Successful Reintroduction of Olipudase Alfa Following Anaphylaxis Using a 12-Step Desensitization Protocol in a Child With Chronic Neurovisceral Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency.
Cimi Burcu Sarigul BS, Akyüzlüer Güneş Merve Setenay MS, Ozturk Gokcan G, Gurlek Erkut E et al.
Background:Olipudase alfa is the first disease-specific enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) approved for the treatment of noncentral nervous system manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD); however, experience with the management of olipudase alfa-induced anaphylaxis remains limited.Case Presentation:We report a 13-year-old girl with chronic neurovisceral ASMD who developed anaphylaxis during an olipudase alfa infusion, presenting with periorbital edema, generalized urticaria, and hypotension. Following successful treatment with intramuscular adrenaline, olipudase alfa was reintroduced using a 12-step desensitization protocol. After two successful infusions at 2 mg/kg, the dose was re-escalated to the full therapeutic dose of 3 mg/kg, which has since been maintained every 2 weeks without recurrence of hypersensitivity reactions.Conclusion:In contrast to the previously reported real-world pediatric case, in which recurrent anaphylactic reactions ultimately necessitated omalizumab therapy, our patient successfully achieved and maintained the full therapeutic dose with desensitization alone. This case suggests that individualized desensitization may enable the safe continuation of olipudase alfa following anaphylaxis, thereby avoiding permanent discontinuation of ERT.