The online session is part of the Spot the Early Signs program aiming to fight under-diagnosed or late-diagnosed conditions for which treatments are available and where early detection and early treatment could make a significant difference in the condition's development, the quality of life and the survival of patients.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare hereditary disease characterized by the accumulation of fats called sulfatides. This causes the destruction of the protective fatty layer (myelin sheath) surrounding the nerves in both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, ultimately affecting intellectual and motor function. Early-onset clinical manifestations are often overlooked or confused with other conditions causing confusion among non-trained HCPs at first contact, resulting in misdiagnosis, wrong referral routes and delays in the early start of treatment. Delays in starting treatment have significant consequences on the conditions’ development, and the patient’s health and quality of life. This delay in referral and treatment must be overcome. 

Language: English ● Duration: 30 minutes followed by questions from the audience 

Presenter: Federica Deodato, Bambino Gesù Hospital, Rome, Italy 

TARGET AUDIENCE

This educational activity is designed for an international audience of General Pediatricians, General Practitioners, Pediatric Neurologists and other physicians and healthcare professionals with an interest in Metabolic Diseases and Genetics. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

✓ Providing an overview of MLD in children 

✓ Exploring the onset of symptoms and diagnostic delays - looking for the clues for early diagnosis 

✓ Reviewing new therapies that may change the natural history 

✓ Examining a Case Study example on MLD 

✓ Understanding the importance of early detection, the early start of treatment and sibling screening for MLD