What is Fabry Disease?

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Fabry disease is caused by the lack of or faulty enzyme needed to metabolize lipids, fat-like substances that include oils, waxes, and fatty acids.  The enzyme is known as ceramide trihexosidase, also called alpha-galactosidase-A.  A mutation in the gene that controls this enzyme causes insufficient breakdown of lipids, which build up to harmful levels in the eyes, kidneys, autonomic nervous system, and cardiovascular system.  Since the gene that is altered is carried on a mother’s X chromosome, her sons have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the disorder and her daughters have a 50 percent chance of being a carrier.  Symptoms usually begin during childhood or adolescence and include burning sensations in the hands that gets worse with exercise and hot weather and small, raised reddish-purple blemishes on the skin.  Some boys will also have eye manifestations, especially cloudiness of the cornea.  Lipid storage may lead to impaired arterial circulation and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.  The heart may also become enlarged and the kidneys may become progressively involved.  Other symptoms include decreased sweating, fever, and gastrointestinal difficulties, particularly after eating.  Some female carriers may also exhibit symptoms.  Fabry disease is one of several lipid storage disorders.

Is there any treatment?
Enzyme replacement may be effective in slowing the progression of the disease.  The pain in the hands and feet usually responds to anticonvulsants such as phenytoin and carbamazepine.  Gastrointestinal hyperactivity may be treated with metoclopramide.  Some individuals may require dialysis or kidney transplantation.

What is the prognosis?
Patients with Fabry disease often survive into adulthood but are at increase risk of strokes, heart attack and heart disease, and renal failure.

What research is being done?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a component of the National Institutes of Health, conducts and supports research to find ways to treat and prevent lipid storage diseases such as Fabry disease. This research includes clinical studies by the NINDS Developmental and Metabolic Neurology Branch:http://www.ninds.nih.gov/find_people/labs/61.htm.