Fabry disease is a metabolic disorder. It is caused by low levels of an enzyme called alpha galactosidase-A. This enzyme is needed to break down fatty substances. Because there are low levels of this enzyme, the fatty substances build up the blood and blood vessels. The build up slows or blocks blood flow to the organs. It can cause problems in the skin, kidneys, heart, and nervous system.
Fabry disease is caused by a problems in the genes. The specific genes that create the enzymes are faulty. The faulty gene is inherited from the parents.
Males who inherit the defective gene will have the disease. Females who have a single copy of the gene are called carriers. Most will not develop any symptoms but they can pass the gene to their offspring. However, some women do have symptoms. On occasion, women may be as severely affected as men.
Risk Factors
A factor that may increase your risk of Fabry is having family members with the disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms may begin in childhood or early adulthood. Common symptoms include:
- Pain and burning sensations in the hands and feet (often provoked by exercise, fatigue, or fever)
- Spotted, dark red skin lesions generally found between the belly button and the knees
- Inability to sweat
-
Changes in the eyes (clouding of the lens of the eye,
cataracts)
As adults, males may have the following symptoms or complications due to blood vessel blockage:
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of the symptoms listed above. A test to measure the enzyme or DNA test can confirm Fabry disease.
Treatment
There is no cure for Fabry disease. There is a medicine to treat the condition. The medication works as an enzyme replacement. It is given through an IV at regular intervals.
Treatment may also involve other medicines to reduce symptoms such as:
- Pain—may be over-the-counter or prescription medications
- Stomach hyperactivity
- Heart disorders—including blood thinners, medication to manage arrhythmias
The kidney may be damaged from blood flow problems. They may require:
- Hemodialysis—if the kidneys are not able to function fully
-
Kidney transplantation
—if kidney failure has occurred
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent Fabry disease. Consider genetic counseling if you have Fabry disease or have a family history of the disorder. The counselor can show you the risk of passing the condition on to your child.
Fabry disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/. Updated February 4, 2012. Accessed December 28, 2012.
Fabry Disease. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/fabrys/fabrys.htm. Accessed December 28, 2012.
Martins AM, D’Almeida V, Kyosen SO, et al. Guidelines to diagnosis and monitoring of Fabry disease and review of treatment experiences.
J Pediatrics. 2009;155(4 Suppl):S19-S31.
Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. WB Saunders; 2007.
12/20/2007 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: 2007 safety alerts for drugs, biologics, medical devices, and dietary supplements: Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol and generics). Medwatch. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at:
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#carbamazepine.
Last reviewedNovember 2012by
Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.
