome of children with infantile Pompe disease. Specifically, we describe the cognitive and adaptive functioning of seven children with classic infantile Pompe disease and two children with atypical infantile Pompe disease who have received enzyme replacement therapy (Myozyme®) for an average of 6 years, 8 months and 4 years, 1. 5 months, respectively. Multiple assessments of cognitive functioning were completed over time by means of individualized intelligence (IQ) testing. Adaptive functioning was measured by means of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Second Edition (VABS-II). Consistent with our earlier findings regarding infants treated with ERT, children with classic infantile Pompe disease (ages 4 years, 11 months to 8 years, 11 months) were functioning at the lower end of the average range in comparison to their typical peers on their most recent IQ test. There was no evidence of a decline in their cognitive abilities over time. In contrast, the two children with atypical infantile Pompe disease (ages 5 years, 4 months and 5 years, 11 months) obtained above average IQ scores and demonstrated significant gains in IQ over time. For all children where adaptive functioning was assessed, their overall level of adaptive functioning on the VABS-II was lower than their Full Scale IQ scores on cognitive testing. Motor function appears to be an important factor impacting on reduced adaptive behavior. The implication of these findings on our understanding of a possible relationship between CNS status in children with Pompe and their adaptive and cognitive function is discussed.