Severely impaired health status at diagnosis of Pompe disease: a cross-sectional analysis to explore the potential utility of neonatal screening.

Since the introduction of enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease, awareness and early diagnosis have gained importance. Because the therapy is most effective when started early and methods for dried bloodspot screening for Pompe disease are currently being explored, neonatal screening is getting increased attention. The objective of this study was to investigate the gains that might be achieved with earlier diagnosis by neonatal screening. For this purpose we analyzed the health and functional status of non-screened patients with Pompe disease at the time of diagnosis. Previously collected clinical data and results of an international patient-reported questionnaire were used. Cross-sectional data of 53 patients with Pompe disease diagnosed between 1999 and 2009 (aged 0-64 years) were analyzed. According to the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health the following domains are described: body function, activity, participation and contextual factors. In all patients with classic infantile Pompe disease cardiac function, hearing, muscle strength and motor development were considerably impaired at the time of clinical diagnosis. The use of oxygen and/or nasogastric tube-feeding was reported in more than 70% of these cases. Most children, adolescents and adults had advanced muscle weakness and impaired respiratory function at the time of their diagnosis, causing varying degrees of handicap. About 12% of them used a walking device and/or respiratory support at the time of diagnosis. The severely impaired health status reported here provides a strong argument for earlier diagnosis and to further explore the potential of neonatal screening for Pompe disease.