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.