Cited 4 times since 2015 (0.4 per year) source: EuropePMC JIMD reports, Volume 28, 14 2 2015, Pages 95-103 In Patients with an α-Galactosidase A Variant, Small Nerve Fibre Assessment Cannot Confirm a Diagnosis of Fabry Disease. van der Tol L, Verhamme C, van Schaik IN, van der Kooi AJ, Hollak CE, Biegstraaten M
Background
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by an α-galactosidase A enzyme deficiency due to pathogenic variants in the α-galactosidase A gene (GLA). An increasing number of individuals with a GLA variant, but without characteristic FD features, are identified. A definite diagnosis of FD has important consequences for treatment and counselling.
Objectives
We assessed the diagnostic value of quantitative sensory testing (QST) and intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) for patients with an uncertain FD diagnosis.
Methods
All patients with a GLA variant who initially presented at the Academic Medical Center with an uncertain FD diagnosis were included. A biopsy of an affected organ in a patient or family member showing FD characteristic storage is used as a reference standard for a diagnosis of FD. All patients underwent a comprehensive QST protocol and IENFD assessment which was compared to age and gender-matched healthy controls. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for a combination of ≥1 abnormal QST modality and an abnormal IENFD.
Results
Twenty-six patients participated (nonclassical FD n = 18, 9 males; no FD n = 5, 3 males; uncertain n = 3, 1 male). Of the patients classified as nonclassical FD, 28% had ≥1 abnormal QST modalities, and 83% had an abnormal IENFD. From the patients without FD, 20% had ≥1 abnormal QST modality, and IENFD was abnormal in 25% (1 not available). Sensitivity was 28% and specificity 80%.
Conclusions
In our study cohort, QST and IENFD could not reliably distinguish patients with FD from those without FD.
