For US residents only
When you’re managing Pompe disease, the value of information shouldn’t be underestimated. Learn what Pompe disease is, what causes it, and what symptoms it may lead to.
Ryan
Diagnosed with LOPD at age 31
A rare,
Caused by
An inherited condition that can cause varying levels of disease severity, depending on how much GAA enzyme activity is present
Pompe disease is a rare,
Pompe disease is caused by variations in the acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA)
In the United States, an estimated 1 out of every 28,000 babies are born with Pompe disease today.
Although Pompe is caused by GAA gene
Because of this gradual loss of muscle control, many people with Pompe may eventually require assistive devices like canes, walkers, and wheelchairs over time. A ventilator may also be required to assist breathing, while any issues with swallowing or eating may eventually require the use of feeding tubes.
Pompe disease is classified into two subtypes: infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) and late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). In IOPD, symptoms typically appear during the first year of life and tend to progress very quickly.
With LOPD, symptoms may not be apparent right away, and can mimic those of other disorders. Symptoms of LOPD can present at any time, and most commonly consist of muscle weakness and breathing problems. But LOPD can also cause a range of other symptoms, including fatigue, digestive problems, difficulties with talking and chewing, and more. This can make LOPD very difficult to diagnose.
People with IOPD have very low levels of GAA
What exactly does this mean? In terms of disease progression, it means a lot. The amount of GAA enzyme activity can impact how severe Pompe can become for each individual.
Every person inherits one copy of a gene from their father and one copy from their mother. Pompe is an
Pompe disease carriers usually do not have any signs or symptoms of the disease. However, they can pass it down to their children. Whether or not a person develops Pompe disease depends on the genes they inherited from both their parents.
For in-depth information about how Pompe affects families, download the Pompe visual guide below.
Find easy-to-understand information about Pompe disease.
Pompe disease can be very difficult to diagnose. And while the presence of symptoms can help to establish a diagnosis, GAA enzyme and carrier identification screenings are required to confirm it. Newborn screening can lead to earlier detection and treatment, which is of utmost importance. Without proper treatment, most people with IOPD will succumb to the disease before the age of 1 year.
When it comes to managing Pompe disease, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The best strategy for one person might not make sense for you, and vice versa. Individual choices should be made together with your healthcare team, and with both short-term and long-term goals in mind.
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