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Published on: December 20, 2017
Atrioventricular Block in a Pompe Disease Patient Receiving Enzyme Replacement Therapy
Kentaro Akagi1, Shiro Baba1, Koichi Matsuda1
1Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Insights
Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) improves outcomes for infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD). However, severe complete atrioventricular block (cAVB) is a rare but critical complication in long-term survivors, requiring medical attention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) is a rare, fatal genetic disorder.
- Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has significantly improved survival rates for IOPD patients.
Observation:
- A case study of an 18-year-old male with IOPD treated with ERT.
- The patient presented with extreme bradycardia and complete atrioventricular block (cAVB).
Findings:
- ERT is effective in managing IOPD, reducing mortality risk.
- Severe cAVB is identified as a rare but serious complication in long-term IOPD survivors.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for cAVB in patients with IOPD receiving ERT.
- Early recognition and management of cAVB are crucial for improving outcomes in long-term IOPD survivors.
Background:
Infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) is a lethal disorder, but enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has dramatically improved the prognosis of these patients.
Case Summary:
An 18-year-old male patient, who had been diagnosed with IOPD based on decreased α-glucosidase activity in his infancy and received ERT, visited an emergency department at Kyoto University Hospital with poor complexion. An electrocardiogram showed extreme bradycardia and complete atrioventricular block (cAVB), and permanent pacemaker was implanted for cAVB.
Discussion:
ERT has reduced the risk of death in patients with IOPD; on the other hand, severe cAVB in those patients needs to be recognized as a rare complication.
Take-Home Message:
cAVB is a rare but critical complication in long-term survivors of IOPD and deserves attention.
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