Author(s):
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Capelle, C.I. van; Beek, N.A. van der; Hagemans, M.L.; Arts, W.F.M.; Hop, W.C.J.; Lee, P.; Jaeken, J.; Frohn-Mulder, I.M.;
Merkus, P.J.F.M.
; Corzo, D.; Puga, A.C.; Reuser, A.J.J.; Ploeg, A.T. van der
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Subject:
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NCEBP 2: Evaluation of complex medical interventions |
Organization:
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Radboudumc Extern Paediatrics |
Abstract:
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Pompe disease is a rare neuromuscular disorder caused by deficiency of acid alpha-glucosidase. Treatment with recombinant human alpha-glucosidase recently received marketing approval based on prolonged survival of affected infants. The current open-label study was performed to evaluate the response in older children (age 5.9-15.2 years). The five patients that we studied had limb-girdle muscle weakness and three of them also had decreased pulmonary function in upright and supine position. They received 20-mg/kg recombinant human alpha-glucosidase every two weeks over a 3-year period. No infusion-associated reactions were observed. Pulmonary function remained stable (n = 4) or improved slightly (n = 1). Muscle strength increased. Only one patient approached the normal range. Patients obtained higher scores on the Quick Motor Function Test. None of the patients deteriorated. Follow-up data of two unmatched historical cohorts of adults and children with Pompe disease were used for comparison. They showed an average decline in pulmonary function of 1.6% and 5% per year. Data on muscle strength and function of untreated children were not available. Further studies are required.
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