Salla disease, also called sialic acid storage disease, is a rare inborn error of metabolism (IEM) and autosomal recessive disorder of lysosomal storage caused by a defective SLC17A5 gene. SLC17A5 codes for the lysosomal transporter sialin which exports sialic acid from the lysosome into the cytoplasm. This disorder is characterized by a large accumulation of sialic acid in the urine. Symptoms of the disorder include seizures, intellectual disability, developmental delay, nystagmus, hypotonia, ataxia, spasticity, and athetosis. There are three forms of Salla disease: infantile free sialic acid storage disease (ISSD), Salla disease, and intermediate severe Salla disease. Since there is currently no cure for Salla disease, treatment involves managing the disorder's symptoms. Salla disease has been reported in approximately 150 people (mostly from Finland and Sweden) and ISSD has been reported in a few dozen infants.

Salla Disease/Infantile Sialic Acid Storage Disease References