Pompe disease, a rare and often misunderstood condition, casts a shadow over the lives of its few patients in Malaysia. Despite their small number, the challenges faced by these individuals are substantial, encompassing not only the burden of the disease itself but also the complexities of diagnosis and treatment.
While rare diseases may seem distant to many, they are more prevalent than commonly perceived. Consultant clinical geneticist and paediatrician Dr Ngu Lock Hock highlights that thousands of rare diseases collectively affect around 300 million individuals worldwide.
Among these is Pompe disease, a genetic disorder characterised by a deficiency in the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), leading to muscle weakness due to glycogen build-up. In Malaysia, there are only 17 diagnosed cases of Pompe disease.
Identifying Symptoms of Pompe
For parents like Lee Yee Seng, whose two daughters are among the afflicted, the journey of grappling with Pompe disease begins with the challenge of recognition. The symptoms of Pompe disease, such as severe muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, and swallowing issues, often manifest early in life. Babies may exhibit "floppy baby syndrome," while older children may struggle with walking or experience frequent falls.
Identifying these symptoms early is paramount, as prompt diagnosis and intervention can significantly impact disease progression. Parents who suspect Pompe disease in their child should seek consultation with clinical geneticists, paediatricians, and neurologists.
Clinical geneticists in particular currently can be found only in major public hospitals across Malaysia such as Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (USM), University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), and Penang General Hospital (HPP).
Diagnosing Pompe Disease: Early Detection is Key
Confirming a diagnosis of Pompe disease relies on enzymatic, genetic and genomic testing. These tests can confirm GAA enzyme is deficient and pinpoint mutations in the GAA gene, the culprit behind the disease, which then helps determine the most effective treatment course.
However, the diagnostic journey can begin with a simpler procedure: Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing can be a convenient first step. This minimally invasive test collects a small blood sample, which is then analysed to measure GAA enzyme activity levels, providing an initial indication of Pompe disease.
Newborn screening programmes are also instrumental in detecting Pompe disease and other lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) early on. By including Pompe disease in newborn screening panels, healthcare providers can identify affected infants before symptoms appear, enabling timely intervention and improving long-term outcomes.
However, the rarity of Pompe disease poses a hurdle to timely diagnosis. Dr Ngu emphasises the need for heightened awareness among healthcare professionals, as symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions.
With only a handful of rare disease specialists in Malaysia, early intervention remains a considerable challenge. Many patients end up seeing different doctors and specialists, sometimes for years, without being correctly diagnosed.
Moreover, the financial burden adds another layer of complexity for families.
"Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT), the primary treatment for Pompe disease, comes at a substantial cost, ranging from several thousand ringgit per month to RM500,000 per year. This burden is particularly significant considering a newly-approved ERT offers a more effective treatment option, providing relief from the symptoms of Pompe Disease by improving muscle strength, lung function and walking distance,” added Dr Ngu.
Additionally, there are the associated costs of supportive therapies as part of the holistic management of the disease, including respiratory support for patients with respiratory compromise or failure, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, speech therapy, pain management, dialysis, and more.
For families like Lee's, accessing necessary care involves navigating various avenues for financial assistance and support.
Making a Difference, for the Future
Despite the challenges, there are glimpses of resilience and determination in the journey of Pompe disease patients. Lee draws strength from his daughters' courage and unwavering spirit, driving his advocacy efforts through the Malaysia Lysosomal Diseases Association (MLDA). Through MLDA, patients and their families find practical and emotional support, fostering a sense of community in the face of adversity.
In the meantime, the Health Ministry is developing a rare disease policy that includes access to the latest treatment and sustainable funding. Many are hopeful that this will include measures to help with earlier diagnosis, such as improved training for front-liners to recognise symptoms of rare disease and expanded screening tests for newborns
As Malaysia tackles the challenges of rare diseases, collective action is vital.
Malaysians can make a difference by raising awareness on social media, volunteering with organizations like MLDA, and providing financial support.
By standing together, we can illuminate the path for those battling Pompe disease and other rare conditions. We can offer hope, solidarity, and ultimately, a brighter future with earlier diagnosis, better health and improved well-being.
If you are concerned you or your child has a rare disease, speak to a doctor. They can refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and diagnosis. You can also find more information from the Malaysia Lysosomal Diseases Association website.
This is an educational article contributed by the Malaysia Lysosomal Diseases Association (MLDA) in collaboration with Dr Ngu Lock Hock, Consultant Clinical Geneticist & Paediatrician and the Clinical Lead in Inherited Metabolic Diseases at the Genetics Department of Hospital Kuala Lumpur. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of those of Sinar Daily.