Safety analysis of self-administered enzyme replacement therapy using data from the Fabry Outcome and Gaucher Outcome Surveys

Enzyme replacement therapy; Fabry; Self-administrationTeràpia de reemplaçament enzimàtic; Fabry; AutoadministracióTerapia de reemplazo enzimático; Fabry; AutoadministraciónBackground Fabry disease and Gaucher disease are rare genetic disorders characterized by defective degradation of glycosphingolipids caused by enzymatic deficiencies in α–galactosidase A and β–glucocerebrosidase, respectively, and often require life-long treatment. Treatment options for these disorders include replacing the deficient enzymes via enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Agalsidase alfa for Fabry disease and velaglucerase alfa for Gaucher disease are two ERT options with demonstrated efficacy, safety, and tolerability. ERT infusions administered by a health care provider (HCP) in the clinic/hospital, or at the patient’s home are considered HCP-supported infusions. Self-administration of ERT (by patient, partner, relative, or caregiver) is optional in patients who tolerate the HCP-supported infusions at home and have a suitable home environment. This analysis explored the safety profiles of self-administered agalsidase alfa (202 patients) and velaglucerase alfa (30 patients) versus HCP-supported infusions using data from the Fabry Outcome Survey (FOS) and Gaucher Outcome Survey (GOS) registries. Results The frequency of infusion-related reactions (IRRs) adverse events (AEs) recorded in the two registries was lower in patients self-administering (FOS: 4.5%, GOS: 0%) versus patients receiving HCP-supported infusions (FOS: 13.6%, GOS: 1.6%). In the FOS registry, AE rates per 100 patient-years (100PY) of follow-up were similar between the self-administration (7.99) and HCP-supported infusion (6.78) groups. In patients self-administering agalsidase alfa, cardiac disorders were the most frequently reported AEs (19 [9.4%] patients) and serious AEs (12 [5.9%]) and gastrointestinal disorders were the most frequently reported IRRs (3 [1.5%]). In the GOS registry, AE rates per 100PY were similar between self-administration (4.97) and HCP-supported infusion (4.67) groups. In patients self-administering velaglucerase alfa, skin and subcutaneous disorders (4 [13.3%]) and infections and infestations (2 [6.7%]) were the most reported AEs and serious AEs, respectively, and no IRRs were reported. Conclusions These findings suggest that self-administration of agalsidase alfa or velaglucerase alfa infusions are not associated with additional safety risks compared with HCP-supported infusions and are a suitable option for qualifying patients. Further research is warranted to support these findings and to explore further the long-term safety and efficacy of ERT self-administration. FOS trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03289065. Registered 01 April 2001, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03289065. GOS trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03291223. Registered 27 July 2010, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03291223.The FOS and GOS registries are funded by Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG, Glattpark-Opfikon, Switzerland. Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, MA, USA, provided funding to Excel Scientific Solutions, Inc. for support in writing and editing this manuscript

Anemia in Children with Down Syndrome

Background. Iron deficiency anemia impacts on cognitive development. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in children with Down syndrome and identify risk factors for anemia. Methods. We conducted a prolective cross-sectional study of children attending a multidisciplinary Down syndrome medical center. One hundred and forty nine children with Down syndrome aged 0–20 years were enrolled in the study. Information obtained included a medical history, physical and developmental examination, nutritional assessment, and the results of blood tests. Results. Of the patients studied, 8.1% were found to have anemia. Among the 38 children who had iron studies, 50.0% had iron deficiency. In a multivariate analysis, Arab ethnicity and low weight for age were significantly associated with anemia. Gender, height, the presence of an eating disorder, and congenital heart disease were not risk factors for anemia. Conclusions. Children with Down syndrome are at risk for anemia and iron deficiency similar to the general population. Children with Down syndrome should be monitored for anemia and iron deficiency so that prompt intervention can be initiated

Official communication of the SSC: Recommendations for future research in catheter-related arterial thrombosis in children.

Catheter-related arterial thrombosis (CAT) are increasingly recognized in infants and children. Insufficient data are available on the incidence, risk factors, treatment and outcome of these thrombotic events. This work provides consensus recommendations for future research on catheter-related arterial thrombosis in the paediatric population. In particular, future studies should distinguish between CAT due to indwelling arterial catheters or cardiac catheterization in two different subpopulations (neonates and older children). Further studies should investigate sensitivity and specificity of clinical signs and symptoms for early screening of CAT and the most appropriate imaging modality, focusing on ultrasound due to better feasibility in the very young pediatric population. Adequately powered, well-designed clinical trials should investigate efficacy and safety of different treatment and prevention strategies as well as the risk for and the optimal management of short- and long-term complications

Transition of patients with Gaucher disease type 1 from pediatric to adult care: results from two international surveys of patients and health care professionals

IntroductionGaucher disease (GD) is a rare, autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in the enzyme glucocerebrosidase. The most common subtype in Europe and the USA, type 1 (GD1), is characterized by fatigue, cytopenia, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, bone disease, and rarely pulmonary disease. Increased life expectancy brought about by improved treatments has led to new challenges for adolescents and their transition to adult care. Efficient healthcare transition to adult care is essential to manage the long-term age-related complications of the disease.MethodsThis international study consisted of two online surveys: one survey for patients with GD1 and one survey for healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in treatment of patients with GD1. The aims of this international, multi-center project were to evaluate the current transition process in various countries and to understand the challenges that both HCPs and patients experience.ResultsA total of 45 patients and 26 HCPs took part in the survey, representing 26 countries. Our data showed that a third (11/33) of patients were aware of transition clinics and most stated that the clinic involved patients with metabolic diseases or with GD. Seven patients attended a transition clinic, where most patients (5/7) received an explanation of the transition process. Approximately half of HCPs (46%; 12/26) had a transition clinic coordinator in their healthcare center, and 10 of HCPs had a transition clinic for patients with metabolic diseases in their healthcare center. HCPs reported that transition clinics were comprised of multi-disciplinary teams, with most patients over the age of 18 years old managed by hematology specialists. The main challenges of the transition process reported by HCPs included limited funding, lack of expertise and difficulty coordinating care amongst different specialties.DiscussionOur study demonstrates the lack of a standardized process, the need to raise awareness of transition clinics amongst patients and the differences between the transition process in different countries. Both patients and HCPs expressed the need for a specialist individual responsible for transition, efficient coordination between pediatricians and adult specialists and for patient visits to the adult center prior to final transition of care

Patient centered guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of Gaucher disease type 1

Gaucher disease (GD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder due to the deficient activity of the acid beta-glucosidase (GCase) enzyme, resulting in the progressive lysosomal accumulation of glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and its deacylated derivate, glucosylsphingosine (GlcSph). GCase is encoded by the GBA1 gene, located on chromosome 1q21 16 kb upstream from a highly homologous pseudogene. To date, more than 400 GBA1 pathogenic variants have been reported, many of them derived from recombination events between the gene and the pseudogene. In the last years, the increased access to new technologies has led to an exponential growth in the number of diagnostic laboratories offering GD testing. However, both biochemical and genetic diagnosis of GD are challenging and to date no specific evidence-based guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of GD have been published. The objective of the guidelines presented here is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the technical implementation and interpretation of biochemical and genetic testing for the diagnosis of GD to ensure a timely and accurate diagnosis for patients with GD worldwide. The guidelines have been developed by members of the Diagnostic Working group of the International Working Group of Gaucher Disease (IWGGD), a non-profit network established to promote clinical and basic research into GD for the ultimate purpose of improving the lives of patients with this disease. One of the goals of the IWGGD is to support equitable access to diagnosis of GD and to standardize procedures to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, a guideline development group consisting of biochemists and geneticists working in the field of GD diagnosis was established and a list of topics to be discussed was selected. In these guidelines, twenty recommendations are provided based on information gathered through a systematic review of the literature and two different diagnostic algorithms are presented, considering the geographical differences in the access to diagnostic services. Besides, several gaps in the current diagnostic workflow were identified and actions to fulfill them were taken within the IWGGD. We believe that the implementation of recommendations provided in these guidelines will promote an equitable, timely and accurate diagnosis for patients with GD worldwide

Patient centered guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of Gaucher disease type 1

: Gaucher disease (GD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder due to the deficient activity of the acid beta-glucosidase (GCase) enzyme, resulting in the progressive lysosomal accumulation of glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and its deacylated derivate, glucosylsphingosine (GlcSph). GCase is encoded by the GBA1 gene, located on chromosome 1q21 16 kb upstream from a highly homologous pseudogene. To date, more than 400 GBA1 pathogenic variants have been reported, many of them derived from recombination events between the gene and the pseudogene. In the last years, the increased access to new technologies has led to an exponential growth in the number of diagnostic laboratories offering GD testing. However, both biochemical and genetic diagnosis of GD are challenging and to date no specific evidence-based guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of GD have been published. The objective of the guidelines presented here is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the technical implementation and interpretation of biochemical and genetic testing for the diagnosis of GD to ensure a timely and accurate diagnosis for patients with GD worldwide. The guidelines have been developed by members of the Diagnostic Working group of the International Working Group of Gaucher Disease (IWGGD), a non-profit network established to promote clinical and basic research into GD for the ultimate purpose of improving the lives of patients with this disease. One of the goals of the IWGGD is to support equitable access to diagnosis of GD and to standardize procedures to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, a guideline development group consisting of biochemists and geneticists working in the field of GD diagnosis was established and a list of topics to be discussed was selected. In these guidelines, twenty recommendations are provided based on information gathered through a systematic review of the literature and two different diagnostic algorithms are presented, considering the geographical differences in the access to diagnostic services. Besides, several gaps in the current diagnostic workflow were identified and actions to fulfill them were taken within the IWGGD. We believe that the implementation of recommendations provided in these guidelines will promote an equitable, timely and accurate diagnosis for patients with GD worldwide

A Comprehensive Assessment of Qualitative and Quantitative Prodromal Parkinsonian Features in Carriers of Gaucher Disease-Identifying Those at the Greatest Risk

Carriers of GBA1 gene variants have a significant risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD). A cohort study of GBA carriers between 40-75 years of age was initiated to study the presence of prodromal PD features. Participants underwent non-invasive tests to assess different domains of PD. Ninety-eight unrelated GBA carriers were enrolled (43 males) at a median age (range) of 51 (40-74) years; 71 carried the N370S variant (c.1226A > G) and 25 had a positive family history of PD. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was the most frequently abnormal (23.7%, 95% CI 15.7-33.4%), followed by the ultrasound hyperechogenicity (22%, 95% CI 14-32%), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-III) (17.2%, 95% CI 10.2-26.4%), smell assessment (12.4%, 95% CI 6.6-20.6%) and abnormalities in sleep questionnaires (11%, 95% CI 5.7-19.4%). Significant correlations were found between tests from different domains. To define the risk for PD, we assessed the bottom 10th percentile of each prodromal test, defining this level as "abnormal". Then we calculated the percentage of "abnormal" tests for each subject; the median (range) was 4.55 (0-43.5%). Twenty-two subjects had more than 15% "abnormal" tests. The limitations of the study included ascertainment bias of individuals with GBA-related PD in relatives, some incomplete data due to technical issues, and a lack of well-characterized normal value ranges in some tests. We plan to enroll additional participants and conduct longitudinal follow-up assessments to build a model for identifying individuals at risk for PD and investigate interventions aiming to delay the onset or perhaps to prevent full-blown PD

Systematic analysis of the design, methodology, and patient population characteristics of the pediatric direct oral anticoagulant trials of venous thromboembolism treatment

Background: The pediatric direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) trials provide an opportunity to evaluate and characterize challenges in their design and execution to inform future antithrombotic trials. Objectives: To perform a systematic review of pediatric DOAC trials for the treatment of venous thromboembolism to critically appraise their methodology and understand the feasibility and challenges. Methods: We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov (January 2002 to December 2022). Studies reporting the results of interventional trials of a DOAC for the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism in children and their respective design papers were included. Trial registration information was reviewed in ClinicalTrials.gov. Discrepancies in study design, targeted populations, sample size, and analyses between planned and actual trial conduct were examined qualitatively. Results: Five published studies and unpublished data for 2 additional trials were included. All trials had modifications to their design or methodology and discrepancies between the trial's registration and the final published study, suggesting feasibility challenges. Modifications to the eligibility criteria, changes in sample size, challenges with the recruitment of younger patients, and an enrolled population not matching the clinical target population were identified for all trials. Discrepancies in outcome reporting, particularly for secondary endpoints, were also common. Conclusion: DOAC trials experienced feasibility challenges that led to design or methodology modifications. Future pediatric antithrombotic trials will need to be adaptive in their design, prioritize enrollment of younger children and input from clinicians providing care to target populations, ensure that enrolled populations match the clinical population, and select clinically meaningful endpoints.</p

Agammaglobulinaemia despite terminal B-cell differentiation in a patient with a novel LRBA mutation

Mutations in lipopolysaccharide-responsive vesicle trafficking, beach and anchor-containing protein (LRBA) cause immune deficiency and inflammation. Here, we are reporting a novel homozygous mutation in LRBA allele in 7-year-old Omani boy, born to consanguineous parents. He presented with type 1 diabetes, autoimmune haematological cytopenia, recurrent chest infections and lymphocytic interstitial lung disease. The patient was treated with CTLA4-Ig (abatacept) with good outcome every 2 weeks for a period of 3 months. He developed complete IgG deficiency, but remarkably, histological examination revealed germinal centres and plasma cells in lymphoid and inflamed lung tissue. Further charatecterisation showed these cells to express IgM but not IgG. This ex vivo analysis suggests that LRBA mutation confers a defect in class switching despite plasma cell formation