Ulrich Stölzel

Prof. Ulrich Stölzel


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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11 November 2024 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IKIlja Kubisch
Ilja Kubisch
USUlrich Stölzel
Ulrich Stölzel
TWThaddäus Till Wissniowski
Thaddäus Till Wissniowski
TSThomas Stauch
Thomas Stauch
LOLucienne Oettel
Lucienne Oettel
USUlrich Stölzel
Ulrich Stölzel
Background/Objectives: Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a metabolic disease characterised by neurovisceral crises with episodes of acute abdominal pain alongside life-altering, and often hidden, chronic symptoms. The elimination of precipitating factors, hemin therapy, and pain relief are strategies used to treat porphyria symptoms, but are often reserved for patients suffering recurrent, acute attacks. Givosiran (siRNA) is an emerging AIP therapy capable of silencing delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase-1 (ALAS1) and, in turn, reducing the accumulation of delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and porphobilinogen (PBG) that precede porphyria symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of givosiran administration in patients with both acute and chronic AIP burden, who were poorly responsive to current therapies, using a personalised medicine approach. Methods: Real-world data were collected in consecutive patients treated with givosiran at an accredited German Porphyria Clinical Center. Biochemical, clinical, and HR-QoL outcomes were monitored alongside adverse events (AEs). Results: Twenty-eight patients treated between 2018 and 2024 were sub-categorised into groups corresponding to Ipnet terms 13 ‘Sporadic Attacks, 5 ‘Symptomatic High Excretors’, 5 ‘Prophylactic Heme’, and 5 “Recurrent Attacks’. The mean time from diagnosis to treatment was 9.2 years (range in months 1–324), and the mean duration of treatment was 30 months (range 3–68). After 6 months of monthly givosiran injection (2.5 mg/kg), all patients’ ALA levels reached <2ULN, and 60% of patients attained PBG levels < 2ULN (p < 0.001). These biochemical responses were not different between sub-groups (p > 0.05). Clinically, 75% of patients’ chronic and acute porphyria symptoms improved. The total patient populations’ annualised attack ratio (AAR) improved; Historical AAR: 2.9 (0–12.0) vs. Givo AAR: 0.45 (0–3.0) (p < 0.01). During follow-up, nine patients experienced minor breakthrough episodes. Of these, three patients required hemin infusion. An association between clinical success and a shorter interim period between diagnosis and treatment was evident (r = −0.522, p = 0.0061). All patients’ indices of HR-QoL improved under givosiran, including mental health (38%, p < 0.0001) and pain (38%, p < 0.0001). Patient-reported health (givosiran 77.9% vs. baseline 37.1%, p < 0.0001) and clinical outcome scores (86.9%: good–very good) were also positive. Two patients withdrew from treatment <6 months, citing fatigue, which was a common side effect. A mild elevation in liver enzymes (AST and/or ALT < 1.5ULN, 15.4%) and reduced glomerular filtration rates (GFR, 11.5%) were also evident, but no life-threatening adverse events (AEs) were attributed to givosiran treatment. Conclusions: Givosiran is effective in preventing severe acute attacks and reducing the chronic health burden in patients with acute intermittent porphyria. Importantly, HR-QoL improved in patients suffering chronic AIP burden with few incidences of historical attacks. All patients experienced substantially improved mental health, ease of living, and self-perceived health.

6 October 2023
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Book Chapter
Closed access
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EDEva Diehl-Wiesenecker
Eva Diehl-Wiesenecker
RSRajan Somasundaram
Rajan Somasundaram
USUlrich Stölzel
Ulrich Stölzel

3 August 2024
Verified
Book Chapter
Closed access
PDF file
EDEva Diehl-Wiesenecker
Eva Diehl-Wiesenecker
RSRajan Somasundaram
Rajan Somasundaram
USUlrich Stölzel
Ulrich Stölzel

3 January 2024 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LGLea Gerischer
Lea Gerischer
MMMona Mainert
Mona Mainert
USUlrich Stölzel
Ulrich Stölzel
IKIlja Kubisch
Ilja Kubisch
USUlrich Stölzel
Ulrich Stölzel
EDEva Diehl-Wiesenecker
Eva Diehl-Wiesenecker
Porphyrias, as most rare diseases, are characterized by complexity and scarcity of knowledge. A national registry in one of the largest European populations that prospectively collects longitudinal clinical and laboratory data are an important and effective tool to close this gap. The German Porphyria Registry (PoReGer) was founded by four centers with longstanding expertise in the field of porphyrias and rare diseases (Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Porphyria Center Saxony Chemnitz, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University Medical Center Göttingen) and the German reference laboratory for porphyria, and is supported by the largest German porphyria patient organization. A specified data matrix for three subgroups (acute, chronic blistering cutaneous, acute non-blistering cutaneous) includes data on demographics, specific porphyria-related symptoms, clinical course, general medical history, necessary follow-up assessments (including laboratory and imaging results), symptomatic and disease-modifying therapies, and side-effects. Additionally, the registry includes patient-reported outcome measures on quality of life, depression, and fatigue. PoReGer aims to broaden and deepen the understanding on all porphyria-related subjects. We expect these data to significantly improve the management and care of porphyria patients. Additionally, the data can be used for educational purposes to increase awareness, for the planning of healthcare services, and for machine learning algorithms for early detection of porphyrias.