Diagnosis and treatment of late-onset Pompe disease in the Middle East and North Africa region: consensus recommendations from an expert group

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MENA Pompe Working Group, Al Jasmi F, Al Jumah M, Alqarni F, Al-Sanna’a N, Al-Sharif F, Bohlega S, Cupler EJ, Fathalla W, Hamdan MA, Makhseed N, Nafissi S, Nilipour Y, Selim L, Shembesh N, Sunbul R, Tonekaboni SH.

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BMC Neurol. 2015 Oct 15;15:205. doi: 10.1186/s12883-015-0412-3.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pompe disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-glucosidase responsible for degrading glycogen. Late-onset Pompe disease has a complex multisystem phenotype characterized by a range of symptoms. METHODS: An expert panel from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region met to create consensus-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of late-onset Pompe disease for the MENA region, where the relative prevalence of Pompe disease is thought to be high but there is a lack of awareness and diagnostic facilities. RESULTS: These guidelines set out practical recommendations and include algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of late-onset Pompe disease. They detail the ideal diagnostic workup, indicate the patients in whom enzyme replacement therapy should be initiated, and provide guidance on appropriate patient monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines will serve to increase awareness of the condition, optimize patient diagnosis and treatment, reduce disease burden, and improve patient outcomes. CN – MENA Pompe Working Group

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Link/DOI: 10.1186/s12883-015-0412-3