Dynamic Respiratory Muscle Function in Late-Onset Pompe Disease

Dynamic Respiratory Muscle Function in Late-Onset Pompe Disease

This study intends to evaluate dynamic respiratory motor performance as a valuable measure of pulmonary function in adults with late-onset Pompe disease. The investigators will adopt a strategy that includes comprehensive evaluations of respiratory volume, flow, and timing parameters during resting and loaded breathing. These evaluations will then be associated to the standard clinical measure of maximal inspiratory pressure, the static inspiratory muscle function, as well as magnetic resonance imaging of thoracic expansion and diaphragmatic descent at rest and with exertion. Outcomes in participants with late-onset Pompe disease will be contrasted to the function of age- and gender-matched control subjects. This approach will enable the investigators to evaluate the relationship between dynamic diaphragmatic function and respiratory motor function.

The following tests will be completed over a two-day period: Respiratory pressure tests, breathing test, magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRI and MRS).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed diagnosis of Pompe disease OR
• Be an age and gender-matched unaffected control subject

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pre-existing obstructive lung disease or asthma
• Forced vital capacity (FVC) <30% or >80% of age/gender predicted values
• Inability to travel to the study site
• Requirement for positive pressure ventilator support when awake and upright
• Participation in longitudinal studies that may independently alter lung function
• Presence of any other chronic medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make the subject unsuitable for the study