A review of Fabrys disease- pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatments

Nusrat Aziz 1, 2, * and Mamdouh Hasan Kalakatawi 2

1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24382, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
2 Department of Neurology, Al Noor Specialists Hospital, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
 
Review Article
GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2021, 14(01), 121-128.
Article DOI: 10.30574/gscbps.2021.14.1.0018
Publication history: 
Received on 08 January 2021; revised on 15 January 2021; accepted on 17 January 2021
 
Abstract: 
Fabrys disease is a lysosomal storage disorder, caused due to mutation in the GLA gene in X-chromosome encoding for alpha galactosidase A enzyme. It’s a pan ethnic disorder with multisystem involvement. The reported prevalence of Fabrys is less but new-born screening shows higher values, indicating it is largely underestimated.
It is inherited as X-linked dominant form. The hemizygous males manifests greater severity of symptoms and heterozygous females presents asymptomatic to severe symptoms. Pathophysiological changes occur due to insufficient breakdown of globotriosylceramide in lysosomes. Hence its accumulation causes dysfunction of cells, tissues and organ systems.
The classic type 1 of Fabrys disease shows symptoms in childhood and late-onset type 2 shows later in life at around 30-40 years of age. The early symptoms are neuropathic pain, diarrhea, corneal verticellata, hypohydrosis, intolerance to heat and exercise followed by renal, cardiac and cerebrovascular involvement. The life expectancy and quality of life in Fabrys disease is considerably lesser than of that of general population.
Rigorous new-born screening, detection in family members, early diagnosis and enzyme replacement and supportive management is important for slowing the progression of disease and decreases the morbidity and mortality, thus improving the overall well-being. There a is a need for awareness and education of physicians and patients about the disease with more research encouraged to develop newer and more efficient therapies for its management
 
Keywords: 
Fabrys disease; Pathophysiology; diagnosis; Treatment
 
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