A Clinical Trial of Replagal Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Children Ages 7 - 17 Years With Fabry Disease

Detailed Summary

This study will evaluate the safety of multiple biweekly intravenous doses of Replagal over 26 weeks in 25 children with Fabry disease and the way in which that agent can improve the health of this patient population. Fabry disease is a genetic disorder inherited as an X-linked recessive trait. It causes a deficiency in the enzyme alpha galactosidase, which normally breaks down a lipid, or fatty substance, called ceramidetrihexosidase, a building block in all cells of the body. The deficiency in breaking down the lipid eventually causes that lipid to accumulate and injure cells. Problems in the blood vessels, kidneys, heart, and nerves are the result. The disease typically occurs in childhood or adolescence, with repeated episodes of severe pain in the extremities and other symptoms. There is no definitive treatment, but pain management is important in caring for patients with Fabry disease. Although it is not known exactly how lipid accumulation brings about such problems, studies of another lipid storage disorder, Gaucher's disease, have shown that the illness can be reversed if the lipid is removed when an appropriate enzyme, Replagal, is given intravenously. In this study, the gene response of the body's cells to Fabry disease will be described, as will any gene responses that change when the enzyme is used. Patients 7 to 17 years of age who have Fabry disease may be eligible for this study. They will undergo the following tests and procedures: * Physical examination. * Neurological examination. * Vital signs. * Urinalysis. * Blood tests to determine complete blood count and chemistries. * Questionnaire on pain. * Tests pertaining to sweating. * Electrocardiogram. * Doppler blood flow study. * Diary for recording symptoms and the use of pain medications. Participants will go through the evaluation, over a period of about 5 days, either as an inpatient or outpatient. Participants will receive an intravenous infusion of Replagal every other week, at the dose of 0.2 mg/kg of body weight. Vital signs will be measured before the infusion and immediately and after and 1 hour afterward. There will be careful monitoring for allergic reactions and side effects. The infusion time takes approximately 40 minutes. This study will last 6 months, with the possibility of being extended another 6 months-a maintenance study in which patients will continue to receive Replagal at the same dose every 2 weeks.

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