Consensus recommendations for the classification and long-term follow up of infants who screen positive for Krabbe Disease

Robert Thompson-Stone, Margie A. Ream, Michael Gelb, Dietrich Matern, Joseph J. Orsini, Paul A. Levy, Jennifer P. Rubin, David A. Wenger, Barbara K. Burton, Maria L. Escolar, Joanne Kurtzberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To provide updated evidence and consensus-based recommendations for the classification of individuals who screen positive for Krabbe Disease (KD) and recommendations for long-term follow-up for those who are at risk for late onset Krabbe Disease (LOKD). Methods: KD experts (KD NBS Council) met between July 2017 and June 2020 to develop consensus-based classification and follow-up recommendations. The resulting newly proposed recommendations were assessed in a historical cohort of 47 newborns from New York State who were originally classified at moderate or high risk for LOKD. Results: Infants identified by newborn screening with possible KD should enter one of three clinical follow-up pathways (Early infantile KD, at-risk for LOKD, or unaffected), based on galactocerebrosidase (GALC) activity, psychosine concentration, and GALC genotype. Patients considered at-risk for LOKD based on low GALC activity and an intermediate psychosine concentration are further split into a high-risk or low-risk follow-up pathway based on genotype. Review of the historical New York State cohort found that the updated follow-up recommendations would reduce follow up testing by 88%. Conclusion: The KD NBS Council has presented updated consensus recommendations for efficient and effective classification and follow-up of NBS positive patients with a focus on long-term follow-up of those at-risk for LOKD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)53-59
Number of pages7
JournalMolecular Genetics and Metabolism
Volume134
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2021

Keywords

  • Follow-up
  • Galactocerebrosidase
  • Krabbe Disease
  • Newborn screening
  • Psychosine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Endocrinology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Consensus recommendations for the classification and long-term follow up of infants who screen positive for Krabbe Disease'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this