Fabry's Disease

What is Fabry’s disease?

Fabry’s Disease is an inherited disorder, meaning it runs in families.

In this disease state, the body is unable to break down fatty substances called lipids due to missing or faulty enzymes. The enzyme associated with Fabry’s disease is called Alpha-Galactosidase A, which is located inside an intracellular organelle known as the lysosome. As a result of the enzyme deficiency, lipids are not removed from the blood and build up in the body, leading to multiple organ dysfunction.

This is why Fabry’s disease is called a lysosomal storage disease.

What causes Fabry’s disease?

Fabry’s disease is a genetic disorder that can be passed down from parents.

The affected gene is on the X-chromosome, which is one of the two chromosomes that determine an individual's sex.

What are symptoms of Fabry’s disease?

• Episodes of pain and burning sensation, especially in hands and feet
• Small, dark red spots on the skin, usually between the belly button and knees
• Minimal sweating
• Ringing in the ears or even hearing loss
• Stomach pain or bowel movements immediately after eating

Fabry’s disease can lead to more serious problems as well, including:

• Serious kidney problems, including kidney failure, which could lead to dialysis or transplant
• Enlarged heart
• Heart attack or stroke
• Heart Failure
• Weak bones 

How is Fabry’s disease diagnosed?

People who suffer from Fabry’s disease may have symptoms for years before being diagnosed. Sometimes, patients get a wrong diagnosis due to the complexity of the disease. It is important to ask your physician to get tested for Fabry’s disease if you have a family history. A simple blood test to measure the levels of the enzyme (alpha-Gal A), or even a DNA test, can confirm the diagnosis.

Is there a treatment for Fabry’s disease?

Fabry’s disease is a multi-systemic disease, meaning it affects several systems of the body. Thus, Fabry management requires a multidisciplinary, expert team. The most common treatment is Enzyme Replacement Therapy, which aims to replace what the body is lacking. In this case, the body is lacking functional alpha-Gal A enzyme. The treatment is given in the form of bi-weekly infusions. However, patients also require a comprehensive therapeutic approach from an expert team. The core team involved in the management of Fabry’s disease usually includes a kidney doctor, a heart specialist, and a pain management specialist. Other doctors, including a digestive and lung disease specialist may be involved in the management as well.

 Typically, physicians recommend the following:

• Balanced diet and exercise
• No smoking
• Medications to relieve pain
• Medications for stomach problems
• Blood thinners or other drugs to prevent strokes or heart problems
• Blood pressure medicine, which helps to protect the kidneys
• Hearing loss may be treated with hearing aids
• Dialysis or kidney transplant if the disease has caused serious kidney damage

Can Fabry’s disease be prevented?

Fabry’s disease is inherited, so it cannot be prevented. However, early diagnosis and an experienced, multidisciplinary medical team can provide the necessary care to slow down the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life in patients suffering from Fabry’s disease.

Learn more about Fabry's Disease from Dr Anjay Rastogi's Fabry Master Class

♦ Fabry's Disease Clinical Program

Disclaimer: The UCLA Health System cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information. The information is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please speak to your Physician before making any changes.