Clinical Information

Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) is an inherited disorder of cholesterol transport that results in an accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and lipids in the lysosomal/endosomal system and in various tissues. Although NPC belongs to a group of lysosomal disorders including Niemann-Pick types A and B, these diseases are metabolically and genetically distinct. Niemann-Pick types A and B are caused by mutations in the SMPD1 gene, which encodes the enzyme sphingomyelinase, whereas NPC is caused by mutations in the NPC1 or NPC2 genes.

The incidence of NPC is approximately 1 in 120,000 to 1 in 150,000 live births. Age of onset is variable and ranges from the perinatal period to adulthood. Clinical presentation is also highly variable. Infants may present with or without liver disease (hepatosplenomegaly) and respiratory failure. Those without liver and pulmonary disease may present with hypotonia and developmental delay. Most individuals are diagnosed during childhood with symptoms including ataxia, vertical supranuclear gaze palsy, dystonia, progressive speech deterioration, and seizures resulting in death by the second or third decade of life. Adult-onset NPC is associated with a slower progression and is characterized by neurologic and psychiatric problems.

NPC is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, in which affected individuals carry 2 mutations in either the NPC1 or NPC2 gene. Most mutations are family specific, although there are 2 mutations in the NPC1 gene that are more common than others. The G992W mutation is common in the French Acadian population of Nova Scotia. The I1061T mutation is the most common mutation worldwide, and is seen in patients of Hispanic and Western European (United Kingdom and France) descent. Full gene sequencing and analysis for large deletions and duplications of the NPC1 and NPC2 genes detect less common disease-causing mutations. 

The recommended first-tier test to screen for NPC is a biochemical test measuring cholesterol esterification coupled with filipin staining on a fibroblast specimen, NIEM / Niemann-Pick Type C Detection, Fibroblasts. Molecular testing provides confirmation of a biochemical diagnosis or a basis for carrier testing of family members. Individuals with abnormal biochemical results are more likely to have 2 identifiable mutations by molecular testing.