Expanding the clinical spectrum of late-onset Pompe disease: Dilated arteriopathy involving the thoracic aorta, a novel vascular phenotype uncovered

Abstract Purpose Cerebro-vascular arteriopathy has been reported in late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). Evidence of increased aortic stiffness in some patients and smooth muscle involvement in LOPD raises the possibility of aortic involvement. Our aim was to determine if aortic arteriopathy may be a complication of LOPD. Methods One patient with LOPD was diagnosed with aortic dilatation at Duke Metabolic clinic, 4 others were diagnosed at University of Mainz, Germany, where chest X-ray and echocardiography are routinely done for patients. Other causes of aortic vascular disease were assessed. Results We report evidence of dilated arteriopathy involving primarily the ascending thoracic aorta in…

Modified hemi-Fontan procedure on the beating heart

the heart by infusing the cardioplegic solution under aortic occlusion by means of the balloon throughout the procedure. Even though the balloon catheter passes through the aortic valve, significant aortic valve insufficiency is not likely to occur because of the small caliber of the balloon catheter. We believe that the clinical application of this double-lumen aortic occlusion catheter will protect the myocardium in patients with a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm or distal descending aortic aneurysm who undergo the operation through the left thoracotomy with DHCA.

Cardiac manifestations of Anderson-Fabry disease: results from the international Fabry outcome survey.

Aims Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD) is an uncommon X-linked disorder caused by deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A. The Fabry Outcome Survey is a European database designed to monitor the long-term efficacy and safety of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with agalsidase alfa. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of cardiac disease in AFD patients. Methods and results Clinical and laboratory data were available in 714 patients from 11 countries (mean age 35 ± 17 years, 369 women, 336 treated). 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 wom…

Safety of agalsidase alfa in patients with Fabry disease under 7 years

Aim:  To evaluate the safety and explore the efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Fabry disease with agalsidase alfa in young children enrolled in the Fabry Outcome Survey (FOS). Methods:  This retrospective chart review identified eight children (mean age = 5.0 ± 1.6 [mean ± SD]) in FOS who began treatment with agalsidase alfa (0.2 mg/kg, i.v., every other week) when <7 years old. Vital signs and adverse events were monitored throughout the study period. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated, and left ventricular mass indexed to height2.7 (LVMi) was assessed with echocardiography. Patients received 1.2–6.7 years of treatment (mean = 4.2 years). Results:  Infusion react…

Aneurysma des Ductus arteriosus Botalli

A congenital aneurysm of the ductus arteriosus Botalli was detected by chest X-ray as an intrathoracic mass in a 7-day-old infant. Following confirmation of the diagnosis by echocardiography and MRI the aneurysm was successfully resected via left lateral thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass. The postoperative course was uneventful. Six years after operation the patient is asymptomatic and growing normally. An intrathoracic mass may be considered in the differential diagnosis especially in infants and children. Aneurysms of ductus arteriosus potentially are associated with serious complications. Timely diagnosis and early surgical intervention are decisive for prevention of serious com…

Treatment of Fabry's Disease With Migalastat: Outcome From a Prospective Observational Multicenter Study (FAMOUS).

Fabry's disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-Gal A) leading to intracellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). Patients with amenable mutations can be treated with migalastat, a recently approved oral pharmacologic chaperone to increase endogenous alpha-Gal A activity. We assessed safety along with cardiovascular, renal, and patient-reported outcomes and disease biomarkers in a prospective observational multicenter study after 12 months of migalastat treatment under real-world conditions. Fifty-nine (28 females) patients (34 (57.6%) pretreated with enzyme replacement therapy) w…

Evaluation of the long-term treatment effects of idursulfase using statistical modelling: Data from the Hunter Outcome Survey (HOS)

Treatment for mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II Hunter syndrome) is available in the form of intravenous enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with idursulfase (Shire, Lexington, MA, USA). This analysis used statistical modelling to evaluate the long-term treatment effects of idursulfase on selected clinical parameters based on data from HOS, a global, observational registry (Shire, Lexington, MA, USA). Mixed modelling was used to analyse data from male patients followed prospectively in HOS who had received idursulfase for 5-8 years and information available for two or more timepoints, of which one was pre-ERT. Data were excluded from patients with only pre-ERT information available, who ha…

Kardiovaskuläres Profilscore in Patienten mit nicht- immunologischem Hydrops fetalis und kardialen Anomalien

A 15-Year Perspective of the Fabry Outcome Survey

Abstract The Fabry Outcome Survey (FOS) is an international long-term observational registry sponsored by Shire for patients diagnosed with Fabry disease who are receiving or are candidates for therapy with agalsidase alfa (agalα). Established in 2001, FOS provides long-term data on agalα safety/efficacy and collects data on the natural history of Fabry disease, with the aim of improving clinical management. The FOS publications have helped establish prognostic and severity scores, defined the incidence of specific disease variants and implications for clinical management, described clinical manifestations in special populations, confirmed the high prevalence of cardiac morbidity, and demon…

Low-energy epicardial pacing in children: the benefit of autocapture.

Abstract Background . Permanent cardiac pacing in children results commonly in augmented energy consumption because of the high pacing rates and the ample stimulation safety margin applied in children. Cardiovascular anatomy and limited venous access sometimes preclude the otherwise preferred endocardial approach. In this multicenter patient series, we studied the feasibility, safety, and energy saving obtained by a combination of steroid-eluting epicardial leads with autocapture devices capable of ongoing adjustment of the stimulation output to the prevailing threshold. Methods . Autocapture devices (Pacesetter Microny SR+ and Regency SR+; Pacesetter, Solna, Sweden) and steroid-eluting epi…

Erste Erfahrungen mit einem neuen Therapiekonzept für die Schrittmacherbehandlung von Säuglingen und Kleinkindern

Fragestellung: Fur Sauglinge und Fruhgeborene ist eine geringe Grose des Schrittmacheraggregats besonders wichtig. Unsere bisherigen Erfahrungen mit dem kleinsten, z.Z. verfugbaren Pulsgenerator bei Kindern wurden analysiert und hier vorgestellt. Methode: Bei 2 Fruhgeborenen mit symptomatischem kompletten AV-Block und einem 8jahrigen Patienten mit kongenitalem AV-Block bei komplexen Vitium und Palliation mittels totaler kavopulmonaler Anastomose wurde der kleinste z.Z. verfugbare Pulsgenerator erstmals mit bipolaren, epikardialen steroideluierenden Elektroden implantiert. Dieser Schrittmacher arbeitet durch den Autocapture-Algorithmus besonders energiesparend, so das trotz geringerer Batter…

The Heart in Fabry Disease – from Pathogenesis to Enzyme Replacement Therapy

The cardiovascular involvement in Fabry disease is progressive, and accounts for one of the major reasons for abbreviated life expectancy and increased morbidity. The majority of patients develop signs and symptoms, related to heart failure and arrhythmias. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, in later stages combined with myocardial fibrosis, is one of the leading features. Both genders are affected, and females develop severe cardiac Fabry disease approximately 10–15 years later in life than male patients. Diastolic dysfunction and reduced longitudinal mid-wall related systolic function are the mechanical consequences of the myocardial and epithelial changes related to accumulation of the storage…

Dauer epileptischer Anfälle während selektiver pharyngealer Hirnkühlung / Duration of induced seizures during selective pharyngeal brain cooling

Whole body hypothermia can be used to treat the injured brain (e.g. after hypoxic events). Side effects include hemodynamic instability, coagulopathy and infection. Because of these side effects it appears reasonable to cool the brain selectively (selective brain cooling, SBC) without changing the core temperature. A new animal model was used to demonstrate SBC from the pharynx and to examine effects of SBC on the duration of pharmacologically induced seizure activity. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=18, 12 successful experiments) were sedated and mechanically ventilated. Invasive blood pressure monitoring was instituted and blood gases were drawn to evaluate the arterial blood gas status. Electrica…

743 Lysosomal Storage Disorders in Non-Immunological Hydrops Fetalis - More Common than Assumed?

Background Although non immunological hydrops fetalis (NIHF) is a very rare disorder, the disturbance accounts for a disproportionate share (3%) of overall mortality in the perinatal period. Lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are only exceptionally considered to be the cause of NIHF. The reported incidence is about 1%. On the other hand, in about 18% of all cases, NIHF is classified as idiopathic. Patients and methods We report four cases of transient NIHF due to LSD and reviewed the literature for LSD associated with NIHF. Results At present, 12 different LSD are described to be associated with NIHF. The majority of reported patients already had a family history of NIHF, which had not been …

Adjustable tourniquet to manipulate pulmonary blood flow after Norwood operations

Abstract Background . Survival after first-stage palliative Norwood operations for single ventricle with systemic outflow obstruction is mainly dependent on a balanced ratio of pulmonary blood flow to systemic blood flow. Here we report the clinical results using a modified technique that allows a controlled systemic-to-pulmonary shunt flow to prevent pulmonary overcirculation. Methods . From 1995 to 1998, of 26 infants undergoing first-stage palliative Norwood operations, 7 had placement of an adjustable tourniquet around a modified right Blalock-Taussig shunt. Results . Hospital survival was 20 of 26 patients (77%). All 7 patients in whom snaring of the shunt was indicated survived. Two p…

Cardiac manifestations of Anderson-Fabry disease in heterozygous females.

AbstractObjectivesWe sought to define the prevalence of cardiac involvement in female patients with Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD).BackgroundAnderson–Fabry disease is a rare inborn X-linked lysosomal storage disorder. Globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), the major substrate of the deficient α-galactosidase A enzyme, accumulates progressively in vulnerable cells, including the cardiovascular system. It has been believed that heterozygous females have less cardiac involvement than hemizygous males with AFD.MethodsWe performed two-dimensional echocardiographic examinations of female patients heterozygous for AFD.ResultsSince 1997, a total of 55 female patients (mean age, 39.6 years; range, 6.1 to 70.8 y…

Impact of immunosuppressive therapy on therapy-neutralizing antibodies in transplanted patients with Fabry disease.

Background Inhibitory antibodies towards enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) are associated with disease progression and poor outcome in affected male patients with lysosomal disorders such as Fabry disease (FD). However, little is known about the impact of immunosuppressive therapy on ERT inhibition in these patients with FD. Methods In this retrospective study, we investigated the effect of long-term immunosuppression on ERT inhibition in male patients with FD (n = 26) receiving immunosuppressive therapy due to kidney (n = 24) or heart (n = 2) transplantation. Results No ERT-naive transplanted patient (n = 8) developed antibodies within follow-up (80 ±72 months) after ERT initiation. Seven (…

Cumulative incidence rates of the mucopolysaccharidoses in Germany

In order to estimate the cumulative incidence rates of the mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) in Germany, a retrospective epidemiological survey covering the period between 1980 and 1995 was implemented. Multiple ascertainment sources were used to identify affected patients. A prevalence of approximately 0.69 cases per 100,000 births was obtained for MPS I (Hurler phenotype). Within the study period, 4 patients with Hurler/Scheie phenotype and 7 cases with Scheie disease were detected. The cumulative incidence for MPS II (Hunter syndrome) was estimated as 0.64 cases per 100,000 births (1.3 cases per 100,000 male live births); that for MPS III (Sanfilippo syndrome types A, B and C) as 1.57 cases in…

&lt;p&gt;Cardio- Renal Outcomes With Long- Term Agalsidase Alfa Enzyme Replacement Therapy: A 10- Year Fabry Outcome Survey (FOS) Analysis&lt;/p&gt;

Purpose Following the publication of 5-year agalsidase alfa enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) outcomes data from the Fabry Outcome Survey (FOS), 10-year data were analyzed. Patients and methods FOS (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03289065) data (April 2001 to August 2018) were retrospectively analyzed. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and left ventricular mass indexed to height (LVMI) were analyzed after treatment start (baseline) for patients with ≥3 measurements, including baseline and year 10. Results Median (range) age (years) of the evaluable treated renal cohort at treatment start was 48.8 (17.9-67.3) for females (n=62), 34.4 (18.0-66.8) for males (n=90). With eGFR ≥60 mL…

Multidisciplinary management of Hunter syndrome.

Hunter syndrome is a rare, X-linked disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase. In the absence of sufficient enzyme activity, glycosaminoglycans accumulate in the lysosomes of many tissues and organs and contribute to the multisystem, progressive pathologies seen in Hunter syndrome. The nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems can be involved in individuals with Hunter syndrome. Although the management of some clinical problems associated with the disease may seem routine, the management is typically complex and requires the physician to be aware of the special issues surrounding the patient with Hunter syndrome, and a multidiscipl…

Standardising clinical outcomes measures for adult clinical trials in Fabry disease: A global Delphi consensus.

International audience; Background: Recent years have witnessed a considerable increase in clinical trials of new investigational agents for Fabry disease (FD). Several trials investigating different agents are currently in progress; however, lack of standardisation results in challenges to interpretation and comparison. To facilitate the standardisation of investigational programs, we have developed a common framework for future clinical trials in FD.Methods and findings: A broad consensus regarding clinical outcomes and ways to measure them was obtained via the Delphi methodology. 35 FD clinical experts from 4 continents, representing 3389 FD patients, participated in 3 rounds of Delphi p…

Cardiac disease in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis: presentation, diagnosis and management

The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are inherited lysosomal storage disorders caused by the absence of functional enzymes that contribute to the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The progressive systemic deposition of GAGs results in multi-organ system dysfunction that varies with the particular GAG deposited and the specific enzyme mutation(s) present. Cardiac involvement has been reported in all MPS syndromes and is a common and early feature, particularly for those with MPS I, II, and VI. Cardiac valve thickening, dysfunction (more severe for left-sided than for right-sided valves), and hypertrophy are commonly present; conduction abnormalities, coronary artery and other vascular in…

The heart and cardiovascular system in patients with Morquio syndrome type A

Aortenisthmusstenose bei Erwachsenen: operative Korrektur - mittel- und langfristige Ergebnisse

Fragestellung Ziel dieser retrospektiven Untersuchung war es, die Mittel- und Langzeitergebnisse der operativen Korrektur von Aortenisthmusstenosen (ISTHA) bei Erwachsenen zu erfassen. Patienten und Methodik Zwischen August 1985 und Januar 1999 wurden 20 Patienten (8 Frauen, 12 Manner) wegen ISTHA im Alter 19–60 Jahren (im Mittel 33 Jahre) operiert. Alle Patienten fielen klinisch durch Bluthochdruck der oberen Extremitaten auf (im Mittel 177/92 mmHg). Bei 9 Patienten von 16 (56%) handelte es sich um einen Zufallsbefund (bei 4 konnte dies nicht eruiert werden). Eine eingeschrankte praoperative Belastbarkeit wiesen 13 Patienten (65%) auf. Herzrhythmusstorungen zeigten sich bei 3 Patienten (15…

Enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease: Comparison of agalsidase alfa and agalsidase beta

Fabry disease: overall effects of agalsidase alfa treatment

Background  Fabry disease is a rare X-linked disorder caused by deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A. Progressive accumulation of the substrate globotriaosylceramide in cells throughout the body leads to major organ failure and premature death. The Fabry Outcome Survey (FOS) is a European outcomes database which was established to collect data on the natural history of this little-known disease and to monitor the long-term efficacy and safety of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with agalsidase alfa. This paper presents the first analysis of the FOS database on the effects of ERT on renal function, heart size, pain and quality of life. Design  The effects of 1 and 2 y…

Reduced inotropic support after aprotinin therapy during pediatric cardiac operations

Several reports indicate that aprotinin treatment before and during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) might have a protective effect on the myocardium. We evaluated the hemodynamic effects of perioperative aprotinin treatment.We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 34 infants (mean age, 2.5 years) who had cardiac operations. Half of the patients received high-dose aprotinin therapy. There were no significant differences between the aprotinin and placebo groups with respect to age, weight, sex, aortic cross-clamp time, and CPB time. The following data were recorded at arrival in the intensive care unit 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after termination of CPB: heart rate, bloo…

Diagnostik und Therapie des Morbus Pompe im Kindesalter

Pompe disease is a rare metabolic myopathy caused by deficiency of lysosomal α-glucosidase. Reduced enzyme activity results in abnormal intra- and extralysosomal glycogen deposition as well as impaired cellular function and autophagy. Age at manifestation and severity of disease depend on residual enzyme activity. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is available since 2006. In infantile onset Pompe disease, the most severe form, markedly prolonged survival has resulted in a new phenotype with symptoms and problems not encountered previously. In addition, it became apparent that antibody formation against the recombinant human enzyme may adversely affect the response to ERT. This review summari…

Characteristics of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II who have received a bone marrow transplant: Data from the Hunter Outcome Survey

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II Hunter syndrome) is a rare, life-limiting, X-linked lysosomal storage disease. The Hunter Outcome Survey (HOS) is a Shire-sponsored, global, observational registry initiated in 2005 that collects real-world data on the natural history of MPS II and long-term treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with idursulfase. Patients receiving other forms of pharmacological ERT are excluded from HOS but individuals who have received a bone marrow transplant (BMT) may be enrolled. This analysis examined the characteristics of 36 male patients in HOS from Europe and North America who had received a BMT (March 2018 data). In total, 22 patients (61.1%) were E…

Lysosomal storage disorder in non-immunological hydrops fetalis (NIHF) - more common than assumed? Report of four cases with transient NIHF and a review of the literature

Abstract Background Lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are a rare cause of non immunological hydrops fetalis (NIHF) and congenital ascites. The reported incidence is about 1%. The incidence of idiopathic NIHF is estimated to be about 18%. Patients and methods We report four cases with transient hydrops fetalis resulting from LSD and performed a literature review on LSD with NIHF and congenital ascites in combination. Results At present, 12 different LSDs are described to be associated with NIHF or congenital ascites. Most patients had a family history of NIHF, where the preceding sibling had not been examined. A diagnostic approach to the fetus with NIHF due to suspected LSD either in utero …

Long-term effectiveness of agalsidase alfa enzyme replacement in Fabry disease: A Fabry Outcome Survey analysis

Outcomes from 5 years of treatment with agalsidase alfa enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Fabry disease in patients enrolled in the Fabry Outcome Survey (FOS) were compared with published findings for untreated patients with Fabry disease. Data were extracted from FOS, a Shire-sponsored database, for comparison with data from three published studies. Outcomes evaluated were the annualized rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and left ventricular mass indexed to height (LVMI) as well as time to and ages at a composite morbidity endpoint and at death. FOS data were extracted for 740 treated patients who were followed for a median of ~ 5 years. Compared with no trea…

PQ Interval in Patients With Fabry Disease

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-chromosomal inherited lysosomal storage disease resulting in intracellular storage of globotriaosylceramide. Cardiac involvement is most frequently manifested as left ventricular hypertrophy. However, patients with FD may also have from various conduction abnormalities particularly affecting atrioventricular (AV) conduction. The present study was designed to analyze primarily AV conduction abnormalities on baseline electrocardiograms of patients with FD and to investigate the correlation with echocardiographic findings. Electrocardiograms at rest of 207 patients with FD were compared to echocardiograms. PQ-interval shortening and first-degree AV block could be fou…

ICD Implantation in infants and small children: the extracardiac technique.

There is no clear methodology for implantation of an internal cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in infants and small children. The aim of this study was to assess efficacy and safety of an extracardiac ICD implantation technique in pediatric patients.An extracardiac ICD system was implanted in eight patients (age: 0.3-8 years; body weight: 4-29 kg). Under fluoroscopic guidance a defibrillator lead was tunneled subcutaneously starting from the anterior axillar line along the course of the 6th rib until almost reaching the vertebral column. After a partial inferior sternotomy, bipolar steroid-eluting sensing and pacing leads were sutured to the atrial wall (n = 2) and to the anterior wall of t…

Enzyme replacement therapy in heterozygous females with Fabry disease: results of a phase IIIB study.

Summary: Fabry disease is an X-linked glycosphingolipid storage disorder caused by a deficiency of α-galactosidase A. Affected patients experience debilitating neuropathic pain and have premature mortality due to renal failure, cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular complications. The disease may be X-linked dominant, since most females heterozygous for Fabry disease are affected clinically. We evaluated the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of agalsidase alfa (Replagal) administered intravenously to female patients with Fabry disease in an open-label, single-centre study. Fifteen severely affected patients received agalsidase alfa at 0.2 mg/kg every other week for up to 55 weeks. Ag…

Transcatheter recanalisation and stenting of a closed ductus arteriosus in duct dependent lung perfusion

In patients with the congenital cardiac malformation of tetralogy of Fallot, occasionally one pulmonary artery, usually the left, seems angiographically to be absent.1 This pulmonary artery is usually present, but discontinuous with the pulmonary trunk, having originally been supplied by a patent arterial duct. With closure of the duct, the receiving flow to that pulmonary artery is by small collateral vessels, which leads to reduced growth of the involved pulmonary vessels and impedes definite surgical repair. We report a case of a 2 day old, 1890 g, premature, cyanotic boy (oxygen saturation 82%) with tetralogy of Fallot, right sided aortic arch, and discontinuity between the pulmonary tr…

Clinical characteristics of adults with slowly progressing mucopolysaccharidosis VI: a case series.

To assess clinical features and general health status of adult patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) VI. This report includes the clinical history of patients older than 18 years with slowly progressing MPS VI and the retrospective analysis of the outcomes of available data collected between September 2003 and October 2008 at the Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Germany. Variables included were urinary glycosaminoglycan (uGAG) level, mutation analysis, body height, forced vital capacity (FVC), 6-minute walk test, echocardiographic findings, the need for craniocervical decompression surgery, orthopaedic findin…

Identification of a novel compound heterozygote SCO2 mutation in cytochrome c oxidase deficient fatal infantile cardioencephalomyopathy

UNLABELLED Fatal infantile cardioencephalomyopathy (OMIM No. 604377) is a disorder of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and is characterised by neonatal progressive muscular hypotonia and cardiomyopathy because of severe Cytochrome c oxidase deficiency. Here we report a novel mutation in the Cytochrome c oxidase assembly gene SCO2 in an infant with fatal infantile cardioencephalomyopathy despite normal initial metabolic screening. CONCLUSION In newborns with unexplained muscular hypotonia and cardiomyopathy genetic testing of mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders might be helpful to establish a final diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.

Evaluation of gastric intramucosal pH during and after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Objectives: In adult patients, intramucosal pH (pHi) has been advocated to detect postoperative complications. The purpose of our study was to evaluate this technique in pediatric patients during and after cardiac surgery. Methods: Thirty-five infants (age: 5 days to 15 years, median 1.8 years; and weight: 3.2‐32 kg, median 9.8 kg) were studied. pHi was measured before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), after 30 min of CPB, prior to weaning off CPB, at intensive care unit arrival, and 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery. Results: There were no complications related to the tonometer. A pathologically low pHiB 7.32 was found during surgery in less than 17%, at intensive care unit arrival in 83% a…

Prevalence and characterization of cardiac involvement in Hunter syndrome.

To assess the prevalence of cardiovascular signs and symptoms in a large group of patients with Hunter syndrome, an X-linked metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase.The Hunter Outcome Survey was established to characterize the natural history of Hunter syndrome and to assess the response to enzyme replacement therapy. Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic examination results were available for 102 patients who were enzyme replacement therapy-naïve in the Hunter Outcome Survey (median age at examination, approximately 8 years) as of Jan 23, 2009.The most common cardiovascular finding was valve disease, which was present in 63% of patients.…

Homozygous Resistance to Thyroid Hormone β: Can Combined Antithyroid Drug and Triiodothyroacetic Acid Treatment Prevent Cardiac Failure?

Resistance to thyroid hormone β (RTHβ) due to homozygous THRB defects is exceptionally rare, with only five kindreds reported worldwide. Cardiac dysfunction, which can be life-threatening, is recognized in the disorder. Here we describe the clinical, metabolic, ophthalmic, and cardiac findings in a 9-year-old boy harboring a biallelic THRB mutation (R243Q), along with biochemical, physiologic, and cardiac responses to carbimazole and triiodothyroacetic acid (TRIAC) therapy. The patient exhibits recognized features (goiter, nonsuppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, upper respiratory tract infections, hyperactivity, low body mass index) of heterozygous RTHβ, with additional characteri…

Nickel release after implantation of the Amplatzer occluder.

Background Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects is a new and less traumatic technique than open heart surgery. In recent years, patients with a patent foramen ovale sustaining potential paradoxical embolism have also become candidates for interventional closure devices. One of the more popular occluding devices is the Amplatzer septal occluder, which, like many other occluders, is made of nitinol. Nitinol-based alloys are widely used in medical products, for example, in orthopedics and orthodontics. However, the clinical use of nitinol, which contains 55% nickel, is still controversial because of concerns about its biocompatibility. Therefore, we examined the systemic nickel relea…

Chirurgische Behandlung des hypoplastischen Linksherzsyndroms

Kinder mit dem angeborenen Herzfehler eines hypoplastischen Linksherzsyndroms haben ohne fruhzeitige chirurgische Behandlung eine extrem ungunstige Prognose. Anhand einer retrospektiven Funf-Jahres-Analyse werden die Moglichkeiten und Ergebnisse der herzerhaltenden palliativen Rekonstruktion dargestellt.

The Fontan-Operation: From Intra- to Extracardiac Procedure

Purpose For treatment of univentricular heart, the Fontan operation has been established as the definitive palliation. The current controversy is mainly based on the high incidence of arrhythmias after an intra-atrial lateral tunnel Fontan operation. Methods From January 1995 until April 2002. 46 children underwent a Fontan-type operation with or without a small fenestration. In 33 patients (group I) an Intracardiac tunnel and in 13 patients (group II) an extracardiac conduit procedure was performed. Principal findings There was no perioperative mortality. All patients showed postoperative a significant increase of arterial oxygen saturation, from 76 to 86% after surgery with fenestration, …

Long term follow up after percutaneous closure of PFO in 357 patients with paradoxical embolism: Difference in occlusion systems and influence of atrial septum aneurysm

Abstract Background Percutaneous transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in cryptogenic stroke or TIA is an alternative to medical therapy especially in patients with atrial septal aneurysm (ASA). The differences in time to complete occlusion for various closure devices in PFO alone and PFO plus ASA are of natural interest. Methods and results Between January, 1st 1998 and November, 30th 2006 percutaneous PFO closure was performed in 357 patients with a history of ≥1 paradoxical embolism using three different devices: Amplatzer PFO-( n =199), Starflex-( n =48) and Helex Occluder ( n =110). All patients were assigned to a post-interventional protocol with contrast-enhanced transe…

Prevalence of Uncontrolled Hypertension in Patients With Fabry Disease

Background Fabry disease is a rare X-linked disease arising from deficiency of α-galactosidase A. It results in early death related to renal, cardiac, and cerebrovascular disease, which are also important outcomes in patients with elevated blood pressure (BP). The prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension, as well as the effect of enzyme replacement therapy on BP, in patients with Fabry disease is unknown. Methods We examined uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP [SBP] ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic BP [DBP] ≥80 mm Hg) among 391 patients with Fabry disease who were participating in the Fabry Outcome Survey (FOS). Results Uncontrolled hypertension was present in 57% of men and 47% of women. In patie…

Association between polymorphisms of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (NOS3) and left posterior wall thickness (LPWT) of the heart in Fabry disease.

Fabry disease is an X-chromosomal storage disorder due to loss-of-function mutations of the GLA gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A. Accumulating glycosphingolipid deposits disturb the function of various cells, in particular that of myocytes, arterial smooth-muscle cells, and vascular endothelium. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, for example measured by left posterior wall thickness (LPWT) of the heart, represents a major component of Fabry disease morbidity in adult patients. Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (eNO), produced by eNO synthase (eNOS), is a key regulator of vessel wall function and cardiovascular homeostasis. We analysed the effect of the polymorphisms c.894G > T …

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII (Sly disease) survivors

treatment. Onset of neurological symptoms at age 8 and in adolescence. Pair 4: L.M. died at age 5 months due to liver failure. P.M. (7 years): earlyinfantile form, despite treatment start at age 2 progressive neurological deterioration. Pair 5: R.K.: late-infantile form, untreated, died at age 9 due to progressive neurological involvement. M.K.: late infantileform, start of treatment at age 5, died at age 13 due to epileptic encephalopathy. These cases reveal that disease onset and progression in siblings with NPC vary, and that miglustat can slow disease progression.

Fabry disease defined: baseline clinical manifestations of 366 patients in the Fabry Outcome Survey.

Background  Fabry disease is a rare X-linked disorder caused by deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A. Progressive accumulation of the substrate globotriaosylceramide in cells throughout the body leads to major organ failure and premature death. In response to the recent introduction of enzyme replacement therapy, the Fabry Outcome Survey (FOS) was established to pool data from European clinics on the natural history of this little-known disease and to monitor the long-term efficacy and safety of treatment. This paper presents the first analysis of the FOS database and provides essential baseline data against which the effects of enzyme replacement can be measured. De…

Treatment and clinical survey of females with Fabry disease in Germany

Treatment of Fabry Disease management with migalastat-outcome from a prospective 24 months observational multicenter study (FAMOUS).

Abstract Aims Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A (GLA/AGAL), resulting in the lysosomal accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). Patients with amenable GLA mutations can be treated with migalastat, an oral pharmacological chaperone increasing endogenous AGAL activity. In this prospective observational multicentre study, safety as well as cardiovascular, renal, and patient-reported outcomes and disease biomarkers were assessed after 12 and 24 months of migalastat treatment under ‘real-world’ conditions. Methods and results A total of 54 patients (26 females) (33 of these [61.1%] pre-treated with en…

Normal values of M mode echocardiographic measurements of more than 2000 healthy infants and children in central Europe

OBJECTIVE—To obtain normal M mode (one dimensional) echocardiographic values in a substantial sample of normal infants and children.
DESIGN—Data were obtained over three years from a single centre in central Europe.
PATIENTS—2036 healthy infants and children aged one day to 18 years.
METHODS—In line with recommendations for standardising measurements from M mode echocardiograms, and using digital echocardiographic equipment, measurements were obtained of the following: right ventricular anterior wall thickness at end diastole, right ventricular end diastolic dimension, thickness of interventricular septum at end diastole and end systole, thickness of posterior wall of the left ventricle at …

Cardiac pacing in premature infants and neonates: steroid eluting leads and automatic output adaptation

Abstract Background . Appropriate generator and lead selection as well as techniques of implantation are most important aspects of cardiac pacing in the extremely young patient. Here we report the clinical results using a new technique with automatic output adaptation based on evoked response in combination with steroid-eluting epicardial leads in small children. Methods . One neonate and 2 premature infants underwent permanent pacemaker implantation because of congenital high-degree atrioventricular block or postoperative complete heart block, respectively. Steroid-eluting epicardial leads and a multiprogrammable pacemaker with automatic output adaptation were used. Results . Intermuscular…

Pacemaker therapy in premature children with high degree AV block.

The smallest pacemaker pulse generator and a steroid-eluting bipolar epicardial lead were implanted in two premature children with symptomatic AV block. Stable capture threshold and high amplitude evoked response electrogram resulted in normal function of the pacemaker Autocapture algorithm, which adjusts output 0.3 V above the measured capture threshold. Autocapture had previously been used only with endocardial leads. Longer-term observation is required.

Screening for Fabry disease in male patients with arrhythmia requiring a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

A 4-year study of the efficacy and tolerability of enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alfa in 36 women with Fabry disease

Although Fabry disease is X linked and considered to affect primarily male hemizygotes, female heterozygotes may experience all the signs and symptoms of this metabolic disorder. This prospective, single-center, open-label, clinical trial was performed to evaluate the long-term response of female patients with Fabry disease to enzyme replacement therapy.Symptomatic women (average age = 47 years) enrolled in this 4-year study were treated with agalsidase alfa (Replagal, Shire HGT, Inc.) at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg, every other week for 4 years (N = 36). Clinical and biochemical assessments were conducted at 12-month intervals.The Mainz Severity Score Index, a measure of total disease burden, was …