Sandhoff Disease

Sandhoff disease is a rare, genetic, lipid storage disorder resulting in the progressive deterioration of the central nervous system. It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme hexosaminidase which results in the accumulation of certain fats (lipids) in the brain and other organs of the body. Although Sandhoff disease is a severe form of Tay-Sachs disease--which is prevalent only in people of European Jewish descent--it is not limited to any ethnic group. Onset of the disorder usually occurs at 6 months of age. Symptoms may include motor weakness, startle reaction to sound, early blindness, progressive mental and motor deterioration, frequent respiratory infections, macrocephaly (an abnormally enlarged head), doll-like facial appearance, cherry-red spots, seizures, and myoclonus (shock-like contractions of a muscle).

There is no specific treatment for Sandhoff disease. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

The prognosis for individuals with Sandhoff disease is poor. Death usually occurs by age 3 and is generally caused by respiratory infections.

Information provided by the
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.