Home > Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders > Niemann-Pick disease

Definition

Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) is a disorder of fat metabolism that causes abnormalities of the skin, eyes, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, liver, and lymphoid organs. It is named for German pediatricians Albert Niemann (1880-1921) and Ludwig Pick (1898-1935). Six types of the disease have been identified (A, B, C, D, E, and F).

Description

Niemann-Pick disease is inherited through an autosomal recessive trait. The different types of NPD are characterized by an abnormal accumulation of sphingomyelin. A sphingomyelin is any group of sphingolipids (consists of a lipid and a sphingosine) containing phosphorus. It occurs primarily in the tissue of the nervous system.

Some characteristics of Niemann-Pick disease may be common for all types. Common symptoms include jaundice,...