Lysosomes are structures in the cells of the body. These structures carry important enzymes (proteins) that break down and eliminate cell waste. Lysosomal storage disease refers to a group of disorders that affect this process. It occurs when a specific enzyme in the body is missing or defective. The missing or defective enzyme is not able to help eliminate unwanted substances in the cells. These substances build up in the body. They impair organ function.
There are over 40 different types of lysosomal diseases characterized by the specific enzyme deficiency, such as:
These disorders are caused by problems in the genetic code that create the enzyme defect.
Genetic Material
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Risk factors include:
Symptoms can be severe and appear shortly after birth. Symptoms can also be mild and detected later in life. Tell the doctor if your child has any of these:
These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. If your child has any of these symptoms, talk to the doctor right away.
The doctor will:
Before your baby is born, prenatal tests can check for diseases.
Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment depends on the enzyme defect that your child has. Treatment options may include:
To manage symptoms of lysosomal storage diseases, your child may need:
This is a medicine given to help the body make less cell waste.
Working enzymes are delivered through an IV (needle in the vein). These new enzymes will do the job of the defective enzymes.
Healthy stem cells are transplanted into your child. This may help his body make the missing enzyme.
RESOURCES:
Lysosomal Disease Network
http://www.lysosomaldiseasenetwork.org/
National MPS Society
http://www.mpssociety.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Society for Mucopolysaccharide & Related Diseases
http://www.mpssociety.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
References:
Badash M. Glycogen storage diseases. EBSCO Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16&topicID=1034 . Updated May 28, 2010. Accessed August 6, 2010.
Cedars Sinai. Lysosomal storage disease program. Cedars Sinai website. Available at: http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Lysosomal-Storage-Disease-Program/ . Accessed August 6, 2010.
Lysosomal Disease Network website. Available at: http://www.lysosomaldiseasenetwork.org/ . Accessed August 6, 2010.
Lysosomal Learning. Genzyme. Lysosomal Learning website. Available at: http://www.lysosomallearning.com/patient/about/lsd_pt_abt_living.asp . Accessed August 9, 2010.
Marsden D, Levy H. Newborn screening of lysosomal storage disorders. Clin Chem. 2010;56(7):1079.
Wynn RF, Wraith JE, Mercer J, et al. Improved metabolic correction in patients with lysosomal storage disease treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplant compared with enzyme replacement therapy. J Pediatr. 2009;154(4):609.
Wynn RF, Wraith JE, Mercer J, et al. What is known. International Advocate for Glycoprotein Storage Diseases (New Zealand) website. Available at: http://www.ismrd.org/the_diseases/what_is_known . Accessed August 6, 2010.
Last reviewed June 2012 by Kari Kassir, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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