Enzyme replacement therapy desensitization in a child with infantile onset Pompe disease

Theresa Shu Wen Toh1, Kok Wee Chong2, Anne Eng Neo Goh2

  • 1Department of Paediatric Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.

Insights

Enzyme replacement therapy desensitisation is possible for Pompe disease patients with hypersensitivity reactions. A tailored, multi-step dose escalation protocol proved successful in a pediatric case.

Area of Science:

  • Rare diseases
  • Genetic disorders
  • Enzyme replacement therapy

Background:

  • Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is crucial for managing Pompe disease, reducing morbidity and mortality.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions to ERT are common, potentially disrupting treatment and impacting patient outcomes.

Observation:

  • A 9-year-old girl with infantile-onset Pompe disease developed hypersensitivity reactions to alglucosidase alfa ERT.
  • A multidisciplinary team, including allergists, geneticists, nurses, and pharmacists, collaborated to manage the patient's hypersensitivity.

Findings:

  • A successful desensitisation protocol was developed and implemented for the patient.
  • The protocol involved a multi-step, three-fold dose escalation of alglucosidase alfa.
  • This approach enabled the continuation of essential enzyme replacement therapy.

Implications:

  • This case demonstrates the feasibility of ERT desensitisation in patients with Pompe disease hypersensitivity.
  • Tailored desensitisation protocols are essential for optimizing safety and efficacy.
  • Personalized treatment strategies can improve long-term management and outcomes for patients with Pompe disease.
Abstract

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