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Background: The English version of the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) enables allied health professions in an inpatient setting to assess the mobility of geriatric patients in a reliable, valid, easy and fast way, without showing any floor or ceiling effects. The aim of this study was the DEMMI's cross-cultural adaption into German language with further analysis of some of its psychometric properties based on this process., Material and Methods: Translation was done in a multistage procedure following international recommendations. Within clinical pilot testing the DEMMI was routinely applied over a period of 3 weeks in a geriatric hospital. User experiences were evaluated in a qualitative way and DEMMI test results were analyzed with the focus on practicability and responsiveness., Results: A German DEMMI version has been translated and performed with 133 patients. The test takes approximately 10 min to administer, is save and easy to use and does not show any floor or ceiling effects. The DEMMI is valid for the whole mobility spectrum, that is why mobility changes can be realized sufficiently in contrast to the Timed Up And Go Test., Conclusion: The DEMMI is already applicable in the German-speaking world. However, further research on its validity and reproducibility are desirable.

Fabry's disease is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the lack of enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-Gal A) which degrades globotriaosylceramides (Gb3) into products with lower molecular weight. The accumulation of Gb3 in different cell types is responsible for the variety of clinical manifestations. The renal function, estimated via proteinuria, hematuria and reduction of glomerular filtration rate (GRF), is heavily affected. Currently, substitution of alpha-Gal A remains the only therapeutic option for patients with Fabry's disease. Two products are approved for the treatment of Fabry's disease: agalsidase alfa and agalsidase beta. Both of these enzymes have shown a stabilization of renal function in various studies when evaluated by the creatinine clearance, estimated GFR, and serum creatinine. The pro gnosis has proven to be significantly better in cases of mild or moderate renal insufficiency from the baseline. For this reason, an early substitution of the lacking enzyme is necessary. Furthermore, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has proven efficient in reducing the amount of intracellular Gb3 and Gb3 in urine. Without treatment, an eGFR reduction of approximately 12 ml/min/year has been reported. After diverse studies of ERT, no significant correlation between enzyme substitution and improvement of patients' proteinuria could be shown. Furthermore, renoprotective drugs have not been consistently applied so far in the ERT trials. In any case, further studies to evaluate the long-term effect of ERT on the morbidity and mortality of patients with Fabry's disease are necessary.