Niemann-Pick disease

DEFINITION

Niemann-Pick disease primarily affects children, although it can occur at any age. Types A, B and C all affect the body's ability to metabolize fat (cholesterol and lipids) within cells. When cholesterol and other lipids accumulate in large amounts within cells, they cause cell dysfunction and ultimately cell death. Niemann-Pick disease can affect the brain, nerves, liver, spleen and bone marrow and, in severe cases, the lungs. Progressive deterioration of the brain, nerves and organs cause the main symptoms. Niemann-Pick is an inherited disease with no known cure, but research continues.

SYMPTOMS

Niemann-Pick disease primarily affects children, although it can occur at any age. Types A, B and C all affect the body's ability to metabolize fat (cholesterol and lipids) within cells. When cholesterol and other lipids accumulate in large amounts within cells, they cause cell dysfunction and ultimately cell death. Niemann-Pick disease can affect the brain, nerves, liver, spleen and bone marrow and, in severe cases, the lungs. Progressive deterioration of the brain, nerves and organs cause the main symptoms. Niemann-Pick is an inherited disease with no known cure, but research continues.

CAUSES

Niemann-Pick disease primarily affects children, although it can occur at any age. Types A, B and C all affect the body's ability to metabolize fat (cholesterol and lipids) within cells. When cholesterol and other lipids accumulate in large amounts within cells, they cause cell dysfunction and ultimately cell death. Niemann-Pick disease can affect the brain, nerves, liver, spleen and bone marrow and, in severe cases, the lungs. Progressive deterioration of the brain, nerves and organs cause the main symptoms. Niemann-Pick is an inherited disease with no known cure, but research continues.

RISK FACTORS

Niemann-Pick disease primarily affects children, although it can occur at any age. Types A, B and C all affect the body's ability to metabolize fat (cholesterol and lipids) within cells. When cholesterol and other lipids accumulate in large amounts within cells, they cause cell dysfunction and ultimately cell death. Niemann-Pick disease can affect the brain, nerves, liver, spleen and bone marrow and, in severe cases, the lungs. Progressive deterioration of the brain, nerves and organs cause the main symptoms. Niemann-Pick is an inherited disease with no known cure, but research continues.

COMPLICATIONS

Niemann-Pick disease primarily affects children, although it can occur at any age. Types A, B and C all affect the body's ability to metabolize fat (cholesterol and lipids) within cells. When cholesterol and other lipids accumulate in large amounts within cells, they cause cell dysfunction and ultimately cell death. Niemann-Pick disease can affect the brain, nerves, liver, spleen and bone marrow and, in severe cases, the lungs. Progressive deterioration of the brain, nerves and organs cause the main symptoms. Niemann-Pick is an inherited disease with no known cure, but research continues.

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Niemann-Pick disease primarily affects children, although it can occur at any age. Types A, B and C all affect the body's ability to metabolize fat (cholesterol and lipids) within cells. When cholesterol and other lipids accumulate in large amounts within cells, they cause cell dysfunction and ultimately cell death. Niemann-Pick disease can affect the brain, nerves, liver, spleen and bone marrow and, in severe cases, the lungs. Progressive deterioration of the brain, nerves and organs cause the main symptoms. Niemann-Pick is an inherited disease with no known cure, but research continues.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

Niemann-Pick disease primarily affects children, although it can occur at any age. Types A, B and C all affect the body's ability to metabolize fat (cholesterol and lipids) within cells. When cholesterol and other lipids accumulate in large amounts within cells, they cause cell dysfunction and ultimately cell death. Niemann-Pick disease can affect the brain, nerves, liver, spleen and bone marrow and, in severe cases, the lungs. Progressive deterioration of the brain, nerves and organs cause the main symptoms. Niemann-Pick is an inherited disease with no known cure, but research continues.

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

Niemann-Pick disease primarily affects children, although it can occur at any age. Types A, B and C all affect the body's ability to metabolize fat (cholesterol and lipids) within cells. When cholesterol and other lipids accumulate in large amounts within cells, they cause cell dysfunction and ultimately cell death. Niemann-Pick disease can affect the brain, nerves, liver, spleen and bone marrow and, in severe cases, the lungs. Progressive deterioration of the brain, nerves and organs cause the main symptoms. Niemann-Pick is an inherited disease with no known cure, but research continues.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

Niemann-Pick disease primarily affects children, although it can occur at any age. Types A, B and C all affect the body's ability to metabolize fat (cholesterol and lipids) within cells. When cholesterol and other lipids accumulate in large amounts within cells, they cause cell dysfunction and ultimately cell death. Niemann-Pick disease can affect the brain, nerves, liver, spleen and bone marrow and, in severe cases, the lungs. Progressive deterioration of the brain, nerves and organs cause the main symptoms. Niemann-Pick is an inherited disease with no known cure, but research continues.