Kidney transplantation and enzyme alpha-galactosidase A therapy in patient with Fabry disease: a case report

Fabry disease, an X-linked recessive glycolipid storage disease, is caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-Gal A), which cleaves a fatty substance called globotriaosylceramide (GL3). The abnormal storage of GL3 in blood vessel walls leads to ischemia and necrosis, particularly in blood vessels of the skin, kidneys, heart, brain, and nervous system. The aim of our study was to present the results of cadaveric kidney transplantation with enzyme alpha-Gal A therapy in a patient with Fabry disease. The patient was diagnosed with Fabry disease at the age of 33 years, based on enzymatic tests. Renal manifestations occurred a year later as proteinuria. At the age of 35 years, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was within the normal range. The patient received supplemental enzyme treatment with alpha-Gal (1 mg/kg every 2 weeks). At 3 months after starting supplementation, renal function worsened with serum creatinine levels at 1.7 to 1.8 mg/dL. The following months of supplementation (alpha-Gal 1 mg/kg) concurred with progressive renal dysfunction. After 27 months of supplementation at 37 years, with a creatinine value of 5.5 mg/dL, hemodialysis began and months later the patient received a cadaveric kidney graft. The patient no longer required dialysis. On postoperative day 5 the serum creatinine was 3.9 mg/dL; on day 7, 2.2 mg/dL; on day 14, 1.5 mg/dL. Enzyme supplementation began on posttransplant day 13. Renal graft function has been good during 5 months of observation with creatinine levels at 1.2 to 1.3 mg/dL. The treatment does not interfere with tacrolimus metabolism. Simultaneous chronic enzyme supplementation is the optimal treatment in the fifth stage of end-stage renal disease in Fabry disease.