COVID-19 infection in patients with late-onset Pompe disease

Introduction/aims: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 2019 (SARS-CoV2/COVID-19) is frequently more severe in individuals with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The impact on patients with neuromuscular disorders is of concern, but remains largely unknown. Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a lysosomal-storage disorder characterized by progressive skeletal and respiratory muscle degeneration. Mortality is typically caused by respiratory failure. We examined the impact of COVID-19 on these patients.

Methods: This is a case series of four patients with LOPD who contracted COVID-19.

Results: All patients had a mild/moderate illness from COVID-19 and did not require hospitalization. Neurological worsening occurred in one, with no change in physical ability in the other three, and respiratory symptoms remained stable in all four.

Discussion: COVID-19 infection can result in a benign course in some patients with LOPD. However, individuals with LOPD remain at high risk and should receive COVID-19 vaccinations and exercise precautions to avoid exposure to COVID-19 infection.