Caregiver Support in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Background:Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare disease characterized by malformed great toes and progressive heterotopic ossification (HO) in soft tissues. Current standard-of-care is aimed at palliation of symptoms; there are no currently approved therapies to prevent HO. Recurrent episodes of HO starting in early life lead to cumulative disability, severe functional limitations, and shortened life span. Most individuals require assistive devices and extensive caregiver support before the second decade of life. Caregiver support is thought to be high, but the timing and extent of caregiver support in FOP has not been formally assessed. Methods: Using data from the International FOP Association (IFOPA) Global Registry on 299 patients (median age 21 years; range 0.1 to 78 years) from 54 countries, we characterized the extent of caregiver support by assessing the number of part-time and full-time caregivers and school aides reported by participants, based on age. Results: Over 50% of FOP Registry respondents reported a need for part-time or full-time home personal care attendants. The percentage of individuals who reported a requirement for bathing attendants and part- or full-time home personal care attendants increased with age (>1 part-time or full-time caregiver exceeded 30% for individuals >15 years of age), as did the number of part-time or full-time attendants. Support from school aides peaked between 9 and 15 years of age. Conclusion: Caregiver support in FOP is high in terms of time and amount of support needed, increases rapidly with age, and is substantial by the second decade of life. These findings highlight the urgent need for transformative treatments that will preserve the independence of individuals with FOP.

Clinical and laboratory features that differentiate familial from sporadic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in adolescents and adults

Background: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is an important cause of end-stage kidney disease in children and adults. Although most cases are sporadic (s), familial (f) presentation is also described. The purpose of the present study was to establish clinical and laboratory profiles of fFSGS vs. primary sFSGS, contributing to the distinguishing diagnosis in clinical practice and best management, in particular when mutation analysis is not available. Methods: Demographic, clinical and laboratorial parameters were studied in 124 patients 12 years and older with FSGS, subdivided in sFSGS (n=89) and fFSGS (n=35). Results: General and clinical features were similar, as well as serum creatinine at disease presentation. Proteinuria levels were more frequently ≥ 3g/day in sFSGS (63.8%) than in fFSGS (44%, p=0.080), and serum albumin levels were < 3.0 g/dL in 45.8% and 20%, respectively (p=0.046). The groups were statistically different regarding steroid resistance, corresponding to 60% in sFSGS and 100% in fFSGS (p=0.001). Conclusions: The studied groups were clinically similar, except that proteinuria tended to be higher (nephrotic range) and serum albumin was lower in sFSGS vs. fFSGS. In addition, all treated fFSGS patients were steroid resistant. At presentation it is important to characterize if the patient has fFSGS, that will contribute to further disease management, and disease history will be the first clue for such differential diagnosis.

Farber disease: A Fatal Childhood Disorder with Nervous System Involvement

Farber Disease is an autosomal recessive inherited lysosomal storage disorder which is characterized by tissue accumulation of ceramide. It is caused by mutations within ASAH1 encoding for acid ceramidase. It represents a rare condition. Only twenty seven cases have been reported. Seven subtypes of Farber disease have been identified. The clinical presentation is characterized by the appearance of subcutaneous skin nodules, bone and joint deformities, and progressive hoarseness. Neurological symptoms as psychomotor delay or regression, hypotonia, seizures, and peripheral neuropathy were reported in some subtypes of Farber disease. The nervous system involvement is correlated to poor prognosis. In this study, we report on clinical, biochemical and molecular findings of two Tunisian siblings with Farber disease.