Effect of enzyme-replacement therapy on gastrointestinal symptoms in Fabry disease

Fabry disease is an X-linked recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of lysosomal alpha-galactosidase A. The disease affects not only kidney, myocardium, central nervous system and the skin but also, in many patients, the gastrointestinal tract. The recent advent of enzyme-replacement therapy has been reported to show beneficial effects on cardiomyopathy, renal function and autonomous nervous function. We report on a 34-year-old patient with Fabry disease in whom gastrointestinal symptoms were major complaints. Enzyme replacements led to remarkable improvement of diarrhoea and constipation. Abdominal pain, the feeling of fullness and meteorism improved, and metoclopramide, which previously had been used regularly, could be discontinued. There were also marked improvements of appetite, body weight, body mass index, physical activity and overall wellbeing. This observation should prompt further investigations into the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal manifestations in Fabry disease and the mechanisms of enzyme-replacement effects on gut function.