Antenatal manifestations of inborn errors of metabolism: biological diagnosis

Diagnosis and Emerging Treatment Strategies for Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (Sly Syndrome)

Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (MPS VII, Sly syndrome) is an ultra-rare lysosomal disease caused by a deficiency of the enzyme β-glucuronidase (GUS). The diagnosis is suspected based on a range of symptoms that are common to many other MPS types, and it is confirmed through biochemical and molecular studies. Besides supportive treatment, current and emerging treatments include enzyme replacement therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and gene therapy. This review summarizes the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and emerging treatments for MPS VII.

Lysosomal storage disorders as an etiology of nonimmune hydrops fetalis: A systematic review

We performed a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the incidence and types of lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) in case series of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF). PubMed, Ovid, and clinicaltrials.gov were reviewed for case series evaluating the workup of NIHF diagnosed in utero or in the neonatal period in human subjects from 1979 to August 2020. Retrospective case series with at least five cases of fetal and/or neonatal NIHF with its workup mentioned were identified. Idiopathic NIHF was defined as NIHF without an apparent cause after initial standard-of-care workup. In total, 22 case series with 2678 total cases of NIHF were identified. The overall incidence of LSD was 6.6% (177/2663) in NIHF cases that were tested for any LSD, and 8.2% (177/2151) in idiopathic NIHF cases. The most common LSD identified in cases of NIHF were mucopolysaccharidosis type VII, galactosialidosis, infantile sialic acid storage disease, Gaucher disease, GM1 gangliosidosis, and sialidosis. More than 40% of the most common LSD causes of NIHF have a potential postnatal treatment. LSD testing for NIHF allows for early diagnosis, better counseling and appropriate management, planning for possible early treatment, and counseling for recurrence risk.

Lysosomal storage disease spectrum in nonimmune hydrops fetalis: a retrospective case control study

OBJECTIVES

Nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) accounts for 90% of hydrops fetalis cases. About 15% to 29% of unexplained NIHF cases are caused by lysosomal storage diseases (LSD). We review the spectrum of LSD and associated clinical findings in NIHF in a cohort of patients referred to our institution.

METHODS

We present a retrospective case-control study of cases with NIHF referred for LSD biochemical testing at a single center. Cases diagnosed with LSD were matched to controls with NIHF and negative LSD testing and analyzed according to the STROBE criteria to the extent the retrospective nature of this study allowed.

RESULTS

Between January 2006 and December 2018, 28 patients with NIHF were diagnosed with a LSD. Eight types of LSD were diagnosed: galactosialidosis 8/28 (28.6%), sialic acid storage disease (SASD) 5/28 (17.9%), mucopolysaccharidosis VII 5/28 (17.9%), Gaucher 4/28 (14.3%), sialidosis 2/28 (7.1%), GM1 gangliosidosis 2/28 (7.1%), Niemann-Pick disease type C 1/28 (3.6%), and mucolipidosis II/III 1/28 (3.6%). Associated clinical features were hepatomegaly 16/21 (76.2%) vs 22/65 (33.8%), P < .05, splenomegaly 12/20 (60.0%) vs 14/58 (24.1%), P < .05, and hepatosplenomegaly 10/20 (50.0%) vs 13/58 (22.4%) P < .05.

CONCLUSION

The most common LSD in NIHF were galactosialidosis, SASD, mucopolysaccharidosis VII, and Gaucher disease. LSD should be considered in unexplained NIHF cases, particularly if hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, or hepatosplenomegaly is visualized on prenatal ultrasound.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI: case report with first neonatal presentation with ascites fetalis and rapidly progressive cardiac manifestation

BACKGROUND

The Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI), also known as Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome (OMIM 253200) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal disorder, caused by the deficiency of the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfatase (also known as arylsulfatase B) due to mutations of the ARSB gene. Cardiologic features are well recognized, and are always present in MPS VI patients. Generally, the onset and the progression of the cardiologic symptoms are insidious, and just a few patients have developed a rapidly progressive disease. Cardiac involvement in MPS VI is a common and progressive feature. For MPS patients, cardiac evaluations are recommended every 1 to 2 years, including blood pressure measurement, electrocardiography and echocardiography. However, congestive heart failure and valvular surgical repair are not frequently seen, and if so, they are performed in adults. Here we report on an atypical MPS VI case with ascites fetalis and a rapidly progressive cardiac disease.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 6-month-old Brazilian male, only child of a Brazilian healthy non-consanguineous couple. During pregnancy, second trimester ultrasonography observed fetal ascites and bilateral hydrocele. Physical exam at 6 months-old revealed a typical gibbus deformity and MPS was suspected. Biochemical investigation revealed a diagnosis of MPS type VI, confirmed by molecular test. Baseline echocardiogram revealed discrete tricuspid regurgitation and a thickened mitral valve with posterior leaflet prolapse, causing moderate to severe regurgitation. The patient evolved with mitral insufficiency and congestive heart failure, eventually requiring surgical repair by the first year of age.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first case of MPS VI whose manifestations started in the prenatal period with fetal ascites, with severe cardiac valvular disease that eventually required early surgical repair. Moreover, in MPS with neonatal presentation, including fetal hydrops, besides MPS I, IVA and VII, clinicians should include MPS VI in the differential diagnosis.

Finding vacuolated lymphocytes in fetal effusions improves the prenatal diagnosis of lysosomal storage diseases

OBJECTIVES

There are many causes of fetal effusions, including the rare lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). Vacuolated lymphocytes (VLs) are found in the blood of infants with LSDs, and their presence in fetal effusion could increase the risk of underlying LSD.

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2018, all fetal effusions samples from 43 fetal multidisciplinary centers were referred to a single laboratory. Cells were counted, and, if observed, VLs were categorized and counted. Screening for LSDs was performed by metabolite analyses on amniotic fluid supernatant. The diagnosis of an LSD was confirmed by measuring the activity of the corresponding enzyme and/or mutation analysis.

RESULTS

Our laboratory received 614 ascitic fluids and 280 pleural fluids sampled between 22 and 33 weeks of gestation. The final diagnosis was LSD in 16 cases (1.8%). VLs were reported in all these 16 cases, in a mix of lymphocytes with and without vacuoles. Vacuoles in VLs varied in size and number. In most cases, VLs were easy to recognize, with numerous, large, round, well-defined vacuoles, but in three cases of LSDs, VLs were atypical.

CONCLUSION

The finding of VLs in fetal effusions is an inexpensive first-line test that may help to prioritize biochemical and genetic tests for LSDs.

A 7-Year Report of Spectrum of Inborn Errors of Metabolism on Full-Term and Premature Infants in a Chinese Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) have great repercussions in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). However, the integrative analysis of the incidence for full-term and premature neonates of IEMs in NICUs have not been reported. In this study, we aimed to estimate the incidence of IEMs in the NICU population so as to better evaluate the impact of IEMs on Chinese NICUs. A total of 42,257 newborns (proportion of premature as 36.7%) enrolled to the largest Chinese NICU center for a sequential 7 years screen, and 66 were diagnosed with IEMs. The prevalence of IEMs in total, full-term, and premature infants was 1:640, 1:446, and 1:2,584, respectively. In spectrum of our NICU, diseases that cause endogenous intoxication like methylmalonic acidemia accounted for 93.9% (62/66), and this ratio was higher in full-term infants with 98.3% (59/60), while the most prevalent disease in premature newborn was hyperphenylalaninemia (50%, 3/6), respectively. The genetic analysis of 49 cases revealed 62 potentially pathogenic mutations in 10 well-documented pathogenic genes of IEMs, among which 21 were novel. In conclusion, differences in incidence and spectrum of full-term and premature births we obtained in NICU will provide diagnostic guidelines and therapeutic clues of neonatal IEMs for pediatricians.

Zellweger Syndrome Disorders: From Severe Neonatal Disease to Atypical Adult Presentation

Zellweger syndrome disorders (ZSD) is the principal group of peroxisomal disorders characterized by a defect of peroxisome biogenesis due to mutations in one of the 13 PEX genes. The clinical spectrum is very large with a continuum from antenatal forms to adult presentation. Whereas biochemical profile in body fluids is classically used for their diagnosis, the revolution of high-throughput sequencing has extended the knowledge about these disorders. The aim of this review is to offer a large panorama on molecular basis, clinical presentation and treatment of ZSD, and to update the diagnosis strategy of these disorders in the era of next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Pathway to diagnosis and burden of illness in mucopolysaccharidosis type VII - a European caregiver survey

Background

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (Sly disease, MPS VII), is an ultra-rare, multi-symptom disease with variable clinical presentations which can present challenges with diagnosis, management and care. We believe this survey is the first to explore the patient experience through direct questioning of the caregivers of 13 individuals with MPS VII.

Methods

This European survey, using a specifically designed questionnaire, was conducted in order to describe the pathway to diagnosis and the burden of illness of MPS VII. Information on early symptoms, clinicians seen, and current symptoms was collected. Questions on the caregivers’ ability to work and the use and availability of health, social and educational support were included.

Results

Caregivers of 13 patients from Germany, Spain, The Netherlands and Turkey responded to the survey. Five patients with non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) were diagnosed with MPS VII at a mean age of 1.9 years (median 0.3 years, range 0.2 to 6 years). Those without NIHF (n = 7) were diagnosed at a mean age of 6.1 years (median 6.0 years, range 1.9 to 14 years). The symptoms most likely to raise a suspicion of MPS VII, excluding NIHF, did not appear until a median age of at least three years.

Over one half of patients required assistance with daily living and mobility. Reduction of the working hours of caregivers was often necessary (46.2% reduced hours, 30.8% stopped working).

Patients attended frequent medical appointments (12.7/year), over 80% had surgery and 30% had been hospitalised for respiratory issues.

While support for learning and behavioural needs was generally available, support for mobility was not available to 50% of patients. Half of the respondents (6/12) said they were not offered genetic counselling.

Conclusions

For children that do not present with NIHF, diagnosis can take several years as early symptoms can be non-specific and mistaken for other conditions. Increased awareness of the early signs of disease and more information for parents/caregivers at diagnosis are needed. MPS VII poses significant burden to patients, caregivers, healthcare, social and educational services. Access to information and support varies across Europe and the availability of genetic counselling is limited in some countries.

Proposal for a simplified classification of IMD based on a pathophysiological approach: A practical guide for clinicians

In view of the rapidly expanding number of IMD discovered by next generation sequencing, we propose a simplified classification of IMD that mixes elements from a clinical diagnostic perspective and a pathophysiological approach based on three large categories. We highlight the increasing importance of complex molecule metabolism and its connection with cell biology processes. Small molecule disorders have biomarkers and are divided in two subcategories: accumulation and deficiency. Accumulation of small molecules leads to acute or progressive postnatal "intoxication", present after a symptom-free interval, aggravated by catabolism and food intake. These treatable disorders must not be missed! Deficiency of small molecules is due to impaired synthesis of compounds distal to a block or altered transport of essential molecules. This subgroup shares many clinical characteristics with complex molecule disorders. Complex molecules (like glycogen, sphingolipids, phospholipids, glycosaminoglycans, glycolipids) are poorly diffusible. Accumulation of complex molecules leads to postnatal progressive storage like in glycogen and lysosomal storage disorders. Many are treatable. Deficiency of complex molecules is related to the synthesis and recycling of these molecules, which take place in organelles. They may interfere with fœtal development. Most present as neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders unrelated to food intake. Peroxisomal disorders, CDG defects of intracellular trafficking and processing, recycling of synaptic vesicles, and tRNA synthetases also belong to this category. Only few have biomarkers and are treatable. Disorders involving primarily energy metabolism encompass defects of membrane carriers of energetic molecules as well as cytoplasmic and mitochondrial metabolic defects. This oversimplified classification is connected to the most recent available nosology of IMD.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Organic Acidemias at a Tertiary Center

The aim of this study was to share our experience in the prenatal diagnosis (PND) of organic acidemias (OAs) in our clinic. This study consisted of 10 cases in whom an invasive prenatal diagnostic test (IPNDT) was performed by a single physician for the PND of OAs. Median maternal age, parity, gestational week of IPNDT, prenatal test indications, OA types, method of IPNDT, IPNDT results and gestational outcomes were evaluated. Targeted mutation analysis was performed in fetal DNA for the specific mutations by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct Sanger sequencing. The diagnosis was confirmed by genetic targeted mutation analysis after birth. Median maternal age, parity and gestational week of IPNDT values were 30 (range 21-35), one (range 0-4) and 11.5 (range 11-17), respectively. Indications for IPNDT were mother being a carrier of the disease for one case (10.0%) and at least one child with OA in the family for nine cases (90.0%). Organic acidemia types investigated were maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) and isovaleric acidemia (IVA) in five (50.0%), three (30.0%) and two (20.0%) patients, respectively. Chorion villus sampling (CVS) was done in seven (70.0%) patients and amniocentesis was performed in three (30.0%) patients. Eight fetuses (80.0%) were found to be healthy and two fetuses (20.0%) were found to be affected (one case with IVA and one case with MMA). The two pregnancies (20.0%) with affected fetuses were terminated. Prenatal diagnosis of OAs is critical. Appropriate prenatal counseling should be given to families with known risk factors.

Neurometabolic Disorders of the Newborn

There is an extensive and diverse set of medical conditions affecting the neonatal brain within the spectrum of neurometabolic disorders. As such, their clinical presentations can be rather nonspecific, and can often mimic acquired entities such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and sepsis. Similarly, the radiological findings in these entities can also be frequently nonspecific, but a more detailed analysis of imaging findings (especially magnetic resonance imaging) alongside the relevant clinical details can be a rewarding experience, thus enabling a timely and targeted diagnosis. Early diagnosis of an underlying neurometabolic disorder is vital, as some of these entities are potentially treatable, and laboratory and genetic testing can be precisely targeted. Further, their detection helps with counselling families for future pregnancies. We present a review of neurometabolic disorders specific to the newborns with a focus on how neuroimaging findings match their clinical presentation patterns.

Contribution of tandem mass spectrometry to the diagnosis of lysosomal storage disorders

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is a highly sensitive and specific technique. Thanks to the development of triple quadrupole analyzers, it is becoming more widely used in laboratories working in the field of inborn errors of metabolism. We review here the state of the art of this technique applied to the diagnosis of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) and how MS/MS has changed the diagnostic rationale in recent years. This fine technology brings more sensitive, specific, and reliable methods than the previous biochemical ones for the analysis of urinary glycosaminoglycans, oligosaccharides, and sialic acid. In sphingolipidoses, the quantification of urinary sphingolipids (globotriaosylceramide, sulfatides) is possible. The measurement of new plasmatic biomarkers such as oxysterols, bile acids, and lysosphingolipids allows the screening of many sphingolipidoses and related disorders (Niemann-Pick type C), replacing tedious biochemical techniques. Applied to amniotic fluid, a more reliable prenatal diagnosis or screening of LSDs is now available for fetuses presenting with antenatal manifestations. Applied to enzyme measurements, it allows high throughput assays for the screening of large populations, even newborn screening. The advent of this new method can modify the diagnostic rationale behind LSDs.

Epidemiology of Live Born Infants with Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis-Insights from a Population-Based Dataset

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence, etiology, and 1-year mortality of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) and to identify risk factors for mortality in a contemporary population-based dataset.

STUDY DESIGN

The California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development maintains a database linking maternal and infant hospital discharge, readmissions, and birth and death certificate date from 1 year before to 1 year after birth. We searched the database (2005-2012) for infants with NIHF (identified by the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification code). Hazard models were used to identify risk factors for mortality in infants with NIHF; results are presented as hazard ratios (HRs, 95% CI).

RESULTS

The incidence of NIHF was 2.5 out of 10 000 among live born infants. Neonatal mortality was 35.1% (364 out of 1037) and overall mortality was 43.2% (448 out of 1037) at 1 year of age. Gestational age (GA) was predictive of mortality with a HR of 2.4 (95% CI 1.9-3.2) for preterm compared with term infants. The GA-adjusted HR for mortality was 1.3 (95% CI 1.1-1.6) for polyhydramnios and 1.5 (95% CI 1.2-2.0) for large for gestational age infants compared with appropriate for GA infants. Aneuploid infants with critical congenital heart disease had an adjusted HR of 2.3 (95% CI 1.5-3.6) compared with euploid infants without a structural birth defect.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, population-based study, prematurity, polyhydramnios, and large for gestational age were predictors of increased mortality. Mortality is highly variable among euploid and aneuploid infants with and without structural birth defects and critical congenital heart disease.

LC-MS/MS multiplex analysis of lysosphingolipids in plasma and amniotic fluid: A novel tool for the screening of sphingolipidoses and Niemann-Pick type C disease

Background

The biological diagnosis of sphingolipidoses currently relies on the measurement of specific enzymatic activities and/or genetic studies. Lysosphingolipids have recently emerged as potential biomarkers of sphingolipidoses and Niemann-Pick type C in plasma.

Methodology

We developed a sensitive and specific method enabling the simultaneous quantification of lysosphingolipids by LC-MS/MS: lysoglobotriaosylceramide for Fabry disease, lysohexosylceramide (i.e. lysoglucosylceramide and/or lysogalactosylceramide) for Gaucher and Krabbe diseases, lysosphingomyelin and its carboxylated analogue lysosphingomyelin-509 for Niemann-Pick type A or B, and C diseases, lysoGM1 ganglioside for GM1gangliosidosis and lysoGM2 ganglioside for GM2 gangliosidosis.

Findings

The diagnostic performances were validated in plasma samples analysing a large series of patients affected with sphingolipidoses and Niemann-Pick type C disease (n = 98), other inborn errors of metabolism (n = 23), and controls (n = 228). The multiplex measurement of lysosphingolipids allowed the screening of Fabry (including female patients and late-onset variants), Gaucher and infantile Krabbe, Niemann-Pick type A/B and C diseases with high sensitivity and specificity. LysoGM1 and LysoGM2 were elevated in most of the patients affected with GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis respectively.

In amniotic fluid supernatant from pregnancies presenting non-immune hydrops fetalis (n = 77, including previously diagnosed Gaucher (n = 5), GM1 gangliosidosis (n = 4) and galactosialidosis (n = 4) fetuses) and from normal pregnancies (n = 15), a specific and dramatic increase of lysohexosylceramide was observed only in the Gaucher amniotic fluid samples.

Interpretation

This multiplex assay which allows the simultaneous measurement of lysosphingolipids in plasma modifies the diagnostic strategy of sphingolipidoses and Niemann-Pick type C. Furthermore, in pregnancies presenting non-immune hydrops fetalis, lysohexosylceramide measurement in amniotic fluid offers a rapid screening of fetal Gaucher disease without waiting for glucocerebrosidase activity measurement in cultured amniocytes.

Development of a new tandem mass spectrometry method for urine and amniotic fluid screening of oligosaccharidoses

RATIONALE

The first step in the diagnosis of oligosaccharidoses is to evidence abnormal oligosaccharides excreted in urine, usually performed by the poorly sensitive but efficient thin layer chromatography (TLC) method. Developing a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) technique could be of great interest to replace TLC.

METHODS

Abnormal underivatized oligosaccharides have been recently studied using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, allowing the unambiguous identification of oligosaccharidoses. Based on this previous work, we developed an advantageous and efficient liquid chromatography (LC)/MS/MS method using a more common triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer for oligosaccharides analysis.

RESULTS

Oligosaccharidoses (n = 97) and control (n = 240) urine samples were analysed. A specific pattern was obtained for each oligosaccharidosis using this method. In urine, it allows not only the identification of all the oligosaccharidoses previously identified by TLC (fucosidosis, alphamannosidosis, aspartylglucosaminuria, GM1 gangliosidosis, sialidosis, galactosialidosis and Schindler disease), but also extends the field of diagnosis to mucolipidosis type II, Sandhoff disease, and β-mannosidosis. The same technique was applied to 16 amniotic fluid supernatants from oligosaccharidosis-affected foetuses (n = 16) compared with 37 unaffected. All the affected foetuses could be clearly identified: sialidosis (n = 3), galactosialidosis (n = 4), aspartylglucosaminuria (n = 1), mucolipidosis type II (n = 4) or GM1 gangliosidosis (n = 4). This technique can be applied to early prenatal diagnosis as well as to the oligosaccharidosis screening in the case of non-immune hydrops fetalis.

CONCLUSIONS

The method is quick and easy to run, with an LC analysis time of 13 min per sample. The quantitative validation could not be obtained in the absence of a specific standard and of a labelled internal standard for each compound. Even if this LC/MS/MS method is only qualitative, it is very specific and much more sensitive than TLC. It allows the urinary screening of oligosaccharidoses, even mild or late-onset forms, and the screening of antenatal forms in amniotic fluid. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Disorders of fatty acid oxidation and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease-different clinical entities and comparable perinatal renal abnormalities

BACKGROUND

Differential diagnosis of prenatally detected hyperechogenic and enlarged kidneys can be challenging as there is a broad phenotypic overlap between several rare genetic and non-genetic disorders. Metabolic diseases are among the rarest underlying disorders, but they demand particular attention as their prognosis and postnatal management differ from those of other diseases.

METHODS

We report two cases of cystic, hyperechogenic and enlarged kidneys detected on prenatal ultrasound images, resulting in the suspected diagnosis of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Postnatal clinical course and work-up, however, revealed early, neonatal forms of disorders of fatty acid oxidation (DFAO) in both cases, namely, glutaric acidemia type II, based on identification of the novel, homozygous splice-site mutation c.1117-2A > G in the ETFDH gene, in one case and carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency in the other case.

RESULTS

Review of pre- and postnatal sonographic findings resulted in the identification of some important differences that might help to differentiate DFAO from ARPKD. In DFAO, kidneys are enlarged to a milder degree than in ARPKD, and the cysts are located ubiquitously, including also in the cortex and the subcapsular area. Interestingly, recent studies have pointed to a switch in metabolic homeostasis, referred to as the Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis), as one of the underlying mechanisms of cell proliferation and cyst formation in cystic kidney disease. DFAO are characterized by the inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in aerobic glycolysis, and thus they do resemble the Warburg effect. We therefore speculate that this inhibition might be one of the pathomechanisms of renal hyperproliferation and cyst formation in DFAO analogous to the reported findings in ARPKD.

CONCLUSIONS

Neonatal forms of DFAO can be differentially diagnosed in neonates with cystic or hyperechogenic kidneys and necessitate immediate biochemical work-up to provide early metabolic management.

Lysosomal Storage Disorders in Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis (NIHF): An Indian Experience

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are rare inherited neurovisceral inborn errors of metabolism which may present as nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) during pregnancy. Although causes of NIHF are highly diverse, LSDs are one of the underlying causes of NIHF. The aim of this study was to elucidate most frequent causes of LSDs presenting as NIHF in Indian population. Several fetal tissues were investigated for enzymatic diagnosis of LSDs using modified fluorometric assays in the current prospective study carried out at our national tertiary center from 2006 through 2016. Other general causes of NIHF were ruled out. Twenty-one percent (7/33) of cases were confirmed to have LSDs. Two patients were diagnosed with Hurler syndrome; two had Sly syndrome and one each of Niemann-Pick disease type A/B, Gaucher's disease, and mucolipidosis. Four of eleven cases (36%) with recurrent NIHF were found to have LSDs. In spite of extreme rarity of LSDs, they should be considered as a potential cause of NIHF, especially with recurrent NIHF. Specific investigations of LSD leading to definitive diagnosis may aid the clinician in providing accurate genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis to the patients and help in subsequent pregnancies to the families. Furthermore, early intervention and management with enzyme replacement therapy may be planned for the lysosomal storage disorders where available.