symptoms

If you have late-onset Pompe disease, you’re likely dealing with muscle weakness, aches, and cramps, and possibly headaches and fatigue. Many people may not understand how overwhelming all this can be, and it may not always be easy to explain. However, an analogy called the spoon theory can help…

Eating and drinking or nursing can pose a problem for patients with Pompe disease. These patients may require feeding tubes to ensure safety and proper nutrition. Here is some information about feeding problems in Pompe disease and options for different feeding tubes. What is Pompe disease? Pompe disease is a…

Scientists have created a new mouse model of Pompe disease that displays the severe respiratory impairments experienced by many patients but were never observed in other animal models of the disorder. Using this more stringent model, investigators also demonstrated the therapeutic potential of a new form of gene…

Children with classic infantile Pompe disease treated for years with Myozyme (alglucosidase alfa, marketed as Lumizyme in the U.S) exhibit muscle weakness in their lower legs, feet, and hands in addition to the proximal muscle weakness that typifies late-onset Pompe,…

Patients with Pompe disease may have to undergo surgery requiring general anesthesia. Below is information about the disease, why patients may need surgery, and the potential risks of anesthesia. What is Pompe disease? Pompe disease is a rare genetic disease caused by a mutation in the GAA…

Fertility in women is not affected by late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), but pregnancy may initiate or worsen symptoms, a small study found.  The study, “Pregnancy Outcomes in Late Onset Pompe Disease,” was published in the journal…

Late-onset Pompe disease can occur during a child’s largest phase of growth and development. This can have a major impact on how well the body develops, including the occurrence of scoliosis. What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is a sideways curve in the spine, and is often related to neuromuscular…

Spirometry is a common medical test that you can take at your local hospital or clinic to evaluate how well your lungs are working. In late-onset Pompe disease, doctors can use spirometry to track disease progression. What is late-onset Pompe disease? Pompe disease is a rare,…

While Pompe disease can affect the heart, respiratory system, and other functions, its chief symptom is muscle weakness. Exercise and physical therapy can help patients preserve mobility for as long as possible. Following are answers to some frequently asked questions about Pompe disease and exercise. How does…

People who have Pompe disease likely will need an array of healthcare specialists to help them manage symptoms of their rare genetic condition, which results from the abnormal buildup of glycogen inside cells. That buildup impairs the working of different organs and tissues, particularly the heart, respiratory,…