Fabry disease, also known as Anderson-Fabry disease, angiokeratoma corporis diffusum and alpha-galactosidase A deficiency, is a rare genetic lysosomal storage disorder.
Presentation
Some cases show no significant clinical manifestations. In other cases, the clinical manifestations of Fabrys disease appear early in life. With age, these manifestations may increase in severity.
One of the common clinical features of this disease is pain. This pain is usually episodic. It may appear in the whole body or may be localized to the arms and legs. In the latter case, the pain is referred to as acroparesthesia [1]. This pain is usually of a burning sensation and is often further localized to the most distal parts of the limbs, i.e. the hands and the feet. It is believed that this pain results from damage to the peripheral nerves. Pain also commonly occurs in gastrointestinal tract, is of a diffuse nature and results from a generalized obstruction in the lipid laden blood vessels of the gastrointestinal tract. Episodes of pain can be triggered by a number of factors such as physical activity, fatigue, fever, stress and environmental changes.
A number of skin abnormalities frequently occur in the sufferers of Fabry diseases. Raised papules called angiokeratomas are common. These are dark red rashes and can occur anywhere on the body; but usually occur only on the lower half; more particularly around the umbilicus & on the thighs, buttocks and legs. Sweat gland dysfunction is also present in most cases. Usually there is reduced sweating but cases of excessive sweating have also been seen.
Ocular changes are very frequent in Fabry disease. The corneas of both eyes are typically affected. They have visible clouding which upon closer inspection is found to consist of golden brown lines arranged in a whorled pattern. This is known as cornea verticillata or whorl keratopathy. It is one of the most characteristic features of Fabry disease. However it must be noted that despite the apparent clouding of the cornea, there is no disturbance in vision.
With time, lipids deposit in the heart, kidneys and nerves of the patient. Symptoms related to these organs begin to manifest after the age of 30. Glycolipid deposition in the heart predisposes the heart to the development of various kinds of diseases. Cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and cardiomyopathies, most particularly, left ventricular hypertrophy, are very common in the sufferers of Fabry disease [2]. Patients of Fabry disease may suffer from angina and myocardial infarction. Syncope and dyspnea are also seen in a majority of the patients with cardiovascular manifestations. Conduction defects such as VT that occur in these patients may be secondary to cardiomyopathies.
Chronic lipid deposition in the nephrons results in the renal manifestations of Fabry disease. The earliest clinical feature is proteinuria. The urine has a higher viscosity and may even appear foamy. There is progressive deterioration in the function of the kidney, causing renal insufficiency. Later, the kidneys may shut down completely and cause renal failure [3].
Entire Body System
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Pain
At 24 and 36 months after commencement of ERT, pain severity classification shifted towards lower severity (P 0.05). Moreover, after 36 months, "average pain" and "pain now" were significantly reduced (P 0.05). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The prevalence of pain in male patients was 81.4% (females 65.3%). Mean age at onset of pain was 14.8 1.0 year in males (females 19.8 1.4 y). [doi.org]
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Fever
KEYWORDS: Algorithm; Diagnosis; FUO; Fabry disease; Fever of unknown origin; RFUO; Rare diseases; Recommendations; Recurrent fever of unknown origin [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Some patients may have recurrent fevers with no obvious source. Pain usually accompanies the fevers, and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate may be present. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Treatment also consists of taking analgesics to help relieve pain and fever or anticonvulsants. People with kidney failure may need a kidney transplant. NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. [msdmanuals.com]
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Fatigue
The most frequent manifestations in female patients were fatigue and cornea verticillata (50%), and tinnitus, vertigo and angiokeratoma (25%). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Patients may report lack of energy and fatigue. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Other signs include angiokeratoma, corneal changes, tinnitus, chronic fatigue, cardiac and cerebrovascular abnormalities (left ventricular hypertrophy, arrhythmia, angina), dyspnea, and nephropathy. [orpha.net]
Often the first symptoms of the condition are intense burning pain in the hands and feet, skin rashes called angiokeratoma, heat intolerance, gastrointestinal issues and fatigue. [shire.com.tr]
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Burning Pain
CONCLUSION: Suspicion of Fabry disease in teenager males presenting with symptoms of burning pain in extremities may lead to early diagnosis and treatment of this condition before occurrences of complications. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The condition generally progresses as follows: Early childhood sees the onset of the burning pain of the hands and feet, which begins between ages 5 and 7 years. [youtube.com]
Treatment attempts have been aimed primarily at relief of the intense burning pain typical of the disease. Kidney failure is the most common cause of death, which occurs at an average age of 40 in the predominantly male victims. [britannica.com]
Pain is a common early symptom of FD (chronic pain characterized by burning and tingling paresthesia and occasional episodic crises characterized by agonizing burning pain). Pain may resolve in adulthood. [orpha.net]
Fabry disease is a progressive genetic condition that causes health problems like extreme tiredness (fatigue), little to no sweating, a reddish-purplish skin rash (angiokeratomas), burning pain in the hands and feet, problems in the heat and cold, frequent [thinkgenetic.com]
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Heat Intolerance
The most frequent manifestations in male patients were fatigue (100%), tinnitus, vertigo, acroparesthesia, hypohidrosis, cornea verticillata and angiokeratoma (all 85%), heat intolerance (71%), and abdominal pain (57%). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
He had heat intolerance and decreased sweating. The diagnosis of Fabry's disease was confirmed by the detection of reduced α-galactosidase A activity in peripheral leukocytes. He received carbamazepine for the neuropathic pain. [nejm.org]
Often the first symptoms of the condition are intense burning pain in the hands and feet, skin rashes called angiokeratoma, heat intolerance, gastrointestinal issues and fatigue. [shire.com.tr]
This results in heat intolerance and can be quite debilitating. The single most debilitating symptom associated with Fabry disease is pain. The patient develops significant burning pain in the extremities especially affecting the palms and soles. [aocd.org]
Respiratoric
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Dyspnea
We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with symptoms of dyspnea, atypical chest pain and palpitations, in whom a transthoracic echocardiogram revealed an apical variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Other signs include angiokeratoma, corneal changes, tinnitus, chronic fatigue, cardiac and cerebrovascular abnormalities (left ventricular hypertrophy, arrhythmia, angina), dyspnea, and nephropathy. [orpha.net]
Obstructive and constrictive lung diseases have both been documented in a subgroup of patients, often presenting as wheezing, dyspnea, or bronchitis. Priapism has been associated with Fabry disease. [emedicine.medscape.com]
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Cough
Other organs and systems: widespread involvement produces many other manifestations of the disease, including cough, breathlessness, wheeze, etc. Male homozygotes with atypical manifestation Some alpha-galactosidase activity in plasma (5-35%). [patient.info]
Common and Other Possible Side Effects: Common side effects reported in 20% or more of Fabrazyme treated patients in clinical studies compared to placebo were upper respiratory tract infection, headache, cough, burning and/or tingling sensation, fatigue [fabrazyme.com]
Symptoms Constitutional: fatigue, dyshidrosis/hypohydrosis Eyes: cloudiness, decreased vision HEENT: tinnitus, hearing loss Cardiovascular: exercise intolerance, palpitations Pulmonary: shortness of breath, cough GI: nausea and vomiting after meals, lower [eyewiki.aao.org]
Chronic cough is a common complaint in men as well as women. 60 While the cough may be worsened by reactive airway disease or tobacco use, it can occur in individuals without these risk factors. 61, 62 Spirometry may show signs of obstructive ventilatory [nature.com]
[…] streaks.2 Retinal vessels are commonly affected with arteriolar narrowing, venous dilatation, and irregularity and excessive tortuosity of retina vessels.2 The tear production may be reduced.2 Late pulmonary involvement can be manifested with chronic cough [journals.sagepub.com]
Gastrointestinal
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Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal signs and symptoms-abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and diverticular disease--are some of the most frequently reported complaints in patients with Fabry disease but are often neglected. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Results from the FACETS trial showed that after 6 months, significantly more patients receiving migalastat experienced improvement in diarrhea compared with placebo (43% vs 11%; p 0.02), including the subset with baseline diarrhea (71% vs 20%; p 0.02) [emedicine.com]
Common manifestations include episodes of postprandial abdominal pain and bloating, followed by multiple bowel movements, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and early satiety. [emedicine.medscape.com]
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Abdominal Pain
Ten patients sought medical consultation because of abdominal pain and were diagnosed with food intoxication or nonspecific pain. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
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Nausea
Gastrointestinal signs and symptoms-abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and diverticular disease--are some of the most frequently reported complaints in patients with Fabry disease but are often neglected. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
[…] with nausea, bloating and post-prandial diarrhea Fatigue Episodic pain crises, acroparesthesia Hypohidrosis Corneal and lenticular opacities Heat and cold intolerance Adulthood Proteinuric renal insufficiency/failure Cerebrovascular disease with risk [massgeneral.org]
Symptoms in early childhood include severe “burning” pain in hands and feet, growth retardation, nausea and abdominal pain, post prandial diarrhoea and hypohidrosis. [renalandurologynews.com]
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Vomiting
Non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms, including pain, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting, can be the first symptoms of Fabry disease. They may suggest more common disorders, e.g. irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The second most common group of symptoms includes abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea from early childhood. [youtube.com]
Common manifestations include episodes of postprandial abdominal pain and bloating, followed by multiple bowel movements, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and early satiety. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Pediatric Gastroenterology (see Services below for local providers) Referral may be helpful for treatment and management of constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting that is not responding to usual treatments. [medicalhomeportal.org]
Symptoms include: Numbness or severe burning sensation and pain in the hands and feet Reduced sweating Cloudiness of the cornea, which covers the iris and pupil of the eye Red or purple skin lesions Gastrointestinal problems (stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting [davita.com]
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Constipation
[…] progressive genetic condition that causes health problems like extreme tiredness (fatigue), little to no sweating, a reddish-purplish skin rash (angiokeratomas), burning pain in the hands and feet, problems in the heat and cold, frequent diarrhea and constipation [thinkgenetic.com]
Severe pain in the feet, high fevers, headaches, constipation and fatigue. These were all symptoms our son Blake started experiencing at the age of 5 1/2. [globalgenes.org]
Pediatric Gastroenterology (see Services below for local providers) Referral may be helpful for treatment and management of constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting that is not responding to usual treatments. [medicalhomeportal.org]
[…] hypohidrosis) Episodes of neuropathic pain in the hands and feet (acroparesthesia), precipitated by stress or extremes of temperature Cloudiness of the cornea Hearing loss [2] Abdominal symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting, and either diarrhoea or constipation [dermnetnz.org]
[…] dyshidrosis/hypohydrosis Eyes: cloudiness, decreased vision HEENT: tinnitus, hearing loss Cardiovascular: exercise intolerance, palpitations Pulmonary: shortness of breath, cough GI: nausea and vomiting after meals, lower abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation [eyewiki.aao.org]
Jaw & Teeth
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Macroglossia
We report the case of a 50-year-old male FD patient on hemodialysis who presented with macroglossia-related speaking difficulty and gastrointestinal symptoms. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Cardiovascular
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Heart Failure
A 73-year-old woman with a first episode of heart failure was admitted to our hospital. Her left ventricular wall motion was mildly reduced without hypertrophy. Urine sediment revealed mulberry cells, leading to the diagnosis of Fabry disease. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Renal failure, heart failure and/or myocardial infarction, and stroke were among the most likely causes of death. [emedicine.medscape.com]
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Hypertension
All true Fabry patients had arterial hypertension (AHT), and one had hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). CONCLUSIONS: In a group of unselected patients with LVH, we found a prevalence of Fabry disease of 0.9%. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
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Tachycardia
Although ventricular tachycardia has been reported in male patients with Fabry disease, it is not thought to be a frequent finding in females. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). [doi.org]
Tachycardias[edit] In adults and children over 15, resting heart rate faster than 100 beats per minute is labelled tachycardia. Tachycardia may result in palpitation; however, tachycardia is not necessarily an arrhythmia. [en.wikipedia.org]
Two years later, she has been troubled by runs of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. A repeat MRI demonstrated left ventricular hypertrophy. [academic.oup.com]
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Palpitations
A 58-year-old woman was referred to our cardiology service with chest pain, exertional dyspnoea and palpitations on a background of known Fabry disease diagnosed with genetic testing in 1994. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The prevalence of angina was 23 vs. 22%; palpitations and arrhythmias 27 vs. 26%; exertional dyspnoea 23 vs. 23%; and syncope 2 vs. 4%, in women and men, respectively (all P NS). [eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org]
Symptoms Constitutional: fatigue, dyshidrosis/hypohydrosis Eyes: cloudiness, decreased vision HEENT: tinnitus, hearing loss Cardiovascular: exercise intolerance, palpitations Pulmonary: shortness of breath, cough GI: nausea and vomiting after meals, lower [eyewiki.aao.org]
Skin
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Angiokeratoma
ANGIOKERATOMA CORPORIS DIFFUSUM (FABRY'S DISEASE). Arch Dermatol. 1965 Mar; 91 :206–218. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ] HENRY EW, RALLY CR. The renal lesion in angiokeratoma corporis diffusum (Fabry's disease). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Dystopic Lipidosis Fabry Disease, Cardiac Variant Ceramide Trihexosidase Deficiency Diffuse angiokeratoma FD Gla Deficiency FABRY DISEASE edit English Fabry disease human disease Fabry's disease Anderson-Fabry disease angiokeratoma corporis diffusum [wikidata.org]
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Skin Lesion
The characteristic skin lesions of Fabry disease are the earliest signs that may lead to diagnosis in childhood. Death usually occurs in early adulthood from renal and cardiac complications of the vascular disease. [themedicalbiochemistrypage.org]
Fa·bry disease \ ˈfä-brē- \ variants: or Fabry's disease \ -brēz- \ Medical Definition of Fabry disease : a disorder of lipid metabolism that is inherited as an X-linked recessive trait and is characterized by skin lesions especially on the lower trunk [merriam-webster.com]
If you have a specific question or concern about a skin lesion or disease, please consult a dermatologist. [aocd.org]
Patients present with the skin lesions, small red spots seen on the lower abdomen, thighs and scrotum, corneal opacities, episodes of fever, primary aparasthesia of the extremities and peripheral oedema and renal failure. [whonamedit.com]
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Anhidrosis
Six patients sought consultation because of anhidrosis, considered of unclear cause, and angiokeratomas diagnosed as petechiae. Internists and pediatricians were the most frequently consulted specialists. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Dermal manifestations of Fabry disease include cutaneous vascular lesions (angiokeratomas) and abnormal sweating (anhidrosis or, more commonly, hypohidrosis). [emedicine.medscape.com]
Anhidrosis or hypohidrosis may occur causing heat and exercise intolerance. [orpha.net]
Additional symptoms include joint pain, intolerance to heat and exercise due to hypohidrosis and anhidrosis, dry eyes and dry mouth, hearing loss and tinnitus, aphasia, dysarthria, diplopia, vertigo, seizures, and valve disease. [youtube.com]
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Decreased Sweating
He had heat intolerance and decreased sweating. The diagnosis of Fabry's disease was confirmed by the detection of reduced α-galactosidase A activity in peripheral leukocytes. He received carbamazepine for the neuropathic pain. [nejm.org]
The progressive accumulation of GL-3 and its derivative, lyso-GL-3, results in symptoms that include characteristic skin lesions (angiokeratomas), decreased sweating (hypohidrosis), chronic fatigue, depression, neuropathic pain in the hands and feet [sema4genomics.com]
Other symptoms include decreased sweating, gastrointestinal problems, joint pain, back pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and fever. Symptoms may be triggered by exercise, fatigue, stress, and changes in the weather. [news-medical.net]
Other signs include decreased sweating, fever, and gastrointestinal difficulties. [brainfacts.org]
Classic Fabry disease symptoms in males and females typically start in the first 3-10 years of life with onset of burning pain in the hands and feet, decreased sweating, problems in the heat, a reddish-purplish rash, and gastrointestinal issues such as [thinkgenetic.com]
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Flushing
Agalsidase alfa was generally well tolerated in patients with Fabry disease, with infusion reactions (e.g. rigors, pyrexia, flushing) being the most commonly occurring adverse event. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
These reactions have included: localized swelling of the face, mouth and throat, narrowing of breathing airways, low blood pressure, hives, difficulty swallowing, rash, trouble breathing, flushing, chest discomfort, itching and nasal congestion. [fabrazyme.com]
These include chills, headache, nausea, pyrexia (fever), pain and discomfort, flushing and fatigue (tiredness), and are rarely severe. For the full list of all side effects and restrictions with Replagal, see the package leaflet. [ema.europa.eu]
Ears
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Tinnitus
Tinnitus and progressive sensorineural hearing loss are frequent complains. A stabilization of hearing function has been reported with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Other symptoms include decreased sweating, gastrointestinal problems, joint pain, back pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and fever. Symptoms may be triggered by exercise, fatigue, stress, and changes in the weather. [news-medical.net]
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Hearing Problem
Hearing problems - This may include a gradual loss of hearing or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Emotional issues - Many patients may have feelings of fear and depression, related to their illness. [kidney.org]
Hearing problems may occur, such as gradual hearing loss or ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus. These are due to GL-3 accumulation. [medicalnewstoday.com]
problems Additionally, patients may benefit from working with physical therapists, nutritionists, and psychologists to help manage symptoms. [medicinenet.com]
Hearing Problems Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, and hearing loss are common in Fabry disease. [fabrazyme.com]
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Hearing Impairment
Configuration of hearing loss was classified according to the European Working Group on Genetics of Hearing Impairment. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Typical manifestations had been described as angiokeratoma, sweating disturbances, neuropathic pain, and hearing impairment. In addition, affection of the heart, the kidney and the central nervous system had been seen [ 4, 5 ]. [ojrd.com]
Rena Ellen Falk and Arti Pandya, Hereditary Hearing Impairment, Emery and Rimoin's Principles and Practice of Medical Genetics, 10.1016/B978-0-12-383834-6.00150-6, (1-38), (2013). [doi.org]
Musculoskeletal
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Acroparesthesia
What is Known: • Signs and symptoms of Fabry disease are seen in children KEYWORDS: Acroparesthesia; Alpha-galactosidase A; Children; Fabry disease; Limb pain; Screening [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The earliest manifestations include acroparesthesias, angiokeratomas, hypohidrosis, and lenticular and corneal changes. [emedicine.medscape.com]
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Leg Pain
In this paper, we studied a 54 year-old female who had complaints of leg pain, palpebral edema and telangiectasis and in whom foam cells in renal biopsy as well as proteinuria in urinalysis were revealed. [jstage.jst.go.jp]
MRI of 77-year-old man with leg pain believed to be secondary to degenerative disk disease. During evaluation, abdominal aortic aneurysm was discovered. Age is risk factor for development of aneurysm. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Eyes
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Corneal Opacity
Heterozygous females are usually asymptomatic but may have an attenuated form of disease often characterized by corneal opacities. [merckmanuals.com]
opacity, lysosomal disease with restrictive cardiomyopathy, lysosomal disease with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, rare hereditary metabolic disease with peripheral neuropathy, syndrome associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Benannt nach Johannes Fabry [commons.wikimedia.org]
opacity), and hearing loss. [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]
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Vortex Keratopathy
They correlate with a progressive deposition of glycosphingolipids in ocular structures. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Conjunctival and retinal vessels are tortuous and may exhibit aneurysmal dilatations. 13, 14 A vortex keratopathy (“cornea verticillata”) represents [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
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Corneal Deposit
deposits have been shown to regress in some cases. [eyewiki.aao.org]
Urogenital
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Kidney Failure
Children with Fabry disease eventually develop kidney failure and heart disease, although most often, they live into adulthood. Kidney failure may lead to high blood pressure, which may result in stroke. [msdmanuals.com]
Enzyme Replacement: Until recently the only treatments available helped to relieve symptoms but did not prevent long-term complications, such as heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. [kidney.org]
Kidney failure is the most common cause of death, which occurs at an average age of 40 in the predominantly male victims. [britannica.com]
These patients may have all the characteristic neurological (pain), cutaneous (angiokeratoma), renal (proteinuria, kidney failure), cardiovascular (cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia), cochleo-vestibular and cerebrovascular (transient ischemic attacks, strokes [orpha.net]
Prevention - Fabry disease Diagnosis - Fabry disease Prognosis - Fabry disease Patients with Fabry disease often survive into adulthood but are at increase risk of strokes, heart attack and heart disease, and kidney failure. [checkorphan.org]
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Hematuria
A 54-year-old male presented with proteinuria, hematuria, and hypertension, and a 33-year-old male presented with proteinuria without clinical signs or family history of Fabry disease. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
[…] females, who have more variable severity due to variable lyonization of X chromosome and may have normal leukocyte alpha-galactosidase A activity Clinical symptoms include angiokeratomas on skin of abdomen, buttocks, lips, genitalia and upper thighs Also hematuria [pathologyoutlines.com]
[…] hypohydrosis Eyes: cloudiness, decreased vision HEENT: tinnitus, hearing loss Cardiovascular: exercise intolerance, palpitations Pulmonary: shortness of breath, cough GI: nausea and vomiting after meals, lower abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation GU: hematuria [eyewiki.aao.org]
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Microscopic Hematuria
Microscopic hematuria was observed in case 4. Extrarenal symptoms included: acroparesthesia in case 1, 2, and 6, hypohidrosis in case 6 and angiokeratomas with hearing loss in case 3. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Clinically, the renal disease manifests as hypertension, moderate proteinuria, lipiduria, and microscopic hematuria. Many heterozygous females manifest some signs of the disease, but in an attenuated form. [jasn.asnjournals.org]
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Renal Function Impairment
These beneficial effects were more evident in those patients with lower levels of proteinuria ( 1 g/24 h) and lesser renal function impairment (GF rate 55 mL/min/1.73 m2), inferring that both proteinuria and renal function may be considered as markers [revistanefrologia.com]
Neurologic
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Stroke
Summary of Demographics of Fabry Registry Patients by Stroke Category and by Gender Characteristics Males With Strokes (n 86) Males Without Strokes (n 1157) Females With Strokes (n 52) Females Without Strokes (n 1151) All Patients With Strokes (n 138) [stroke.ahajournals.org]
BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD) is known as a rare cause of stroke. Recent studies suggested that FD is an underdiagnosed entity among young stroke patients. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Consultations in Stroke, Renal Failure, and Neuropathy Consultation with a neurologist is recommended if Fabry disease is suspected as a cause of stroke or if the usual causes of stroke are not present. [emedicine.com]
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Headache
Cerebrovascular/Central Nervous System Problems Dizziness or vertigo, headache, and early stroke are all cerebrovascular symptoms of Fabry disease. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) may be prescribed for those at risk of stroke. [fabrazyme.com]
Severe pain in the feet, high fevers, headaches, constipation and fatigue. These were all symptoms our son Blake started experiencing at the age of 5 1/2. [globalgenes.org]
[…] numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body Sudden confusion Sudden trouble speaking Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes Sudden trouble walking Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination Sudden, severe headache [cedars-sinai.edu]
Headache and muscle involvement responding to corticosteroid and methotrexate treatment We report the case of a 38-year-old female patient who had been diagnosed as lupus erythematosus because of generalized muscle and burning pain combined with slightly [centogene.com]
Patients have a higher risk of: stroke dizziness numbness headaches weakness Emotional and psychological problems, such as anxiety, fear and depression, can occur as a result of living with the symptoms associated with Fabry disease. [medicalnewstoday.com]
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Peripheral Neuropathy
Neurological complications include central nervous system involvement with cerebrovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, and autonomic dysfunction. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
neuropathy, syndrome associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Benannt nach Johannes Fabry Normdatei Q615645 GND-Kennung: 4153455-4 Reasonator Scholia Statistik Unterkategorien Es werden 4 von insgesamt 4 Unterkategorien in dieser Kategorie angezeigt [commons.wikimedia.org]
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Vertigo
The most frequent manifestations in female patients were fatigue and cornea verticillata (50%), and tinnitus, vertigo and angiokeratoma (25%). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Additional symptoms include joint pain, intolerance to heat and exercise due to hypohidrosis and anhidrosis, dry eyes and dry mouth, hearing loss and tinnitus, aphasia, dysarthria, diplopia, vertigo, seizures, and valve disease. [youtube.com]
Paroxysmal attacks of severe rotational vertigo occur in many patients. Although these episodes are usually brief, some prolonged severe attacks require cessation of activities for several days. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Hemiparesis, vertigo, diplopia, dysarthria, hemianopia, sensory loss, and other typical stroke symptoms characterize CNS involvement. [emedicine.com]
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Seizure
Additional symptoms include joint pain, intolerance to heat and exercise due to hypohidrosis and anhidrosis, dry eyes and dry mouth, hearing loss and tinnitus, aphasia, dysarthria, diplopia, vertigo, seizures, and valve disease. [youtube.com]
Patients may present with transient ischemic attacks, vascular thromboses, seizures, or hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke. Paroxysmal attacks of severe rotational vertigo occur in many patients. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Because of these changes patients may develop seizures, clots, cerebral hemorrhage as well as personality changes or psychotic behavior. [aocd.org]
The severe pain associated with Fabry disease usually responds well to anti-seizure drugs such as Dilantin or Neurontin . ACE inhibitors and other high blood pressure medications may help delay loss of kidney function. [davita.com]
Episodic pain crises, acroparesthesias Heat and cold intolerance Hypohidrosis Angiokeratomas Corneal and lenticular opacities Other Fabry-related cerebrovascular signs and symptoms associated with Fabry disease may include: Hemiparesis Vertigo Diplopia Seizures [massgeneral.org]
Workup
The diagnosis of Fabry disease can be made by demonstrating below normal levels of the enzyme alpha galactosidase (or its activity) either in the blood plasma, white blood cells or other cultured cells. While this is an effective diagnostic method in males, it can be unreliable in females as it fails to identify the carrier state of this disease [4]. The carrier state results from X chromosome inactivation in some females, usually heterozygotes with one normal and one affected X chromosome. Recently, LysoGb3 has been introduced as a new biomarker, which is especially valued for therapeutic monitoring.
Another approach for diagnosing this disease is molecular genetic testing. Although expensive, it is a much more reliable method for the definite diagnosis of this disease in both males and females. Mutations in the GLA gene are identified through advanced biotechnological methods. If mutations exist, the diagnosis can be made with certainty. Mutations in several genes other than GLA are also attributed to be the cause of Fabry disease but their diagnostic importance is very limited.
X-Ray
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Multiple Renal Cysts
On imaging, the kidneys have non-specific findings of medical renal disease including increased echogenicity, thinned renal cortex, and multiple renal cysts. [radiopaedia.org]
Urine
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Albuminuria
RESULTS: No statistical differences were found in baseline or final GFR or albuminuria. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
We hypothesize that albuminuria may precede overt proteinuria, but additional longitudinal studies should define the prognostic value of albuminuria in patients with Fabry disease. [ndt.oxfordjournals.org]
He recorded that the patient had been afflicted since childhood and that varicose veins, rectal bleeding and albuminuria had developed. [whonamedit.com]
History of nonspecific bowel disturbances, especially crampy abdominal pain and diarrhea History of lethargy and fatigue Early adulthood (17-30 years) More extensive angiokeratomas High albuminuria ( 1g/24 hours) Edema or lymphedema Fever Hypohidrosis [kidney.org]
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Microalbuminuria
Patients with hearing loss presented a significantly higher value of microalbuminuria (p .001) and a higher frequency of acroparesthesias (p .032). Patients presented a comparable hearing level one year after starting ERT (p .384). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Microalbuminuria, proteinuria, and isosthenuria may be apparent in adolescence and early adulthood. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Hyperfiltration, microalbuminuria and proteinuria, sometimes nephrotic range, can be seen in the second or third decade of life, often progressing to renal failure by the fifth decade of life. [renalandurologynews.com]
Serum
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Alpha-Galactosidase A Deficiency
From Wikidata Jump to navigation Jump to search human disease Fabry's disease Anderson-Fabry disease angiokeratoma corporis diffusum alpha-galactosidase A deficiency Fabry's disease (disorder) alpha galactosidase deficiency deficiency of melibiase Hereditary [wikidata.org]
Fabry disease Other names Fabry's disease, Anderson–Fabry disease, angiokeratoma corporis diffusum, alpha-galactosidase A deficiency Alpha galactosidase - the deficient protein in Fabry disease Pronunciation Specialty Endocrinology, cardiology, nephrology [en.wikipedia.org]
Fabry Disease (FD) is a genetic disorder caused by alpha-galactosidase A deficiency. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Anderson-Fabry disease, Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum, Alpha-galactosidase A deficiency, Angiokeratoma, diffuse, GLA deficiency, Ceramide trihexosidase deficiency Overview Fabry disease is an inherited disorder that results from the buildup of a particular [checkorphan.org]
The disease has a number of names, including angiokeratoma corporis diffusum, alpha-galactosidase A deficiency, and was for many years known as Anderson-Fabry disease, but is now usually referred to simply as Fabry disease. [fabry.com.au]
PR Interval
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Short PR Interval
General physicians and cardiologists should consider the diagnosis of FD in patients with LVH, cardiomyopathy, and conduction abnormalities, including short PR intervals and inverted ST segments without evidence of infarction. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
In a subset of patients, FD is associated with short PR interval due to accelerated AV conduction [10]. In contrast, advanced cardiomyopathy may lead to conduction impairment (AV blocks) and/or bradycardia and chronotropic incompetence. [escardio.org]
Rhythm
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Premature Atrial Contractions
These are mainly the result of premature atrial contractions, usually give no symptoms, and have little consequence. [en.wikipedia.org]
Other Pathologies
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Myocardial Fibrosis
A different cardiomyopathic disease progression between male and female patients was hypothesised in previous studies, as in female myocardial fibrosis was found without left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, while myocardial fibrosis was always detected [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
(Insert Figure 3) Using cardiac MRI to quantify myocardial fibrosis and following a longitudinal protocol, Krämer et al [16] showed that myocardial fibrosis relates to malignant ventricular arrhythmias (non-sustained and sustained ventricular tachycardia [escardio.org]
Hypertrophy
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Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
[…] such as apical variants of left ventricular hypertrophy. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Treatment
Usually, Fabry disease is treated symptomatically. Medications are given to relieve pain in the body and the limbs. Pain in Fabry disease is often difficult to treat and does not respond to most of the over-the-counter pain medications. The drugs commonly used include diphenylhydantoin, carbamezipine, gabapentin and metoclopramide. Renal manifestation of proteinuria are treated either by ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors) such as captopril; or angiotensin receptor blockers such as losartan. When renal failure starts to ensue, the patient has to resort to routine dialysis. Later when both the kidneys have failed, transplant is the only option.
In recent years, Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) has emerged as one of the methods to manage and treat Fabry disease [5]. The patient is given recombinant forms of alpha galactosidase; such as agalsidase alpha and beta. The iminosugar 1-deoxygalactonojirimycin (migalastat), a pharmacological chaperone, is an analog of the terminal galactose of globotriaosylceramide and a reversible inhibitor of alpha-galactosidase A, which may increase the activity of mutant variants of alpha-galactosidase A. In addition, the effect of ERT is increased.
Prognosis
The prognosis of Fabry disease (when properly treated) is very good. Most of the males have more than 80% of the normal life expectancy. Females suffering from Fabry disease have an even better life expectancy than males; most live beyond 93% of their normal life expectancy. Most of the patients require renal transplantation. Death in these patients usually occur due to complications related to the vascular system [6].
Etiology
Fabry disease is essentially a genetic disease and is caused by mutations in the GLA gene on the X chromosome. Females have two copies of this chromosome and males have one. One defective gene in males can therefore cause the full-fledged disease. In contrast, females who have one normal gene and an inherited mutated gene suffer from a much milder form of the disease, with the symptoms being far less severe. In such instances, there may be little or no symptoms of the disease.
Epidemiology
Fabry disease is a rare disease. The incidence, according to a number of surveys, lies somewhere around 1 in 40,000 live births. However, recent newborn screening showed substantially higher rates of deficient α-Gal A activities and α-Gal A mutations.
Pathophysiology
The GLA gene normally encodes a protein enzyme named alpha galactosidase A (a-GAL). Alpha galactosidase is normally responsible for the breakdown of a lipid named globotriaosylceramide. Mutations in the GLA gene result in a deficiency or abnormal function of this enzyme. As a result, globotriaosylceramide accumulates in the cells of all the tissues of the body; most importantly in the blood vessels, kidneys, heart and nervous system. In the cells, this lipid accumulates in lysosomes, due to which Fabry disease is referred to as one of the lysosomal (lipid) storage diseases. A multitude of signs and symptoms related to various systems of the body thus ensues in this disease.
Prevention
There is no prevention of Fabry disease.
Summary
Fabry disease is a lysosomal lipid storage disease which is caused by low levels of the enzyme alpha galactosidase A. This usually occurs due to defects in the GLA gene which lies on the X chromosome. There is an accumulation of glycosphingolipids in the skin, eyes, heart, kidneys, nervous system and vascular system. This results in a large number of clinical manifestations related to all these organs. Fabry disease has no definite cure but the symptoms can be treated through various groups of drugs. The prognosis of the patients who receive treatment is very good.
Patient Information
Fabry disease is caused by low levels of an enzyme that breaks down a certain lipid in the cells of various tissues of this body. This is due to the inheritance of a mutated gene on X chromosome – one of the two sex chromosomes. As the enzyme required to break the lipid is absent, it accumulates unchecked in the skin, eyes, heart, kidneys, nervous system and circulatory system of the patient. As a result, the patient suffers from a variety of symptoms related to these organs.
Fabry disease has no definite cure. However, it is possible to treat the symptoms of the disease through various medications. People who receive proper treatment live very long and also enjoy a good quality of life.
References
- Hoffmann B, Beck M, Sunder-Plassmann G, Borsini W, Ricci R, Mehta A. Nature and prevalence of pain in Fabry disease and its response to enzyme replacement therapy--a retrospective analysis from the Fabry Outcome Survey. Clin J Pain. 2007;23(6):535-542.
- Linhart A, Kampmann C, Zamorano JL, et al. Cardiac manifestations of Anderson-Fabry disease: results from the international Fabry outcome survey. Eur Heart J. 2007 28(10):1228-1235.
- Ortiz A, Oliveira JP, Waldek S, Warnock DG, Cianciaruso B, Wanner C, Fabry Registry. Nephropathy in males and females with Fabry disease: cross-sectional description of patients before treatment with enzyme replacement therapy. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2008;23(5):1600-1607.
- Linthorst GE, Poorthuis BJ, Hollak CE. Enzyme activity for determination of presence of Fabry disease in women results in 40% false-negative results. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;51(21):2082.
- Ioannou YA, Zeidner KM, Gordon RE, Desnick RJ. Fabry Disease: Preclinical Studies Demonstrate the Effectiveness of α-Galactosidase A Replacement in Enzyme-Deficient Mice. The American Journal of Human Genetics. 2001;68(1):14-25.
- MacDermot KD, Holmes A, Miners AH. Fabry disease: clinical manifestations and impact of disease in a cohort of 98 hemizygous males. J Med Genet. 2001;38(11):750-760.