Acid maltase deficiency (Pompe disease)

Acid maltase deficiency is a metabolic muscle disorder, a group of diseases that interferes with the processing of food (in this case, carbohydrates) for energy production.

What are the symptoms of acid maltase deficiency?

This disease causes slowly progressive weakness, especially of the respiratory muscles and those of the hips, upper legs, shoulders and upper arms. Enlargement of the tongue and liver impairment occur in the infantile form but rarely in the older-onset forms. Cardiac involvement may occur in the infantile or childhood forms but is less common in adults.

The childhood and adult-onset forms are milder than the infantile form, but may cause severe weakness and respiratory insufficiency, and, without treatment, shortened life span.

What causes acid maltase deficiency?

Acid maltase deficiency results from a defect in the gene for the acid maltase enzyme (also known as acid alphaglu cosidase) that prevents the breakdown of glycogen (stored sugar).

What is the progression of acid maltase deficiency?

This disease has its onset anywhere from infancy to adulthood. It is slowly progressive and less severe in its childhood- and adult-onset forms. Prior to the development of treatment (see below), the infantile form was often fatal within the first year of life.

What is the status of research on acid maltase deficiency?

Until recently, there was no treatment for this condition, and the only remedy was supportive medical care. Then in 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval for the use of Myozyme as a treatment for Pompe disease. The drug was developed by Genzyme Corp. of Cambridge, Mass., with support from MDA.

In 2010, Genzyme announced the availability of Lumizyme, which is similar to Myozyme, for patients with acid maltase deficiency who are 8 years old and older. (Young children receive Myozyme.)

Both drugs substitute for the enzyme missing in Pompe disease and may keep muscle cells from dying. They have significantly improved the outlook for people with acid maltase deficiency.

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