Prevalence of RPGR-mutated X-linked retinitis pigmentosa among males

ABSTRACT

Background

X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) is a rare inherited retinal disease predominantly affecting males.

Materials and methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to determine the prevalence of retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR)-mutated XLRP. Identified studies were used to estimate four components among males: the prevalence of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), the proportion of RP that was X-linked, the proportion of misclassified inheritance type among RP cases, and the proportion of XLRP that was RPGR-mutated. Studies providing a direct estimate of XLRP prevalence were also included. The components’ sample size-weighted averages were combined to determine an overall prevalence estimate.

Results

The prevalence of XLRP was estimated to be between 2.7–3.5 per 100,000 males in the US, Europe, and Australia. After correction for misclassification, the prevalence increased to 4.0–5.2 per 100,000 males. Finally, the proportion of XLRP cases due to RPGR mutations was applied, resulting in an RPGR-mutated XLRP estimate of 3.4–4.4 per 100,000 males. Studies from other countries were consistent with the results for the overall XLRP prevalence but were not included in the final calculation because of regional variations and lack of detailed information.

Conclusions

These findings address an important gap in the understanding of RPGR-mutated XLRP by summarizing the global burden of this condition.

KEYWORDS:

• XLRP
• retinitis pigmentosa
• RPGR
• ORF15
• inherited retinal disease
• prevalence

Acknowledgments

Writing and editorial assistance with manuscript draft development was provided by Bethany Reinecke, PhD, and Chris Lawrence, PhD, ELS, of MedThink SciCom, Cary, NC, USA. Additional editorial assistance was provided by Jennifer Mitchell, PhD, of Selene Medical Communications, Alderley Park, UK.

Disclosure statement

LCVI and DN were employees of Biogen at the time of the study; as former employees they may hold stock in the company. SA is an employee of Biogen and may hold stock in the company. CS and CL have nothing to disclose. This study was supported by Biogen.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/13816810.2022.2109686.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Biogen. Medical writing and editorial assistance was funded by Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA.