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Saad Alqarni

Maternity And Children Hospital Abha, Saudi Arabia

Presentation Title:

Novel mutation in chromosome 11p15.4 causing Niemann-Pick Disease type A in a Saudi child

Abstract

Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase-1 (SMPD1) gene. Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency results in progressive lipid accumulation within multiple organs, leading to hepatosplenomegaly, neurodegeneration, and early mortality. Type A NPD is the most severe phenotype, typically manifesting in infancy with rapid neurological decline and poor survival.

We report the case of an 18-month-old Saudi male who presented with progressive, painless abdominal distension, hepatosplenomegaly, hypotonia, muscle weakness, and developmental regression. Neuroimaging was unremarkable, and infectious, hematological, and neoplastic etiologies were excluded.

Doppler ultrasonography confirmed organomegaly, and laboratory studies revealed cytopenias and elevated liver enzymes. Genetic analysis identified a novel homozygous missense mutation in the SMPD1 gene, located on chromosome 11p15.4 (c.1616A>G; p.Tyr539Cys), thereby confirming NPD type A. The child was managed with multidisciplinary supportive care, including nutritional, physical, and occupational therapy. At follow-up, recurrent respiratory infections and growth delay were noted, consistent with disease progression.

Discussion: This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of NPD type A, given its non-specific early presentation. The novel SMPD1 variant expands the known mutational spectrum of this disorder and provides insight into genotype-phenotype correlations. The presence of hepatosplenomegaly, growth restriction, and neuromuscular decline underscores the importance of early suspicion in pediatric patients with unexplained abdominal distension and developmental regression. While specific therapies remain limited, early genetic confirmation facilitates appropriate counseling, anticipatory guidance, and consideration of future therapeutic options such as enzyme replacement or substrate reduction therapy.

Conclusion: We present the first reported Saudi case of NPD type A caused by a novel SMPD1 mutation at chromosome 11p15.4. This case underscores the necessity of raising clinical awareness, strengthening genetic screening programs, and enhancing international data-sharing to improve early recognition and outcomes in rare lysosomal storage disorders.

Biography

Dr. Saad Ali M. Alqarni is a pediatric resident physician at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital, Saudi Arabia, under the Saudi Board of Pediatrics program. He earned his medical degree from the University of Bisha, where he developed a strong interest in rare pediatric diseases, genetic disorders, and critical care medicine. Dr. Alqarni has been actively engaged in academic research, with publications in peer-reviewed journals including Cureus, where he co-authored case reports on complex pediatric presentations such as agenesis of the corpus callosum and Niemann-Pick disease type A caused by a novel SMPD1 mutation.In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Alqarni is committed to advancing pediatric research and improving early recognition of rare diseases in children. His academic contributions reflect a focus on multidisciplinary care, clinical genetics, and optimizing outcomes in critically ill pediatric patients. He has also presented at local and regional conferences and continues to build collaborations to strengthen pediatric research in Saudi Arabia and beyond.Dr. Alqarni aims to pursue subspecialty training in pediatric infectious diseases or neonatology, with a long-term vision of contributing to global pediatric healthcare through both clinical excellence and impactful research.