Renal complications of Fabry disease in children

Pediatr Nephrol. 2013 May;28(5):679-87. doi: 10.1007/s00467-012-2222-9. Epub 2012 Aug 17.

Abstract

Fabry disease is an X-linked α-galactosidase A deficiency, resulting in accumulation of glycosphingolipids, especially globotriaosylceramide, in cells in different organs in the body. Renal failure is a serious complication of this disease. Fabry nephropathy lesions are present and progress in childhood while the disease commonly remains silent by routine clinical measures. Early and timely diagnosis of Fabry nephropathy is crucial since late initiation of enzyme replacement therapy may not halt progressive renal dysfunction. This may be challenging due to difficulties in diagnosis of Fabry disease in children and absence of a sensitive non-invasive biomarker of early Fabry nephropathy. Accurate measurement of glomerular filtration rate and regular assessment for proteinuria and microalbuminuria are useful, though not sensitive enough to detect early lesions in the kidney. Recent studies support the value of renal biopsy in providing histological information relevant to kidney function and prognosis, and renal biopsy could potentially be used to guide treatment decisions in young Fabry patients. This review aims to provide an update of the current understanding, challenges, and needs to better approach renal complications of Fabry disease in children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Biopsy
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Progression
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Enzyme Replacement Therapy
  • Fabry Disease / complications*
  • Fabry Disease / diagnosis
  • Fabry Disease / drug therapy
  • Fabry Disease / genetics
  • Female
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate
  • Humans
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney / physiopathology
  • Kidney Diseases / diagnosis
  • Kidney Diseases / etiology*
  • Kidney Diseases / physiopathology
  • Kidney Diseases / therapy
  • Male
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • alpha-Galactosidase / genetics
  • alpha-Galactosidase / therapeutic use

Substances

  • alpha-Galactosidase