When Frequent (Pandemic) Occurs in a Non-Frequent Disease: COVID-19 and Fabry Disease: Report of Two Cases

Jpn J Infect Dis. 2021 May 24;74(3):228-232. doi: 10.7883/yoken.JJID.2020.729. Epub 2020 Nov 30.

Abstract

Fabry disease (FD), like COVID-19, can affect multiple organs, including the lungs. Patients with FD are expected to develop severe COVID-19, due to involvement of not only the lungs but also the kidneys and the presence of other comorbidities. We present 2 cases of mild COVID-19 in patients with FD who were infected with the COVID-19 virus. Although it is unknown whether the X chromosome mutation in patients with FD affects the development of severe COVID-19, it is suggested that it may play a protective role against COVID-19 infection. Based on these cases, we suggest that FD is not a risk factor for severe COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; fabry disease; rare diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / diagnostic imaging
  • COVID-19 / etiology*
  • COVID-19 / therapy
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Enzyme Replacement Therapy
  • Fabry Disease / etiology*
  • Fabry Disease / genetics
  • Fabry Disease / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Middle Aged