A revised home treatment algorithm for Fabry disease: influence of antibody formation

B. E. Smid, S. L. Hoogendijk, F. A. Wijburg, C. E. M. Hollak, G. E. Linthorst

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease, consisting of biweekly infusions, interferes daily life. Home treatment proved beneficial. We evaluated a previously reported home treatment algorithm aiming to shorten the period of in-hospital infusions, while ascertaining patient safety. Retrospective analysis on clinical records of treated Fabry patients. Potentially predictive factors for infusion associated reactions (IARs) were studied: agalsidase antibodies, agalsidase product and dose, FOS-SSI scores, and GLA activity and mutation. A questionnaire evaluated patient satisfaction and compliance. Seventy-nine patients were included (41 males, 46% agalsidase antibody positive (AB+)). 85% received home treatment. Home treatment complications were erroneous fast infusion rates (n=4) causing IARs and, rarely, venous access problems. The single SAE was unrelated to home treatment. IgG antibody status was significantly associated with IARs (89% vs. 26% p-value <0.01). Negative antibody status did not preclude IARs. Except for three AB+ patients, all first IARs occurred within 13 infusions. IARs occurred more frequently in patients using agalsidase beta 1.0 mg/kg/eow than agalsidase alpha or beta 0.2 mg/kg/eow, but the time to first IAR did not differ between groups. Four AB+ males experienced IARs after a dose increase. Compliance between home and in-hospital treatment was similar. Most patients preferred home treatment. In this study home therapy for Fabry disease was safe and improved patient satisfaction. We propose a revised algorithm which allows safe home-treatment in all male patients after 13 instead of 26 infusions, irrespective of ERT preparation or dose. Furthermore, AB+ patients with dosage increase may experience new or increased IARs, necessitating in-hospital observations
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)132-137
JournalMolecular Genetics and Metabolism
Volume108
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Cite this