Muscle Function Improves With Resistance Exercise Program: Study

A program of supervised resistance exercise can improve muscle function — including in muscles needed to breathe — for adults with late onset Pompe disease (LOPD), a small study suggests. “Our findings encourage use of supervised exercise and inspiratory muscle training for improving physical function and health to improve…

COVID-19 Largely Mild in 4 LOPD Patients With Pulmonary Weakness

Infection by the virus that causes COVID-19 led to mild-to-moderate symptoms in four people with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) and pulmonary involvement, despite the increased risk of severe complications in such cases, scientists reported. “COVID-19 infection can result in a benign course in some patients with LOPD. However, individuals with LOPD…

Long-term ERT Use Can Help Older Adults With LOPD, Study Finds

Long-term treatment with Myozyme (alglucosidase alfa) — marketed in the U.S. as Lumizyme — results in variable but satisfactory motor and respiratory outcomes among older adults recently diagnosed with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), a study from Germany reported. According to its researchers, these findings were…

Nexviazyme Approved in Canada as Next-gen ERT for Late-onset Pompe

Nexviazyme (avalglucosidase alfa), a next-generation enzyme replacement therapy, has been approved by Health Canada for people with late-onset Pompe disease ages 6 months and older. “The Health Canada approval of Nexviazyme is an important milestone for Canadian Pompe patients and may represent a new standard of care,” Mark…

Fatigue Called Most Disabling LOPD Symptom in Patient Interviews

Fatigue, pain, muscle weakness, and breathing difficulties are the most common and highly disabling symptoms of late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), according to a study that combined data collected from published literature, expert clinician interviews, and patient interviews. In addition, patients reported that mobility problems had the most impact on…

Different Types of Mutations Appear to Predict Pompe Subtypes

The type of genetic mutation carried by a Pompe disease patient appears to predict whether the disease is infantile- or late-onset, according to a study. However, newly diagnosed patients should still undergo complete genetic, cardiac, and neurological tests, scientists stated. The study, “Phenotypic implications of pathogenic…