title: Lysosomal storage disorders in the newborn.
abstract: Lysosomal storage disorders are rare inborn errors of metabolism, with a combined incidence of 1 in 1500 to 7000 live births. These relatively rare disorders are seldom considered when evaluating a sick newborn. A significant number of the >50 different lysosomal storage disorders, however, do manifest in the neonatal period and should be part of the differential diagnosis of several perinatal phenotypes. We review the earliest clinical features, diagnostic tests, and treatment options for lysosomal storage disorders that can present in the newborn. Although many of the lysosomal storage disorders are characterized by a range in phenotypes, the focus of this review is on the specific symptoms and clinical findings that present in the perinatal period, including neurologic, respiratory, endocrine, and cardiovascular manifestations, dysmorphic features, hepatosplenomegaly, skin or ocular involvement, and hydrops fetalis/congenital ascites. A greater awareness of these features may help to reduce misdiagnosis and promote the early detection of lysosomal storage disorders. Implementing therapy at the earliest stage possible is crucial for several of the lysosomal storage disorders; hence, an early appreciation of these disorders by physicians who treat newborns is essential.
authors.affiliation: Office of the Clinical Director, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 35, Room 1A213, 35 Convent Dr, MSC 3708, Bethesda, MD 20892-3708, USA.
authors.forename: Orna
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Staretz-Chacham
authors.forename: Tess C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: Mary E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: LaMarca
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Krasnewich
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sidransky