Niemann-Pick

Overview

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. An inherited disease, there is no known cure for Niemann-Pick, but research continues.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for Niemann-Pick

• Expertise. Mayo Clinic doctors are well acquainted with this complicated disease and are experienced at distinguishing Niemann-Pick from other diseases with similar symptoms. Mayo Clinic has one of the few labs with the ability to run the advanced biochemical and genetic tests required to diagnose Niemann-Pick disease.
• Experience and team approach. Mayo Clinic doctors have years of experience in caring for people who have Niemann-Pick disease. Specialists from neurology, pulmonary medicine, gastroenterology and hepatology, ophthalmology and other areas work as a team to accurately diagnose the disease and treat the challenging symptoms.
• Active research. While there is no known cure for Niemann-Pick disease, Mayo Clinic's ongoing research involves studying potential treatments.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report.

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