Metachromatic leukodystrophy, juvenile form
MONDO:0009591Metachromatic leukodystrophy is an inherited condition characterized by the accumulation of fats called sulfatides in cells, especially cells of the nervous system. This accumulation results in progressive destruction of white matter of the brain, which consists of nerve fibers covered by myelin.Affected individuals experience progressive deterioration of intellectual functions and motor skills, such as the ability to walk. They also develop loss of sensation in the extremities, incontinence, seizures, paralysis, inability to speak, blindness, and hearing loss. Eventually they lose awareness of their surroundings and become unresponsive. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern and is caused by mutations in the ARSA and PSAP genes.
Also known as: MLD, juvenile form, arylsulfatase A deficiency, juvenile form, metachromatic leukodystrophy, juvenile form, ARSA deficiency, MLD, Mld, arylsulfatase A deficiency, cerebral sclerosis diffuse metachromatic form
11 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
Follow this condition — get notified about new trialsSub-types
Broader categories
-
Experimental enzyme therapy tested in rare brain disease after transplant
Disease control CompletedThis study tested an experimental drug called METAZYM (a lab-made enzyme) in one child with late infantile metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) who had already received a stem cell transplant. The goal was to see if the enzyme could improve nerve function and reduce harmful buildup…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
-
Laser test could objectively measure nerve pain for first time
Diagnosis CompletedThis study tested whether a diode laser can act as a biomarker to measure neuropathic pain in people with peripheral neuropathy. Researchers compared pain responses to a lidocaine patch versus a placebo patch in 75 participants. The goal was to see if the laser test could disting…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Utah • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:09 UTC
-
New MRI study maps rare brain disease in children
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study used powerful MRI scans to track how a rare genetic disease called metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) damages the brain's white matter in young children. Researchers studied 29 children aged 1 to 6 years with MLD, along with a control group, to better understand how th…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:59 UTC