GM1‐gangliosidosis: The caregivers' assessments of symptom impact and most important symptoms to treat

Abstract

GM1‐gangliosidosis (GM1) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder leading to early mortality and causing progressive decline of physical skills and cerebral functioning. No approved treatment for GM1 exists. In this study—the first to explore priorities of parents of subjects with pediatric onset forms of GM1—we address a crucial gap by characterizing symptoms most critical to caregivers of children with GM1 to treat. Our two‐part, mixed‐methods approach began with focus groups, followed by interviews with a distinct set of parents. Interviews included a prioritization activity that used best‐worst scaling. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis and rapid analysis process. Parents prioritized the symptoms they believed would increase their child's lifespan and improve their perceived quality of life (QoL); these symptoms focused on communicating wants/needs, preventing pain/discomfort, getting around and moving one's body, and enhancing eating/feeding. Although lifespan was highly valued, almost all parents would not desire a longer lifespan without acceptable child QoL. Parents indicated high caregiver burden and progressive reduction in QoL for children with GM1. This novel study of caregiver priorities identified important symptoms for endpoints' selection in patient‐focused drug development in the context of high disease impact and unmet treatment needs.

Nursing Care Plan for Patients with Tay–Sachs—A Rare Paediatric Disease

“…Depending on this aspect, it would be advisable to assess caregiver fatigue, as it can be an important and influential factor in the development and evolution of the patient’s illness [ 17 , 50 , 51 ]. Considering the role of the caregiver and their relationship with the patient diagnosed with Tay–Sachs disease was a nuance mentioned by the group of experts since, in a situation of total or partial dependency, the state of the main caregiver can have a direct impact on the patient [ 52 , 53 ].…”