Metachromatic leukodystrophy / 国际儿科学杂志

ABSTRACT

Metachromatic leukodystrophy is an inherited lysosomal disorder caused by autosomal reces-sive mutations of ARSA gene or PASP gene,which result in the accumulation of sulfatides in the central and pe-ripheral nervous system leading to demyelination. The disease is classified into a late-infantile,juvenile and adult onset type based on the age of onset,all characterized by a variety of neurological symptoms,which eventually lead to death if untreated. There is no curative treatment for all types and stages. This review discusses pathogen-esis,clinical manifestations,diagnostic process and efficacy of current and possible future therapies such as en-zyme replacement therapy,hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy. A longer follow up period for the above therapies are needed to come to a general conclusion and improve treatment options for metachro-matic leukodystrophy.