Background: X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) is a life-threatening congenital myopathy that, in most cases, is characterized by profound muscle weakness, respiratory failure, need for mechanical ventilation and gastrostomy feeding, and early death.
Objective: We aimed to characterize the neuromuscular, respiratory, and extramuscular burden of XLMTM in a prospective, longitudinal study.
Methods: Thirty-four participants < 4 years old with XLMTM and receiving ventilator support enrolled in INCEPTUS, a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional study. Disease-related adverse events, respiratory and motor function, feeding, secretions, and quality of life were assessed.
Results: During median (range) follow-up of 13.0 (0.5, 32.9) months, there were 3 deaths (aspiration pneumonia; cardiopulmonary failure; hepatic hemorrhage with peliosis) and 61 serious disease-related events in 20 (59%) participants, mostly respiratory (52 events, 18 participants). Most participants (80%) required permanent invasive ventilation (>16 hours/day); 20% required non-invasive support (6-16 hours/day). Median age at tracheostomy was 3.5 months (95% CI: 2.5, 9.0). Thirty-three participants (97%) required gastrostomy. Thirty-one (91%) participants had histories of hepatic disease and/or prospectively experienced related adverse events or laboratory or imaging abnormalities. CHOP INTEND scores ranged from 19-52 (mean: 35.1). Seven participants (21%) could sit unsupported for≥30 seconds (one later lost this ability); none could pull to stand or walk with or without support. These parameters remained static over time across the INCEPTUS cohort.
Conclusions: INCEPTUS confirmed high medical impact, static respiratory, motor and feeding difficulties, and early death in boys with XLMTM. Hepatobiliary disease was identified as an under-recognized comorbidity. There are currently no approved disease-modifying treatments.
Keywords: X-linked myotubular myopathy; centronuclear myopathy; mechanical; motor disorders; neuromuscular diseases; respiratory failure; ventilators.