Spectrum of Lysosomal storage disorders at a medical genetics center in northern India.

BACKGROUND

There is limited literature available on the phenotypic and mutation spectrum of Indian patients with Lysosomal storage disorders (LSD).

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the clinical, biochemical and mutation spectrum and to study the management options in Indian patients with lysosomal storage disorders.

DESIGN

Descriptive study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

All patients with lysosomal storage disorders diagnosed in the Medical Genetics department of a tertiary care institute in North India over a three year period from January 2008 to December 2010.

RESULTS

Out of the total of 93 patients clinically suspected to have LSDs, 68 (mean age at presentation 4.5 years) were confirmed to have LSDs based on the laboratory/neuroimaging findings and documentation of deficient enzymatic activity in the peripheral blood (leucocytes or plasma) and/or skin fibroblasts. The commonest clinical features at presentation were growth retardation (failure to thrive 47.2% and short stature 17.6%), hepatosplenomegaly (41.2%) and neuroregression (33.8%). A history of consanguinity was present in 32.4% of the families. Prenatal diagnosis was done in a total of 6 affected families; two pregnancies were found to be affected (one each with Gaucher disease and Tay Sachs disease) and in both cases the parents opted for termination of pregnancy. Of the remaining four pregnancies which were found to be unaffected and therefore continued, three were confirmed to be normal on post-natal follow up. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is being given for a total of 8 LSD patients and all of them are showing a gradual amelioration of their symptoms and an improvement in the quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Lysosomal storage disorders constitute an important group of genetic metabolic disorders for many of which therapeutic options are now available.