GD1 Patients Research Articles

Evoked potentails and neurocognitive functions in pediatric Egyptian Gaucher patients on enzyme replacement therapy: a single center experience

Effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in reverting hematologic, skeletal, and visceral symptoms in Gaucher disease (GD) has been demonstrated, although, its efficacy in neurologic involvement is still debated. We evaluated the extent of neuro-cognitive dysfunction using brain stem evoked potential in GD3 patients, age-matched controls, and GD1 patients without neurological manifestations served as disease control group. Study included 56 GD (36 had type 1, 20 had type 3) under ERT. Investigations included complete blood count, beta glucosidase assay in peripheral leucocytes, plasma chitotriosidase and bone marrow examination, electroencephalography, brain stem auditory (AEP), somatosensory (SSEP) and visual evoked potentials (VEP) as well as IQ testing. Both types of GD showed significantly higher mean latency at 75 on left eye, lower PP amplitude ratio, higher latency at 75, 100, 145, lower amplitude, and higher Lat Diff LT-RT ms and Lt-Rt % compared to controls (p < 0.05) with no difference between both groups in other values of VEP. Both groups showed significantly prolonged latency of N 13-19 compared to controls (p < 0.05) with positive correlation between age and duration of therapy with parameters of SSEP (p < 0.01). Both groups of GD had significantly prolonged latency of the mean waves of AEP compared to controls (p < 0.05) with no significant difference between both groups. There was a negative correlation between age and waves II, III, I-III, I-V and threshold values of AEP. IQ level was positively correlated with AEP values. Severity scoring tool was positively correlated with AEP and SSEP values. Electrophysiological abnormalities were present in both types of GD and have been correlated to cognitive function and disease characteristics.

Causes of Death Due to Hematological and Non-Hematological Cancers in 57 US Patients with Type 1 Gaucher Disease Who Were Never Treated with Enzyme Replacement Therapy

Patients with type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) have increased risk of developing myeloma, other hematological cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma, and other solid tumors. Patient awareness of the GD1-cancer association causes anxiety and fear. Little is known about cancer as a cause of death in GD1, especially in patients never treated with GD1-specific therapies. Consequently, the effect of treatment on cancer mortality in GD1 patients is difficult to evaluate. In this review, starting with a population of 184 GD1 cases never treated, we annotate and analyze the causes of death of 57 GD1 patients who died of cancer. The proportional mortality ratio (PMR) for all malignancies in patients with GD1 is 1.57 (p = 0.0002), but it is much higher for myeloma (PMR = 9.66) and other hematological cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma, and kidney cancer (PMR = ≍4). However, deaths from colorectal and pancreatic cancers were not more frequent than expected, and deaths from lung, breast, gynecological, and prostate cancer occurred less than anticipated. Herein, we discuss whether GD1 is truly a hereditary cancer syndrome and the problem of comorbidities and cancer risk assessment, and we speculate as to whether the variability in death by cancer type might be attributable to biochemical sequelae of tumor cell and macrophage/stromal cell GBA1 mutation affecting signals for metastasis, the process most closely associated with cancer mortality.

Risk factors for fractures and avascular osteonecrosis in type 1 Gaucher disease: A study from the International Collaborative Gaucher Group (ICGG) Gaucher Registry

We hypothesized that overall disease activity or the severity of involvement of individual disease compartments, as measured by clinical and surrogate markers, predict the risk of avascular osteonecrosis (AVN) or fractures in type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1). We applied our risk-set matched case-control method to identify four patient groups within the International Collaborative Gaucher Group (ICGG) Gaucher Registry based on the presence and absence of AVN and fractures. Characteristics of GD1 were examined by comparing the distributions of each risk factor in cases versus matched controls using conditional logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR). Potential risk factors included hematological and visceral parameters, GD1 biomarkers, white blood cells, GBA1 genotype, and spine and femur dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) Z-scores. In the total population of 5894 ICGG Gaucher Registry patients, 544 experienced at least one episode of AVN; 2008 reported no history of AVN. Clinical and surrogate markers of disease activity were similar in patients with and without AVN; patients with AVN were 1.6 times more likely to be anemic compared to matched controls (OR = 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-2.38, p < 0.05). For fractures, 319 patients suffered fractures and 1233 had no prior history of fractures. Clinical and surrogate markers of disease in patients with and without fractures were similar, except for mean lumbar spine DXA Z-scores. Among patients with fractures, 49.3% had DXA Z-scores ≤ -1 compared to 31.0% in the control group. Compared to controls with Z-scores > -1.0, GD1 patients exhibiting Z-scores ≤ -1 had an OR of 5.55 (95% CI, 1.81-17.02, p < 0.01) for fracture. In GD1, after controlling for gender, year of birth, treatment status, and splenectomy status, we identified new risk factors for AVN and fractures. Concurrent anemia was associated with an increased risk for AVN. Low bone mineral density of the lumbar spine was a strong risk factor for fractures of the spine and femur in GD1.

Characteristics of type I Gaucher disease associated with persistent thrombocytopenia after treatment with imiglucerase for 4–5 years

The characteristics of Gaucher disease (GD) associated with persistent thrombocytopenia despite imiglucerase enzyme therapy in type 1 GD (GD1) were investigated by retrospective analysis of International Collaborative Gaucher Group (ICGG) Registry data. The study involved 1016 GD1 patients with an intact spleen for whom date of diagnosis, therapy initiation, and platelet counts were known, and who received continuous imiglucerase therapy for 4 to 5 years. These patients were stratified by last platelet count: ≥ 120 × 10(9) /l (n = 772); ≥ 100 to <120 × 10(9) /l (n = 94); ≥ 80 to <100 × 10(9) /l (n = 80); and <80 × 10(9) /l (n = 70; 20 with <60 × 10(9) /l) and characterized by initial and cumulative average imiglucerase dose, body mass index, platelet count, anaemia, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and skeletal assessments at baseline and after 4-5 years of therapy. Statistically significant associations were found between persistent thrombocytopenia and baseline platelet count (<80 × 10(9) /l), splenomegaly, and anaemia (all P < 0·0001). After 4-5 years, statistically significant associations were found with splenomegaly (P < 0·0001), anaemia (P < 0·0001), white blood cell count (P = 0·049), hepatomegaly (P = 0·004) and bone pain (P = 0·035). Exponential platelet decay in relation to splenomegaly suggests that platelets increase only when spleen volume decreases substantially.

The cognitive profile of type 1 Gaucher disease patients

BackgroundThe absence of neurological symptoms and signs is traditionally considered mandatory for a diagnosis of type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1), but in recent years many reports have emerged on neurological manifestations in GD1 patients. Nevertheless, it has been unclear whether cognitive deficits are part of the disease as well.MethodsCognitive function was assessed in a large cohort of GD1 patients with the use of the CDR system, a set of computerised cognitive tests. Testing was performed at baseline and every 6 months thereafter during a two-year study period.ResultsOur patient cohort (84 patients, median age 40 years, median time from diagnosis 15 years) showed mild deficits relative to healthy age-matched subjects on the composite scores: power of attention (Z-score (mean ± SD) -0.9 ± 1.37) and speed of memory (Z-score (mean ± SD) -1.39 ± 1.49). No decline in cognitive function was seen during the two-year period. Age correlated with the composite scores variability of attention and quality of working memory. Moreover, severely affected patients (Zimran severity score (SSI) ≥ 15) scored more poorly compared to mildly affected patients (SSI ≤ 5) on the composite measure power of attention, reflecting the ability to concentrate.ConclusionsGD1 patients exhibit mild deficits in power of attention and speed of memory, reflecting a decreased ability to focus attention and process information, together with a slowing in the speed of retrieval of items from memory. The clinical relevance of these findings is uncertain.

Miglustat Therapy in Type 1 Gaucher Disease: Long-Term Treatment Experience From a Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study,

Abstract 3207▪▪This icon denotes a clinically relevant abstract Introduction:Miglustat (Zavesca®) was approved for the treatment of adults with mild-to-moderate type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) for whom enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is either unsuitable or not a therapeutic option in the EU in 2002 and in the USA in 2003. However, data from real-world clinical experience with miglustat remain limited. Methods:Medical chart data were collected from consecutive adult GD1 patients who initiated commercial miglustat therapy at centers in 9 EU countries or the US after 20th November 2002. Both ERT-naïve and ERT-pretreated patients were included. Follow-up data were collected from miglustat initiation to the end of the observation period (i.e. last information/visit before the end of the study on 31st December 2008, death or loss to follow up). Data on patient demographics, medical history and disease characteristics were collected. Outcome assessments included hematological and biochemical parameters, liver/spleen volumes, gastrointestinal signs/symptoms and neurological manifestations. Results:115 patients (55% female; mean±SD age at miglustat initiation 45±14 years) were enrolled, among whom 34 (30%) were ERT-naïve and 81 (70%) were ERT-pretreated. The median (range) miglustat exposure was 15 (1 – 53) months in ERT-naïve and 15 (0 – 62) months in ERT-pretreated patients. At the time of miglustat initiation the median (range) hemoglobin concentration in ERT-naïve patients (n=24) was 12.8 (10.2 – 16.4) g/dl, and in ERT-pretreated patients (n=65) it was 13.6 (7.3 – 17.4) g/dl; 5 patients in each group had anemia. The median (range) change in hemoglobin from miglustat initiation to last assessment in ERT-naïve patients was 0.3 (−2.5 – 3.6) g/dl, and in ERT-pretreated patients it was −0.3 (−4 – 4.6) g/dl. In the subgroup of patients with anemia the median (range) change was 1.3 (0.1 – 3.6) g/dl in the 5 ERT-naïve patients and 2.6 (−2.7 – 4.6) in the 5 ERT-pretreated patients. At the time of miglustat initiation the median (range) platelet count in ERT-naïve patients (n=25) was 101 (37 – 730) ×109/l, and in ERT-pretreated patients (n=65) it was 173 (43 – 382) ×109/l; 12 patients in the ERT-naïve and 9 in the ERT-pretreated group had thrombocytopenia. The median (range) change in platelet count was 8 (−77 – 145) ×109/l in ERT-naïve patients and −10 (−144 – 434) ×109/l in ERT-pretreated patients. In the subgroup of patients with thrombocytopenia, the median (range) change was 31 (−29 – 145) ×109/l in the 12 ERT-naïve patients and 14 (−32 – 434) ×109/l in the 9 ERT-pretreated patients. Plasma chitotriosidase was highly variable. Substantial median (range) reductions were seen in 20 evaluable ERT-naïve patients [−1365 (−13216 – 3477) nmol/ml/h] but not in the 43 evaluable ERT-pretreated patients [20 (−2700 – 12431) nmol/ml/h]. Few patients had spleen and liver organ volume data recorded. Forty-nine patients (43%) discontinued miglustat during the observation period. Tolerability issues, primarily gastrointestinal, were the most frequent reason for discontinuation, accounting for 32 (28%) of all 115 patients. Other reasons included: non-medical (n=7), insufficient efficacy (n=5), switch to ERT (n=4), and patient death (n=1). Tremor was observed in 3/115 (3%) patients before, and in 18/115 (16%) after miglustat initiation. Conclusions:Based on hematological parameters, we observed that miglustat can maintain disease stability in GD1 patients, irrespective of previous ERT therapy. Although based on a limited number of patients, benefits appeared more pronounced in analyses of anemic and thrombocytopenic patients. Gastrointestinal manifestations remain a concern, leading to discontinuation in around one-third of patients. The safety profile of miglustat was similar to that in previous clinical trials. Disclosures:Kuter:Actelion: Consultancy. Mehta:Actelion: Consultancy. Hollak:Actelion: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Hughes:Actelion: Consultancy. Belmatoug:Actelion: Consultancy, Research Funding. Brand:Actelion: Employment. Muller:Actelion: Employment. Schaaf:Factum Gmbh: Consultancy. Giorgino:Actelion: Employment. Zimran:Actelion: Honoraria.

Two-Year Safety and Tolerability of Velaglucerase Alfa in Patients with Type 1 Gaucher Disease, Including Patients Switched From Imiglucerase: Phase III Trial HGT-GCB-039 and Extension,

Abstract 3214 BACKGROUNDType 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) is a chronic, multisystem disease that varies considerably among individuals with regard to organ involvement, presentation, severity, and progression rate. Because hematologic signs and symptoms are common (e.g., anemia, thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly), treatment is often guided by a hematologist. OBJECTIVETo describe the safety and tolerability of velaglucerase alfa after 15 months of treatment in an ongoing, open-label extension study (HGT-GCB-044 [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT00635427]) in GD1 patients who received either velaglucerase alfa or imiglucerase in a preceding 9-month, double-blind, randomized, Phase III trial (HGT-GCB-039 [NCT00553631]). METHODSIn HGT-GCB-039, treatment-naïve GD1 patients aged ≥2 years were randomized to velaglucerase alfa or imiglucerase as a continuous 60-minute intravenous infusion (60 U/kg body weight every other week [EOW]; 9 months). HGT-GCB-039 completers could enroll in extension study HGT-GCB-044, receiving velaglucerase alfa (60 U/kg EOW; ongoing). Safety and tolerability were assessed after 15 months of participation in HGT-GCB-044 (i.e., after a total of 2 years of enzyme replacement therapy).RESULTS Of 35 patients enrolled in HGT-GCB-039, 34 received study drug and 32 completed the trial (1 velaglucerase alfa patient was lost to follow-up after a serious adverse event [AE] of life-threatening convulsion, which was considered unrelated to treatment; 1 imiglucerase patient withdrew consent because of AEs). This analysis included only the 32 patients completing HGT-GCB-039 who enrolled in the HGT-GCB-044 extension phase: 16 had received velaglucerase alfa (median age, 38 years [range, 8–60 years]; 50% [n=8] male; 56% [n=9] splenectomized) and 16 had received imiglucerase (median age, 27 years [range, 4–59 years]; 44% [n=7] male; 63% [n=10] splenectomized). These patients had received velaglucerase alfa for 24 months (continuous velaglucerase alfa group) or imiglucerase for 9 months + velaglucerase alfa for 15 months (imiglucerase-switch group) at the time of the current analysis. No differences were observed between the safety profiles of the continuous velaglucerase alfa and imiglucerase-switch treatment arms (Table). AEs most commonly reported (≥20% of patients) during the extension phase were nasopharyngitis and arthralgia in the continuous velaglucerase alfa group and headache and upper respiratory tract infection in the imiglucerase-switch group. Most AEs were mild or moderate in severity and, apart from the patient who was lost to follow-up in HGT-GCB-039 after a convulsion, there were no other life-threatening AEs. None of the serious AEs were considered drug related. The proportion of patients with infusion-related AEs remained low in HGT-GCB-044. Anti-imiglucerase antibodies developed in 4 patients receiving imiglucerase in trial HGT-GCB-039, 1 of whom discontinued following multiple infusion-related AEs and did not enter HGT-GCB-044. This patient also had anti-velaglucerase alfa antibodies, which was attributed to assay cross-reactivity, as he had never been exposed to velaglucerase alfa. No patients developed anti-velaglucerase alfa antibodies during the first 9 or subsequent 15 months of drug exposure.Patients, n (%)*0–9 months (HGT-GCB-039)9–24 months (HGT-GCB-044)DescriptionVelaglucerase alfa(n=16)Imiglucerase → velaglucerase alfa(n=16)Velaglucerase alfa(n=16)Imiglucerase → velaglucerase alfa(n=16)Experienced ≥1 AE15 (94)15 (94)15 (94)13 (81)Experienced ≥1 drug-related AE8 (50)5 (31)2 (13)4 (25)Experienced ≥1 infusion-related AE5 (31)3 (19)2 (13)1 (6)Experienced ≥1 severe AE2 (13)1 (6)3 (19)2 (13)Drug-related2 (13)000Experienced ≥1 serious AE2 (13)03 (19)3 (19)Experienced ≥1 life-threatening AE0000*Patients who completed HCT-GCB-039 and entered HCT-GCB-044; the 2 patients who discontinued HCT-GCB-039 are not included. CONCLUSIONSVelaglucerase alfa was generally well tolerated in both the continuous velaglucerase alfa and imiglucerase-switch arms of these controlled clinical trials. Although 4 patients had anti-imiglucerase antibodies in trial HGT-GCB-039, no patient has developed anti-velaglucerase alfa antibodies over the course of the trials to date. Disclosures:Mehta:Shire HGT: Consultancy. Giraldo:Shire HGT: Consultancy. Kisinovsky:Shire Argentina: Consultancy. Kishnani:Shire HGT: Honoraria; Genzyme: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Barton:Shire HGT: Employment. Wang:Shire HGT: Employment. Crombez:Shire HGT: Employment. Bhirangi:Shire HGT: Employment. Zimran:Shire HGT: Consultancy; Protalix: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genzyme: Research Funding; Actelion: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria.

Causes of Death in 184 Patients with Type 1 Gaucher Disease From the United States Who Were Never Treated with Enzyme Replacement Therapy

Abstract 3128Type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) is caused by deficient lysosomal glucocerebrosidase activity with resultant accumulation of glucosylceramide predominantly within hepatic, splenic, pulmonary and bone marrow macrophages. Intravenous recombinant glucocerebrosidase (ERT) is generally safe and effective in decreasing morbidity due to the heterogeneous manifestations of GD1: hematological cytopenias, hepatosplenomegaly, bone pain, osteonecrosis, osteopenia and fractures. There are other complications whose responsiveness to conventional treatment is yet undetermined: atypical Parkinsonism and an increased risk for cancer (CA), particularly plasma cell and other hematological and lymphoid malignancies and hepatocellular carcinoma. Because of the widespread use of ERT during the past 20 years and attrition of older medical records, a phenotypically representative control group of untreated symptomatic patients for study of these late outcome events is hard to find. From 1961–97, one of us (REL) collected information on 395 US patients with GD1. We determined through public records that 217 died from 1950–2010 of whom 184 never received ERT. Here, we report confirmed causes of death (COD) for the untreated GD1 patients compared to COD reported for this time period in an age comparable overall US population. Methods:After IRB approval, COD recorded in death certificates were accessed via the National Death Index for available years 1979–2008. COD prior to 1979 were determined based on autopsy or physician communication with REL and, where possible, by death certificates obtained from State Bureaus of Vital Records. Information on COD (1950–2008) for the general US population is from US National Vital Statistics Reports. The analysis included descriptive statistics, calculation of proportional mortality ratios (PMR), and 2-tailed Fisher exact test calculations based on absolute death numbers in the GD1 and general populations. Results:COD is unknown for 9 patients who died before 1979. 111 pts were male (60.3%); 124 (67.4%) were Ashkenazi Jewish. Median age at death was 66y (2–97y). Median age at GD1 diagnosis (N=102): 39y (1–83y). Spleen status: Splenectomy 94 (51.1%); Intact 56 (30.4%); Unknown 34 (18.5%). Median age at splenectomy: 36y (1.3–78y). Symptomatic bone disease was present in 74 (40.2%), absent in 7 (3.8%) and undocumented for 103 (60.0%). COD for which the PMR was significantly increased (P<0.01): malignant neoplasms (PMR 1.57), suicide/drug overdose (PMR 3.86), chronic liver disease (PMR 4.76) and septicemia (PMR 9.22). Other COD that were disproportionately high included CNS and gastrointestinal bleeding, post-splenectomy complications, pulmonary hypertension (PHT), and Parkinsonism. Heart disease/atherosclerosis was the only COD for which PMR was very significantly decreased (0.33). PMR for cerebrovascular disease was 0.48 (P=0.027). For 57 pts with a CA COD, PMRs for myeloma (9.66), kidney CA (4.63), liver CA (4.36), NHL (4.13), and all leukemia (3.19) were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Conversely, the PMR for lung CA was 0.32 (P=0.002). There was 1 death from breast CA and none from gynecological CA. PMR for colorectal, pancreatic and prostate CA were not divergent from expected. Compared to the control population, the age distribution of deaths was identical for heart disease, septicemia, and suicide. Age at death was not younger than expected in pts with myeloma but there was a tendency for death at a younger age for GD pts with NHL, chronic liver disease and Parkinsonism. COD significantly more prevalent in surgically asplenic pts included chronic liver disease, septicemia, GI bleeding, PHT and post-splenectomy complications. Spleen status was statistically irrelevant to CA deaths including myeloma except for hepatocellular CA (splenectomy) and CLL (intact spleen). Conclusions:With earlier diagnosis, improved risk assessment and phase-out of splenectomy, COD that we encountered (chronic liver disease, GI bleeding, septicemia, PHT, suicide and drug dependency) should be increasingly rare with timely institution of appropriate treatment. Our study population of untreated pts (estimated at 5% of all US GD1 deaths from 1950–2008 but a substantially greater percentage of GD1 deaths over age 60y), should serve as a valuable control for future studies of the effect of GD1 treatment on mortality due to malignancy or other later course events. Disclosures:Weinreb:Genzyme Corporation: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Shire HGT: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Actelion Corporation: Speakers Bureau.

Evaluation of high density lipoprotein as a circulating biomarker of Gaucher disease activity

Circulating biomarkers are important surrogates for monitoring disease activity in type I Gaucher disease (GD1). We and others have reported low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in GD1. We assessed HDL cholesterol as a biomarker of GD1, with respect to its correlation with indicators of disease severity and its response to imiglucerase enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). In 278 consecutively evaluated GD1 patients, we correlated HDL cholesterol, chitotriosidase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) with indicators of disease severity. Additionally, we measured the response of these biomarkers to ERT. HDL cholesterol was negatively correlated with spleen volume, liver volume, and GD severity score index; the magnitude of this association of disease severity with HDL cholesterol was similar to that for ACE and for chitotriosidase. Within individual patients monitored over many years, there was a strikingly strong correlation of HDL with liver and spleen volumes; there was a similarly strong correlation of chitotriosidase and ACE with disease severity in individual patients monitored serially over many years (chitotriosidase r = 0.96 to 0.98, ACE r = 0.88 to 0.94, and HDL r = -0.84 to -0.94, p < 0.001). ERT for 3 years resulted in a striking increase of HDL while serum levels of chitotriosidase and ACE decreased. Our results reveal markedly low HDL cholesterol in untreated GD1, a correlation with indicators of disease severity in GD1, and a rise towards normal after ERT. These findings suggest HDL cholesterol merits inclusion within the "biomarker basket" for monitoring of patients with GD1.

Analysis of Spanish Experience During Imiglucerase Shortage

AbstractAbstract 4725In the last twenty years enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with imiglucerase has been a clinically effective for Gaucher disease (GD). The recombinant glucocerebrosidase administered intravenously - usually at biweekly intervals by lifelong has improved the quality of life of patients, avoided spleen removal and bone complications. In the last months an acute shortage of imiglucerase manufactured by the Genzyme Corporation (MA, USA) has occurred as a result of viral contamination firstly and other deficiencies in the production facility. In September 2009 a position statement based on the findings of the European Working Group for Gaucher Disease and European Gaucher Alliance, established a set of key recommendations about identification and monitoring of at-risk patients threatened. In Spain the follow-up of patients and the strict complementation of rules of therapy have permitted to obtain a profile of the situation in a group of patients with restricted ERT. Patients and Methods: A total of 50 GD1 patients have been analyzed before and after 6 and 12 months of imiglucerase shortage. Have been excluded for analysis children in order to dose reduction has been minimal as well as patients who have switched to another ERT or miglustat therapy. Results: Gender: 25 males/25 females. Mean age of group: 45.3±15.3 (range:18-84) SSI at diagnosis(Dx): 8.7±3.8 (range:3-19) Chitotriosidase (CT) activity at Dx:13,383±12,783 nM/mL.h; CCL18/PARC at Dx: 767±1,198 ng/mL. 20% of patients were splenectomized and 78% had bone disease at Dx. During shortage 23 patients (46%) discontinued therapy, in this period only one patient suffered a bone crisis and other anaemia as complications. Mean reduction of haemoglobin level: 2.7% (NS), platelet counts: 5.4% (NS). CT activity was increased 135% (p<0.03) and CCL18/PARC 8.2% (p<0.08). In 17 patients (34%) imiglucerase was reduced at 50%, in this period seven patients (41.0%) suffered a bone pain and four patients (23.5%) required support therapy. Mean reduction of haemoglobin level 2.9% (NS), no changes in platelet counts. CT activity increase 48.2% (p<0.03) and not changes in CCL18/PARC concentration was observed. In addition in 3 patients (6%) the reduction was 75% and 7 patients (14%) switched to another ERT (4 patients) or miglustat (3 patients). Conclusions: In our experience, the shortage of imiglucerase in the last months has produced a incidence in bone pain of 20% and one case with anaemia and significant increase of CT activity and no significant changes in blood counts and CCL concentration, 14 % patients has required switch another therapy. Disclosures:Off Label Use: Lenalidomide is not approved for the treatment of smoldering multiple myeloma.

Evaluation of Spanish Gaucher disease patients after a 6-month imiglucerase shortage

Recently, an acute restriction of imiglucerase has occurred as a result of viral contamination and manufacturing problems. A position statement from the European Working Group for Gaucher Disease and European Gaucher Alliance established a set of key recommendations for identifying and monitoring at-risk patients. In Spain, a profile of the shortage situation was obtained through follow-up of patients with Gaucher disease (GD) and compliance with the therapy recommendations. Here we describe a group of patients, with modified doses of imiglucerase, during the shortage. Fifty adult GD1 patients (25 males/25 females), previously on ERT, were analysed before and after the 6-month shortage. The mean age was 45.3 ± 15.3 years (range: 18–84). The mean Severity Score Index at diagnosis was 8.7 ± 3.8 (range: 3–19); 20% of patients were splenectomized; and 78% had bone disease. During the shortage, 23 patients (46%) discontinued therapy; as complications in this group only one patient suffered a bone crisis and another anaemia (Hb < 10.0 g/dL). The mean reduction of haemoglobin level (−2.7%) and platelet counts (−5.4%) were non-significant. Chitotriosidase (CT) activity was increased 135% ( p < 0.03) and CCL18/PARC 8.2% ( p < 0.08) in this group. Imiglucerase was reduced by 50% in 17 patients (34%) in this group, seven patients (41.0%) suffered bone pain, three of them true bone crisis and four (23.5%) required support therapy. The mean reduction of haemoglobin (−2.8%) and platelet counts (−10.7%), CT activity was increased 48.2% ( p < 0.03) and no changes were observed in CCL18/PARC concentration. In both groups no significant changes in visceral size were observed. In 3 patients (6%), imiglucerase was reduced 75% and 7 patients (14%) needed to switch to another ERT (4 patients) or miglustat (3 patients) due to a restart of symptomatic disease. In Spain the 6 first months shortage of imiglucerase have produced a 20% incidence of bone pain, one case of anaemia, and a significant increase in CT activity. Fourteen percent of patients had to switch to another therapy. No significant changes in blood counts, visceral volumes and CCL18/PARC concentration were observed.

Focal splenic lesions in type I Gaucher disease are associated with poor platelet and splenic response to macrophage‐targeted enzyme replacement therapy

Focal splenic lesions (FSL) occur in Gaucher disease type I (GD1), but their clinical significance is not known. Previous studies estimated the prevalence of FSL at 4% (pediatric) to 33% (adult) of GD1 patients and reported an association with splenomegaly. We tested the hypothesis that the presence of FSL is associated with suboptimal response to macrophage-directed enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Additionally we investigated whether FSL were associated with other phenotypic features of GD1. The splenic parenchyma was assessed by MRI performed for routine evaluation of GD1 in 239 consecutive GD1 patients with intact spleens. The prevalence of FSL was 18.4% (44/239). Following a mean of 3.5 years of ERT, platelet response was inferior among patients with FSL (80,700 ± 9,600 to 90,100 ± 7,200/mm(3) , P = 0.2) compared to patients without FSL in whom there was a robust platelet response: 108,600 ± 5,670 to 150,200 ± 6,710/mm(3), P < 0.001. Compared to patients without FSL, patients harboring FSL had worse thrombocytopenia (platelet count: 83,700 ± 8,800 vs. 112,100 ± 4,200/mm(3), P = 0.004), greater frequency of pre-ERT splenomegaly, and greater post-ERT splenomegaly (8.5 ± 0.77 vs. 4.8 ± 0.25× normal, P < 0.001). Additionally, the prevalence of osteonecrosis was higher among patients with FSL compared to patients without FSL (38 vs. 20.7%, P = 0.026). FSL appear to be a determinant of response to ERT, suggesting studies comparing relative efficacy of newly emerging therapies for GD1 should adjust for this factor. Moreover, occurrences of FSL coincide with more severe manifestations of GD1 such as avascular osteonecrosis.

The neurological manifestations of Gaucher disease type 1: the French Observatoire on Gaucher disease (FROG)

Gaucher disease (GD), the most prevalent inherited lysosomal storage disorder, is caused by deficient glucocerebrosidase activity. Type 1 GD (GD1), the most common variant, is classically considered non-neuronopathic. We performed a national cross-sectional observational survey-the French Observatoire on Gaucher Disease (FROG)-in patients with GD1 between March 2005 and September 2006. The study included all patients over 18 years of age with confirmed GD1 who attended participating centers for regular follow-up. One hundred and five patients were included, in whom we studied the prevalence and characteristics of relevant neurological symptoms associated with the neuraxis. Of these, 51 (49%) GD1 patients presented at least one neurological symptom. Four patients (4%) had Parkinson disease and 22 (21%) presented with at least one parkinsonian sign or at least one sign frequently associated with Parkinson disease. Five patients (5%) had a previous diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. Other central nervous system symptoms were recorded in 20 (19%) patients and other peripheral nervous system symptoms in 39 (37%) patients. These data challenge the current classification of GD, and suggest that the three forms of GD each involve a different profile of neurological manifestations.

Expanding spectrum of the association between Type 1 Gaucher disease and cancers: A series of patients with up to 3 sequential cancers of multiple types—Correlation with genotype and phenotype

In Gaucher disease (GD), inherited deficiency of lysosomal glucocerebrosidase due to mutations in GBA1 gene results in accumulation of glucosylceramide in tissue macrophages, systemic macrophage activation, and a complex multisystemic phenotype. We and others have reported an increased risk of multiple myeloma and other malignancies in non-neuronopathic Type 1 GD (GD1). Here, we describe a subset of GD1 patients with multiple malignancies. In our cohort of 403 patients with GD1, nine patients (2.2%) developed two or three different types of cancers either consecutively or simultaneously. Patients were characterized by age at diagnosis of GD1, GBA1 genotype, disease severity, age at cancer diagnosis, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) status, and splenectomy status. Of the nine patients, six developed two types of malignancies and three had three cancers each. Overall, the hematologic malignancies comprised lymphoma/leukemia (4) and multiple myeloma (4). Nonhematologic malignancies included colon (2), lung (2), thyroid (2), and prostate cancer (1). Of the seven patients who received ERT, the first cancer was diagnosed before initiation of ERT in all but one. Asplenic patients were more likely to have single or multiple cancers compared with patients with intact spleens (P < 0.0072 and P < 0.0203, respectively). Our data strengthen the association of GD1 and cancer and suggest that patients may be at risk of developing multiple malignancies. We found an association between splenectomy and multiple cancers in GD1. It will be of interest to determine whether timely ERT and declining rates of splenectomy will translate into declining rates of multiple and single cancers.

Avascular Necrosis in Untreated Patients with Type 1 Gaucher Disease.

Abstract 1353Poster Board I-375 ObjectiveTo determine the incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN) in untreated patients with type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1). MethodsAll patients with GD1 enrolled in the ICGG Gaucher Registry as of July 2007 were included in this analysis. All GD1 patients who either never received treatment or eventually went on to receive treatment were identified. Follow-up began on each patient's date of earliest reported assessment in the Registry. Among patients who never received treatment, follow-up continued until the last recorded assessment date in the Registry. For patients who eventually went on to receive treatment, follow-up continued until the date of initiation of therapy. Incidence rates (and Poisson exact 95% confidence intervals) of AVN were determined for both groups of patients. AVN was typically ascertained from X-Ray or MRI results. ResultsAs of July 2007, the inclusion criteria were met by 3,497 patients. The incidence rate of AVN among untreated patients was 22.8 per 1,000 person years (95% CI 20.2 to 25.7). Patients with antecedent splenectomy (total or partial) had a higher incidence rate of AVN (46.6 per 1,000 person-years, 95% CI 38.4 to 56.1) compared to patients without a splenectomy (incidence rate 17.0 per 1,000 person-years, 95% CI 14.5 to 19.8). The primary sites where AVN was identified in both groups were the hip and femur. ConclusionThis is the first epidemiologic analysis to estimate incidence rates of AVN among untreated patients with GD1. Splenectomy appears to be a risk factor for GD1-associated AVN. Based on the incidence results above and presupposing equal risk distribution, without therapeutic intervention, most patients should theoretically experience at least one episode of AVN at some point in their life. However, because the GD1 population is genotypically and phenotypically heterogeneous, further analyses will attempt to identify characteristics that distinguish untreated patients at high risk of developing AVN from those who are less likely to develop this serious complication. DisclosuresMistry:Genzyme Corporation: Honoraria, Research Funding. Deegan:Genzyme Corporation: Honoraria. Vellodi:Genzyme Corporation: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Cole:Genzyme Corporation: Employment. Yeh:Genzyme Corporation: Employment. Weinreb:Genzyme Corporation: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Changes in the atherogenic profile of patients with type 1 Gaucher disease after miglustat therapy

Objective Type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder associated with abnormal accumulation of glucocerebrosides. Plasma total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) are decreased in GD1 patients. The effects of substrate reduction therapy (SRT) with miglustat on plasma lipids and atherogenic factors have not yet been examined. Here, we report plasma atherogenic profile data from GD1 patients undergoing long-term SRT. Methods Plasma was analysed in 26 GD1 patients treated with miglustat for up to 36 months. Ten patients were therapy-naïve and 16 had switched from enzyme replacement therapy (ERT); the interval between stopping ERT and starting SRT was 2–6 weeks. Plasma TC, triglycerides (TG), LDL-c, HDL-c, apolipoproteins (apoA-I, apoB, and Lp[a]), C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, and chitotriosidase activity were measured before SRT (baseline) and at 12, 24, and 36 months follow up. Results In therapy-naïve patients, miglustat significantly increased plasma HDL-c and apoA-I, and slightly increased TC; while TG, CRP concentrations, and TC/HDL-c ratios decreased significantly after 24 months. In contrast, there were no changes in HDL-c and apoA-I, or in the TC/HDL-c ratio in switch patients. However, a decrease in CRP was observed after 12 months. LDL-c and apoB were not significantly altered in either patient group. Conclusions Miglustat appears to have beneficial effects on plasma lipid, lipoprotein, and CRP concentrations in therapy-naïve GD1 patients, resulting in an improved atherogenic lipid profile. Further studies are required to determine the effect of miglustat on coronary heart disease risk.

Miglustat (Zavesca®) in type 1 Gaucher disease: 5‐year results of a post‐authorisation safety surveillance programme

Miglustat (Zavesca) is an orally-available substrate reduction therapy (SRT) for treatment of mild-to-moderate type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) in adult patients unsuitable for enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Miglustat has not been evaluated in children with GD1, and is not used during pregnancy and breast-feeding. A non-interventional, prospective, web-based safety surveillance programme was initiated at the time of the European launch of miglustat in 2003, and is ongoing. We report the first 5 years of collected data, focusing on neurological manifestations. Data were collected on 122 GD1 patients between March 2003 and April 2008, representing 244 patient-years cumulative miglustat post-authorisation experience. The electronically-captured data collected from participating physicians includes patient demographics, prior and current therapies, baseline disease manifestations and concurrent conditions, disease severity, duration of miglustat exposure, and safety-relevant information. Mean (SD) age at baseline was 46.1 (16.5) years. At baseline, bone disease and neurological manifestations were reported in 55.6 and 28.6% of patients, respectively; the latter included peripheral neuropathy (7.2%) and a wide variety of neurological symptoms and signs. In addition, 23.2% had other health conditions relevant to neurological status. During the reporting period, new neurological manifestations were reported in 23 (18.9%) patients, principally tremor. Thirty-five (28.7%) patients discontinued treatment, predominantly for gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances (11.5%), two-thirds of which occurred during the first 6 months. The safety profile of miglustat in GD1 patients included in the safety surveillance programme is overall consistent with that reported in the registration and other clinical trials, and no new safety finding was identified.

Real-World Clinical Experience with Long-Term Miglustat Therapy in Type 1 Gaucher Disease: The ZAGAL Project

Background and objectives: Several reports describe the use of miglustat (Zavesca®), an oral inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase, for type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) in clinical trials. There are few data on the use of miglustat for GD1 in the real-world clinical experience. Here, we assess the long-term efficacy, tolerability and safety of miglustat in a prospective, open-label, observational study of GD1 patients attending routine clinic visits.Design and Methods: 48 patients with mild-to-moderate GD1 received miglustat 100 mg t.i.d. over 36 months. Patients were analysed in two groups: therapy-naïve patients (n = 11) and those switched from previous treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT; n = 37). Assessments of clinical status, haematological parameters, and organomegaly were performed before treatment and after 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of therapy. Data were compared with a historical reference cohort 29 GD1 patients treated for 36 months with ERT.Results: Nine treatment-naïve patients completed 36 months of miglustat therapy. Sustained improvements in haemoglobin were seen in all patients who had anaemia before treatment. Platelet counts improved in patients with initial thrombocytopenia, and were maintained in patients with normal counts at baseline. Plasma chitotriosidase activity decreased in treatment-naïve patients during the first year on therapy and remained stable thereafter. S-MRI findings indicated improved bone status at 36 months. In patients switched from ERT, 15 completed 36 months of miglustat therapy, and displayed maintained or improved clinical and haematological parameters, and surrogate disease severity markers. No statistically significant differences were observed at 36 months between treatmentnaïve patients with similar baseline characteristics treated with either miglustat or ERT. Overall, miglustat was well tolerated.Interpretation and conclusions: Miglustat provided appreciable therapeutic responses on clinical, haematological, biomarker and S-MRI parameters at 36 months in patients with GD1, and was well tolerated. Therapeutic responses with miglustat were comparable with those seen with ERT.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Dose Frequency Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Cerezyme® Infusions Every 4 Weeks Versus Every 2 Weeks in the Maintenance Therapy of Patients with Type 1 Gaucher Disease

Introduction: Cerezyme® (imiglucerase, Genzyme Corporation) is the current standard treatment for type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1). Most patients are infused every 2 weeks. A less frequent infusion schedule at the same total 4-week dose might be equally effective and more convenient.Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of two dosing frequencies of Cerezyme for patients with GD1.Methods: A phase IV, multicenter, randomized 24-month trial enrolled 95 clinically stable adult GD1 patients (mean age 47 years; range 18–82 years) who had received Cerezyme ≥2 years. Patients were randomized to continue their total 4 week dose as 1 infusion every 2 weeks (Q2) or 1 infusion every 4 weeks (Q4). The primary analysis used a composite endpoint of relative change in hemoglobin level, platelet count, liver and spleen volumes, or progression of bone disease and bone crisis. A post-hoc analysis was performed based upon maintenance of therapeutic goals (Pastores et al. Sem Hematol 2004; 41(4 Suppl 5):4–14).Results: Mean 4-week doses (U/kg) of Cerezyme were 70.4±24.9 for Q2 (n=33) and 69.7±21.3 for Q4 (n=62). The primary analysis endpoint was maintained in 80.8% of Q2 and 63.2% of Q4 patients at 24 months. Per the post-hoc analysis, 100% of Q2 and 88.5% of Q4 patients maintained therapeutic goals at 24 months. No Cerezyme-related serious adverse events were reported.Conclusions: Infusing a total 4-week dose of imiglucerase every 4 weeks appears to be safe and well-tolerated in the majority of patients in this cohort and may be considered for some stable adult GD1 patients who have achieved therapeutic goals on Cerezyme therapy. The dosing frequency of Cerezyme, as with dose itself, must be individualized based upon physician judgment and patient needs as determined by regular and comprehensive monitoring. Long term follow-up of patients on a Q4 dosing regimen is necessary to determine other clinical outcomes, such as bone mineralization and marrow infiltration.

Bone Loss Study in Type 1 Gaucher Disease by Two Different Technologies

Background: Bone disease is the most important source of disability in type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1). High percentage of patients present generalized osteopenia and osteoporosis with reduced bone mass. It is important to know the risk of bone mass lost in order to avoid the bone resorption. The standard technique to evaluate bone disease is Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) that measures bone density in the axial skeleton. Nevertheless other procedure to exam bone density using ultrasound (US) can measure the amount of mechanical energy transmitted by the bone, as well as their speed of transmission (BUA).Aims: In order to evaluate bone disease indicators in GD1, we have planned a comparative analysis in GD1 by both techniques to exam individual variability in bone mineral density and to study the response to therapy.Patients and Methods: 24 adults GD1 patients diagnosed in last 5 years and 15 healthy controls stratified by age and gender were analyzed. Bone marrow changes have been evaluated by a semi quantitative score (S-MRI, Roca et al 2006 Eur J Radiol). To analyse the bone density we have used the Z-score quantification in L5 and femur head, calcaneus US was performed simultaneously determined BUA and bone density, in addition GBA genotype, clinical characteristics and subrogate biomarkers profile included chitotriosidase, CCL-18, MIP- 1b were analyzed. The advantages/disadvantages of each procedure and the correlation of results with the clinical characteristics, S-MRI, response to therapy, have been analyzed.Results: Osteopenia in GD is present in 85% of cases, it progresses with age and has been correlated with the severity of the disease and response to therapy. BMD evaluation by DEXA in GD1 is well documented but the special physio-pathological characteristics of GD make the use of US feasible and BUA results provide more information about the risk of skeletal complications.Comments: More experience is needed in order to precisely define the role of bone US exam in the management of GD patients. This work has been partially sponsored by FIS 07/90938 and CIBERER U-752