Mucolipidosis IV

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Mucolipidosis IV

Mucolipidosis IV (ML IV) is a rare inherited disease that causes slowly progressive nervous system deterioration. It is usually diagnosed during the first year of life.

Children with ML IV appear normal at birth but slowly develop nervous system problems. Motor skills, such as sitting, are delayed. Most children with ML IV do not learn to walk. Some children develop severe mental retardation during the second or third year of life. Other symptoms of ML IV include clouding of the clear covering of the colored part of the eye (cornea), crossed eyes, and blindness. Most people with ML IV do not live beyond the age of 30.

There is no treatment for the underlying cause of mucolipidosis IV. Genetic testing is recommended to identify carriers of the disease and help guide decisions about having children.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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