Metachromatic leukodystrophy
Synonyms: Arylsulfatase A deficiency | MLD
A rare lysosomal disease characterized by accumulation of sulfatides in the central and peripheral nervous system due to deficiency of the enzyme arylsulfatase A leading to demyelination. Three clinical subtypes can be distinguished based on the age of onset: late infantile juvenile and adult. Lead symptoms are deterioration in motor or cognitive function or behavioral problems depending on the subtype all eventually culminating in a decerebrated state and death after a highly variable disease course and duration. Mode of inheritance is autosomal recessive.
Data from Orphanet are used to provide information on a disease's name, synonym(s), and overview.
Reference: Access aggregated data from Orphanet at Orphadata.
Orphadata: Free access data from Orphanet. © INSERM 1999. Available on http://www.orphadata.org. Data version April 2024
Newly diagnosed with
Metachromatic leukodystrophy?
Our RARE Concierge Services Guides are available to assist you by providing information, resources and connections as you navigate your rare disease journey.
Advocacy Organizations
Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome Advocacy Association
AGSAA is a global coalition of deeply dedicated parent advocates working alongside clinicians, researchers, and scientists. We are united in our desire to improve the lives of individuals and families living with Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome and those yet to be diagnosed. Everything we do reflects a sense of urgency to rescue patient potential and preserve quality of life through accelerating research and providing timely emotional and educational support alongside evolving clinical care recommendations to affected families.
Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity
Support and access to treatment for everyone living with leukodystrophy Provide support for those living with leukodystrophy, and their families/carers Raise awareness of leukodystrophy Improve best practice in prevention, diagnosis & treatment Support research initiatives
Bob Rauner
OUR MISSION is to provide support to the leukodystrophy community and enable platforms to accelerate improving patient quality of life and finding cures.
COMBINEDBrain Inc
COMBINEDBrain is a consortium for outcome measures and biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorders. We are collaborating to cure rare, non-verbal brain disorders.
Canadian Society for Mucopolysaccharide & Related Diseases Inc.
The Canadian Society for Mucopolysaccharide and Related Diseases Inc. (The Canadian MPS Society), founded in 1984, serves all Canadians affected by MPS and related diseases through support, education, advocacy and by advancing research.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association
To develop drugs to treat or cure CMT and to help improve the quality of life for those living with CMT.
Childhood Dementia Initiative
Childhood Dementia Initiative (CDI) is driving world first action in the consideration of the 70+ genetic conditions that cause childhood dementia under the one umbrella.
Genetic Epilepsy Team Australia
Collaboration of research and care
Help Hope Live
Help Hope Live assists individuals living with catastrophic injuries and illnesses to fundraise toward their medical expenses and related costs.
Louisiana Metabolic Disorders Coalition
We support, educate, and advocate for patients & families affected by metabolic disorders.
Lysosomal Storage Disorders Society – Pakistan
Our mission is to improve the lives of Lysosomal Storage Disease patients in Pakistan by advocating for patients’ rights and creating awareness in general public.
Lysosomal Storage Disorders Support Society
LSDSS endeavors to transform the life of children affected by rare Lysosomal Storage Disorders. Our mission is to increase awareness about the prevention of such disorders in future offspring as well as counsel the affected patients and families on how to cope with existing conditions, ensuring no patient or family living with an LSD ever feels alone.
MLD Foundation
We C.A.R.E.® ... Compassion for families, increasing Awareness, influencing & funding Research, and promoting Education for metachromatic leukodystrophy, a very rare terminal genetic neuro-metabolic lysosomal disease where over half the cases affect infants.
MPS Society
The MPS Society supports families through difficult times and helps people living with rare diseases to live their lives to the full. Founded in 1982 and led by people directly affected by these diseases, we are the only registered charity in the UK which focusses on MPS (Mucopolysaccharide), Fabry and related conditions, a group of 27 rare, life-limiting genetic diseases.
Mississippi Metabolics Foundation
Our mission at Mississippi Metabolics Foundation (MMF) is to advocate, educate, and support families in MS affected by genetic metabolic disorders/inborn errors of metabolism (IEM's). MMF promotes initiatives and further advancements in legislation, education, research, clinical trials, studies, therapies, targeted treatments, and eventual cures for IEM’s and all rare diseases.
Moonshots for Unicorns
Curing single-gene disorders
Project CASK
To fund research for treatment and/or a cure for CASK Gene Disorder
cure LBSL
Find a cure for LBSL, advance awareness of the disease, and support patients, families, and medical providers confronted with this ultra-rare condition.
Clinical Trials
For a list of clinical trials in this disease area, please click here.