Disease or Syndrome
Niemann-Pick disease
Subclass of:
Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell;
Sphingolipidoses
Definitions related to niemann-pick diseases:
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An autosomal recessive inherited lysosomal storage disease characterized by deficiency of sphingomyelinase. It results in the accumulation of sphingomyelin in the liver, spleen, brain, lungs, and bone marrow. Signs and symptoms include hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, ataxia, dystonia, and dementia.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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(niemann pick disease) Caused by deficiency of sphingomyelinase, resulting in accumulation of sphingomyelin in the reticuloendothelial system, mental and physical retardation, enlarged liver and spleen, anemia, and blindness.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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A group of autosomal recessive disorders in which harmful quantities of lipids accumulate in the viscera and the central nervous system. They can be caused by deficiencies of enzyme activities (SPHINGOMYELIN PHOSPHODIESTERASE) or defects in intracellular transport, resulting in the accumulation of SPHINGOMYELINS and CHOLESTEROL. There are various subtypes based on their clinical and genetic differences.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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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). The most common presenting symptom in NPD-A is hepatosplenomegaly, usually detectable by age three months; over time the liver and spleen become massive in size. Psychomotor development progresses no further than the 12-month level, after which neurologic deterioration is relentless. Failure to thrive typically becomes evident by the second year of life. 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. Interstitial lung disease caused by storage of sphingomyelin in pulmonary macrophages results in frequent respiratory infections and often respiratory failure. Most 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 by progressive hepatosplenomegaly, gradual deterioration in liver and pulmonary function, osteopenia, and atherogenic lipid profile. No central nervous system (CNS) manifestations occur. Individuals with NPD-A/B have symptoms that...GeneReviewsUniversity of Washington, 2021
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Niemann-Pick disease is a sphingolipidosis, an inherited disorder of metabolism, caused by deficient sphingomyelinase activity, resulting in accumulation of sphingomyelin (ceramide phosphorylcholine) in reticuloendothelial cells. Diagnosis is by DNA analysis and/or enzyme analysis of white blood cells. Bone marrow transplantation, stem...Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) is a group of inherited metabolic disorders in which harmful quantities of a fatty substance (lipids) accumulate in the spleen, liver, lungs, bone marrow, and brain. Symptoms may include lack of muscle coordination, brain degeneration, learning problems, loss of muscle tone, increased sensitivity to touch,...National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
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Niemann-Pick disease, inherited metabolic disorder in which a deficiency of the enzyme sphingomyelinase impairs the breakdown of the phospholipids lecithin and sphingomyelin, causing them to accumulate in various body tissues. Symptoms consist of extreme liver and spleen enlargement, mental...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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