Immunoquantification of alpha-galactosidase: evaluation for the diagnosis of Fabry disease.

Background: Fabry disease is an X-linked inborn error of glycosphingolipid catabolism resulting from a deficiency of the lysosomal exoglycohydrolase, alpha-galactosidase. Enzyme replacement therapy is currently available for Fabry disease, but early diagnosis before the onset of irreversible pathology will be mandatory for successful treatment. Presymptomatic detection would be possible through the use of a newborn-screening program.