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Niemann-Pick disease, type A

MedGen UID:
78650
Concept ID:
C0268242
Disease or Syndrome
Synonyms: SPHINGOMYELIN LIPIDOSIS; SPHINGOMYELINASE DEFICIENCY
SNOMED CT: Niemann-Pick disease neuropathic type (52165006); Niemann-Pick disease type A (52165006); Niemann-Pick disease, type A (52165006); Niemann-Pick disease, acute neuropathic form (52165006); Classical Niemann-Pick disease (52165006); Niemann-Pick disease, acute neurovisceral form (52165006)
Modes of inheritance:
Autosomal recessive inheritance
MedGen UID:
141025
Concept ID:
C0441748
Intellectual Product
Source: Orphanet
A mode of inheritance that is observed for traits related to a gene encoded on one of the autosomes (i.e., the human chromosomes 1-22) in which a trait manifests in individuals with two pathogenic alleles, either homozygotes (two copies of the same mutant allele) or compound heterozygotes (whereby each copy of a gene has a distinct mutant allele).
 
Gene (location): SMPD1 (11p15.4)
 
Monarch Initiative: MONDO:0009756
OMIM®: 257200
Orphanet: ORPHA77292

Disease characteristics

Excerpted from the GeneReview: Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency
The phenotype of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) occurs along a continuum. Individuals with the severe early-onset form, infantile neurovisceral ASMD, were historically diagnosed with Niemann-Pick disease type A (NPD-A). The later-onset, chronic visceral form of ASMD is also referred to as Niemann-Pick disease type B (NPD-B). A phenotype with intermediate severity is also known as chronic neurovisceral ASMD (NPD-A/B). Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is currently FDA approved for the non-central nervous system manifestations of ASMD, regardless of type. As more affected individuals are treated with ERT for longer periods of time, the natural history of ASMD is likely to change. The most common presenting symptom in untreated NPD-A is hepatosplenomegaly, usually detectable by age three months; over time the liver and spleen become massive in size. Growth failure typically becomes evident by the second year of life. Psychomotor development progresses no further than the 12-month level, after which neurologic deterioration is relentless. This feature may not be amenable to ERT. A classic cherry-red spot of the macula of the retina, which may not be present in the first few months, is eventually present in all affected children, although it is unclear if ERT will have an impact on this. Interstitial lung disease caused by storage of sphingomyelin in pulmonary macrophages results in frequent respiratory infections and often respiratory failure. Most untreated children succumb before the third year of life. NPD-B generally presents later than NPD-A, and the manifestations are less severe. NPD-B is characterized in untreated individuals by progressive hepatosplenomegaly, gradual deterioration in liver and pulmonary function, osteopenia, and atherogenic lipid profile. No central nervous system manifestations occur. Individuals with NPD-A/B have symptoms that are intermediate between NPD-A and NPD-B. The presentation in individuals with NPD-A/B varies greatly, although all are characterized by the presence of some central nervous system manifestations. Survival to adulthood can occur in individuals with NPD-B and NPD-A/B, even when untreated. [from GeneReviews]
Authors:
Melissa P Wasserstein  |  Edward H Schuchman   view full author information

Additional descriptions

From OMIM
Niemann-Pick disease types A and B are caused by an inherited deficiency of acid sphingomyelinase activity. The clinical phenotype ranges from a severe infantile form with neurologic degeneration resulting in death usually by 3 years of age (type A) to a later-onset nonneurologic form (type B) that is compatible with survival into adulthood. Since intermediate cases also have been reported, the disease is best regarded as a single entity with a clinical spectrum (summary by Schuchman, 2007). Knudson and Kaplan (1962) suggested that 3 types of the disorder can be distinguished: infantile cerebral, juvenile cerebral, and noncerebral. Later, 5 forms of Niemann-Pick disease were distinguished. Four were delineated by Crocker (1961): the classical infantile form (type A), the visceral form (type B), the subacute or juvenile form (type C; 257220), and the Nova Scotian variant (type D; see 257220). The fifth, the adult form (type E; see 607616), was described by Terry et al. (1954) and Lynn and Terry (1964). Schneider et al. (1978) used the designation type F (see 607616) for a form characterized in 2 patients by a thermolabile enzyme. Most patients fall into Crocker's group A, with death before age 3 years. Schuchman (2007) provided a detailed review of Niemann-Pick disease type A, including clinical management.  http://www.omim.org/entry/257200
From MedlinePlus Genetics
Niemann-Pick disease is a condition that affects many body systems. It has a wide range of symptoms that vary in severity. Niemann-Pick disease is divided into four main types: type A, type B, type C1, and type C2. These types are classified on the basis of genetic cause and the signs and symptoms of the condition.

Infants with Niemann-Pick disease type A usually develop an enlarged liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly) by age 3 months and fail to gain weight and grow at the expected rate (failure to thrive). The affected children develop normally until around age 1 year when they experience a progressive loss of mental abilities and movement (psychomotor regression). Children with Niemann-Pick disease type A also develop widespread lung damage (interstitial lung disease) that can cause recurrent lung infections and eventually lead to respiratory failure. All affected children have an eye abnormality called a cherry-red spot, which can be identified with an eye examination. Children with Niemann-Pick disease type A generally do not survive past early childhood.

Niemann-Pick disease type B usually presents in mid-childhood. The signs and symptoms of this type are similar to type A, but not as severe. People with Niemann-Pick disease type B often have hepatosplenomegaly, recurrent lung infections, and a low number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia). They also have short stature and slowed mineralization of bone (delayed bone age). About one-third of affected individuals have the cherry-red spot eye abnormality or neurological impairment. People with Niemann-Pick disease type B usually survive into adulthood.

The signs and symptoms of Niemann-Pick disease types C1 and C2 are very similar; these types differ only in their genetic cause. Niemann-Pick disease types C1 and C2 usually become apparent in childhood, although signs and symptoms can develop at any time. People with these types usually develop difficulty coordinating movements (ataxia), an inability to move the eyes vertically (vertical supranuclear gaze palsy), poor muscle tone (dystonia), severe liver disease, and interstitial lung disease. Individuals with Niemann-Pick disease types C1 and C2 have problems with speech and swallowing that worsen over time, eventually interfering with feeding. Affected individuals often experience progressive decline in intellectual function and about one-third have seizures. People with these types may survive into adulthood.  https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/niemann-pick-disease

Clinical features

From HPO
Cherry red spot of the macula
MedGen UID:
786046
Concept ID:
C2216370
Finding
Pallor of the perifoveal macula of the retina with appearance of a small circular reddish choroid shape as seen through the fovea centralis due to relative transparency of the macula.
Foam cells with lamellar inclusion bodies
MedGen UID:
871121
Concept ID:
C4025590
Finding
The presence of foam cells that contain lamellar inclusion bodies.
Short stature
MedGen UID:
87607
Concept ID:
C0349588
Finding
A height below that which is expected according to age and gender norms. Although there is no universally accepted definition of short stature, many refer to "short stature" as height more than 2 standard deviations below the mean for age and gender (or below the 3rd percentile for age and gender dependent norms).
Failure to thrive
MedGen UID:
746019
Concept ID:
C2315100
Disease or Syndrome
Failure to thrive (FTT) refers to a child whose physical growth is substantially below the norm.
Ascites
MedGen UID:
416
Concept ID:
C0003962
Disease or Syndrome
Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Constipation
MedGen UID:
1101
Concept ID:
C0009806
Sign or Symptom
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces.
Hepatomegaly
MedGen UID:
42428
Concept ID:
C0019209
Finding
Abnormally increased size of the liver.
Vomiting
MedGen UID:
12124
Concept ID:
C0042963
Sign or Symptom
Forceful ejection of the contents of the stomach through the mouth by means of a series of involuntary spasmic contractions.
Protuberant abdomen
MedGen UID:
340750
Concept ID:
C1854928
Finding
A thrusting or bulging out of the abdomen.
Prolonged neonatal jaundice
MedGen UID:
347108
Concept ID:
C1859236
Finding
Neonatal jaundice refers to a yellowing of the skin and other tissues of a newborn infant as a result of increased concentrations of bilirubin in the blood. Neonatal jaundice affects over half of all newborns to some extent in the first week of life. Prolonged neonatal jaundice is said to be present if the jaundice persists for longer than 14 days in term infants and 21 days in preterm infants.
Feeding difficulties in infancy
MedGen UID:
436211
Concept ID:
C2674608
Finding
Impaired feeding performance of an infant as manifested by difficulties such as weak and ineffective sucking, brief bursts of sucking, and falling asleep during sucking. There may be difficulties with chewing or maintaining attention.
Athetosis
MedGen UID:
2115
Concept ID:
C0004158
Disease or Syndrome
A slow, continuous, involuntary writhing movement that prevents maintenance of a stable posture. Athetosis involves continuous smooth movements that appear random and are not composed of recognizable sub-movements or movement fragments. In contrast to chorea, in athetosis, the same regions of the body are repeatedly involved. Athetosis may worsen with attempts at movement of posture, but athetosis can also occur at rest.
Spasticity
MedGen UID:
7753
Concept ID:
C0026838
Sign or Symptom
A motor disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes with increased muscle tone, exaggerated (hyperexcitable) tendon reflexes.
Global developmental delay
MedGen UID:
107838
Concept ID:
C0557874
Finding
A delay in the achievement of motor or mental milestones in the domains of development of a child, including motor skills, speech and language, cognitive skills, and social and emotional skills. This term should only be used to describe children younger than five years of age.
Inability to walk
MedGen UID:
107860
Concept ID:
C0560046
Finding
Incapability to ambulate.
Hyporeflexia
MedGen UID:
195967
Concept ID:
C0700078
Finding
Reduction of neurologic reflexes such as the knee-jerk reaction.
Developmental regression
MedGen UID:
324613
Concept ID:
C1836830
Disease or Syndrome
Loss of developmental skills, as manifested by loss of developmental milestones.
Irritability
MedGen UID:
397841
Concept ID:
C2700617
Mental Process
A proneness to anger, i.e., a tendency to become easily bothered or annoyed.
Intellectual disability
MedGen UID:
811461
Concept ID:
C3714756
Mental or Behavioral Dysfunction
Intellectual disability, previously referred to as mental retardation, is characterized by subnormal intellectual functioning that occurs during the developmental period. It is defined by an IQ score below 70.
Delayed CNS myelination
MedGen UID:
867393
Concept ID:
C4021758
Anatomical Abnormality
Delayed myelination in the central nervous system.
Microcytic anemia
MedGen UID:
1673948
Concept ID:
C5194182
Disease or Syndrome
A kind of anemia in which the volume of the red blood cells is reduced.
Hypotonia
MedGen UID:
10133
Concept ID:
C0026827
Finding
Hypotonia is an abnormally low muscle tone (the amount of tension or resistance to movement in a muscle). Even when relaxed, muscles have a continuous and passive partial contraction which provides some resistance to passive stretching. Hypotonia thus manifests as diminished resistance to passive stretching. Hypotonia is not the same as muscle weakness, although the two conditions can co-exist.
Rigidity
MedGen UID:
7752
Concept ID:
C0026837
Sign or Symptom
Continuous involuntary sustained muscle contraction. When an affected muscle is passively stretched, the degree of resistance remains constant regardless of the rate at which the muscle is stretched. This feature helps to distinguish rigidity from muscle spasticity.
Osteoporosis
MedGen UID:
14535
Concept ID:
C0029456
Disease or Syndrome
Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone density and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue with a consequent increase in bone fragility. According to the WHO criteria, osteoporosis is defined as a BMD that lies 2.5 standard deviations or more below the average value for young healthy adults (a T-score below -2.5 SD).
Muscle weakness
MedGen UID:
57735
Concept ID:
C0151786
Finding
Reduced strength of muscles.
Muscular atrophy
MedGen UID:
892680
Concept ID:
C0541794
Pathologic Function
The presence of skeletal muscular atrophy (which is also known as amyotrophy).
Macrocephaly
MedGen UID:
745757
Concept ID:
C2243051
Finding
Occipitofrontal (head) circumference greater than 97th centile compared to appropriate, age matched, sex-matched normal standards. Alternatively, a apparently increased size of the cranium.
Diffuse reticular or finely nodular infiltrations
MedGen UID:
335955
Concept ID:
C1843428
Finding
Recurrent respiratory infections
MedGen UID:
812812
Concept ID:
C3806482
Finding
An increased susceptibility to respiratory infections as manifested by a history of recurrent respiratory infections.
Sea-blue histiocyte syndrome
MedGen UID:
19908
Concept ID:
C0036489
Disease or Syndrome
An abnormality of histiocytes, in which the cells take on a sea blue appearance due to abnormally increased lipid content. Histiocytes are a type of macrophage. Sea-blue histiocytes are typically large macrophages from 20 to 60 micrometers in diameter with a single eccentric nucleus whose cytoplasm if packed with sea-blue or blue-green granules when stained with Wright-Giemsa.
Splenomegaly
MedGen UID:
52469
Concept ID:
C0038002
Finding
Abnormal increased size of the spleen.
Lymphadenopathy
MedGen UID:
96929
Concept ID:
C0497156
Disease or Syndrome
Enlargement (swelling) of a lymph node.
Bone-marrow foam cells
MedGen UID:
383940
Concept ID:
C1856560
Finding
The presence of foam cells in the bone marrow, generally demonstrated by bone-marrow aspiration or biopsy. Foam cells have a vacuolated appearance due to the presence of complex lipid deposits, giving them a foamy or soap-suds appearance.
Elevated circulating aspartate aminotransferase concentration
MedGen UID:
57497
Concept ID:
C0151904
Finding
The concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the blood circulation is above the upper limit of normal.
Elevated circulating alanine aminotransferase concentration
MedGen UID:
57740
Concept ID:
C0151905
Finding
An abnormally high concentration in the circulation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
Xanthomatosis
MedGen UID:
21939
Concept ID:
C0043325
Disease or Syndrome
The presence of multiple xanthomas (xanthomata) in the skin. Xanthomas are yellowish, firm, lipid-laden nodules in the skin.

Professional guidelines

PubMed

Wang R, Qin Z, Huang L, Luo H, Peng H, Zhou X, Zhao Z, Liu M, Yang P, Shi T
Hereditas 2023 Mar 13;160(1):11. doi: 10.1186/s41065-023-00272-1. PMID: 36907956Free PMC Article
Burton BK, Charrow J, Hoganson GE, Waggoner D, Tinkle B, Braddock SR, Schneider M, Grange DK, Nash C, Shryock H, Barnett R, Shao R, Basheeruddin K, Dizikes G
J Pediatr 2017 Nov;190:130-135. Epub 2017 Jul 17 doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.06.048. PMID: 28728811
Matern D, Gavrilov D, Oglesbee D, Raymond K, Rinaldo P, Tortorelli S
Semin Perinatol 2015 Apr;39(3):206-16. Epub 2015 Apr 16 doi: 10.1053/j.semperi.2015.03.005. PMID: 25891428

Curated

American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Algorithm, Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD): Decreased Acid Sphingomyelinase (ASM), 2022

American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Newborn Screening ACT Sheet, Decreased acid sphingomyelinase, Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD), 2022

American College of Medical Genetics ACT Sheet, Carrier Screening ACT Sheet Ashkenazi Jewish Genetic Disorders

Recent clinical studies

Therapy

Halseth TA, Correia AB, Schultz ML, Fawaz MV, Kuiper EQ, Kumaran P, Dorsey KH, Schuchman EH, Lieberman AP, Schwendeman A
Nanomedicine 2023 Sep;53:102705. Epub 2023 Aug 24 doi: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102705. PMID: 37633404Free PMC Article
Keam SJ
Drugs 2022 Jun;82(8):941-947. doi: 10.1007/s40265-022-01727-x. PMID: 35639287
Wasserstein M, Lachmann R, Hollak C, Arash-Kaps L, Barbato A, Gallagher RC, Giugliani R, Guelbert NB, Ikezoe T, Lidove O, Mabe P, Mengel E, Scarpa M, Senates E, Tchan M, Villarrubia J, Chen Y, Furey S, Thurberg BL, Zaher A, Kumar M
Genet Med 2022 Jul;24(7):1425-1436. Epub 2022 Apr 26 doi: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.03.021. PMID: 35471153
Maines E, Franceschi R, Rizzardi C, Deodato F, Piccoli G, Gragnaniello V, Burlina A, Soffiati M
J Clin Lipidol 2022 Mar-Apr;16(2):143-154. Epub 2022 Feb 1 doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2022.01.008. PMID: 35181260
Schuchman EH, Wasserstein MP
Pediatr Endocrinol Rev 2016 Jun;13 Suppl 1:674-81. PMID: 27491215

Prognosis

Wasserstein MP, Lachmann R, Hollak C, Barbato A, Gallagher RC, Giugliani R, Guelbert NB, Hennermann JB, Ikezoe T, Lidove O, Mabe P, Mengel E, Scarpa M, Senates E, Tchan M, Villarrubia J, Thurberg BL, Yarramaneni A, Armstrong NM, Kim Y, Kumar M
Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023 Dec 2;18(1):378. doi: 10.1186/s13023-023-02983-0. PMID: 38042851Free PMC Article
Gomez-Mariano G, Perez-Luz S, Ramos-Del Saz S, Matamala N, Hernandez-SanMiguel E, Fernandez-Prieto M, Gil-Martin S, Justo I, Marcacuzco A, Martinez-Delgado B
Int J Mol Sci 2023 Aug 10;24(16) doi: 10.3390/ijms241612645. PMID: 37628828Free PMC Article
Wasserstein M, Lachmann R, Hollak C, Arash-Kaps L, Barbato A, Gallagher RC, Giugliani R, Guelbert NB, Ikezoe T, Lidove O, Mabe P, Mengel E, Scarpa M, Senates E, Tchan M, Villarrubia J, Chen Y, Furey S, Thurberg BL, Zaher A, Kumar M
Genet Med 2022 Jul;24(7):1425-1436. Epub 2022 Apr 26 doi: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.03.021. PMID: 35471153
Hu J, Maegawa GHB, Zhan X, Gao X, Wang Y, Xu F, Qiu W, Han L, Gu X, Zhang H
Hum Mutat 2021 May;42(5):614-625. Epub 2021 Mar 19 doi: 10.1002/humu.24192. PMID: 33675270
Eskes ECB, Sjouke B, Vaz FM, Goorden SMI, van Kuilenburg ABP, Aerts JMFG, Hollak CEM
Mol Genet Metab 2020 May;130(1):16-26. Epub 2020 Feb 12 doi: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2020.02.002. PMID: 32088119

Clinical prediction guides

Wasserstein MP, Lachmann R, Hollak C, Barbato A, Gallagher RC, Giugliani R, Guelbert NB, Hennermann JB, Ikezoe T, Lidove O, Mabe P, Mengel E, Scarpa M, Senates E, Tchan M, Villarrubia J, Thurberg BL, Yarramaneni A, Armstrong NM, Kim Y, Kumar M
Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023 Dec 2;18(1):378. doi: 10.1186/s13023-023-02983-0. PMID: 38042851Free PMC Article
Halseth TA, Correia AB, Schultz ML, Fawaz MV, Kuiper EQ, Kumaran P, Dorsey KH, Schuchman EH, Lieberman AP, Schwendeman A
Nanomedicine 2023 Sep;53:102705. Epub 2023 Aug 24 doi: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102705. PMID: 37633404Free PMC Article
Gomez-Mariano G, Perez-Luz S, Ramos-Del Saz S, Matamala N, Hernandez-SanMiguel E, Fernandez-Prieto M, Gil-Martin S, Justo I, Marcacuzco A, Martinez-Delgado B
Int J Mol Sci 2023 Aug 10;24(16) doi: 10.3390/ijms241612645. PMID: 37628828Free PMC Article
Wasserstein M, Lachmann R, Hollak C, Arash-Kaps L, Barbato A, Gallagher RC, Giugliani R, Guelbert NB, Ikezoe T, Lidove O, Mabe P, Mengel E, Scarpa M, Senates E, Tchan M, Villarrubia J, Chen Y, Furey S, Thurberg BL, Zaher A, Kumar M
Genet Med 2022 Jul;24(7):1425-1436. Epub 2022 Apr 26 doi: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.03.021. PMID: 35471153
Vanier MT, Pentchev P, Rodriguez-Lafrasse C, Rousson R
J Inherit Metab Dis 1991;14(4):580-95. doi: 10.1007/BF01797928. PMID: 1749223

Supplemental Content

Table of contents

    Clinical resources

    Practice guidelines

    • PubMed
      See practice and clinical guidelines in PubMed. The search results may include broader topics and may not capture all published guidelines. See the FAQ for details.

    Curated

    • ACMG Algorithm, 2022
      American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Algorithm, Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD): Decreased Acid Sphingomyelinase (ASM), 2022
    • ACMG ACT, 2022
      American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Newborn Screening ACT Sheet, Decreased acid sphingomyelinase, Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD), 2022
    • ACMG ACT, 2011
      American College of Medical Genetics ACT Sheet, Carrier Screening ACT Sheet Ashkenazi Jewish Genetic Disorders

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