Effect of enzyme replacement therapy on isokinetic strength for all major muscle groups in four patients with Pompe disease-a long-term follow-up

Abstract

Pompe disease is a rare, inherited metabolic myopathy characterized by progressive weakness of the proximal limb and respiratory muscles. We report the findings from four patients with late-onset Pompe disease treated with α-glucosidase (Myozyme) for 2 (n=2) and 6 (n=2) years, and monitored with isokinetic dynamometry, 6-minute walking test (6MWT), and vital capacity. Patients were evaluated after 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72months. In two patients, muscle size estimated by MRI and DXA scanning was also performed prior to and following 6months of treatment. After 2years of α-glucosidase treatment, maximal isokinetic muscle strength increased by 11% (0%-50%) [median (range)] and 6MWT improved by 18% (2%-40%). In the two patients treated for 6years, the increase in muscle strength stabilized at 40% and 6MWT stabilized at 32%. The improvements primarily occurred during the first 6months of treatment. Interestingly, the weakest muscle groups seemed to benefit more than those less affected, and greater improvements occurred for flexor muscles compared to extensor muscles. Vital capacity did not improve on treatment.

Keywords: Enzyme replacement therapy; Late-onset Pompe disease; Muscle strength; Muscle volume; Respiratory function; Walking capacity.