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, confusing non-trained HCPs at first contact, resulting in misdiagnosis, wrong referral routes and delays in the early start of treatment. Delays in starting treatment significantly affect 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: Dr Alessandra Biffi, Director of the Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, United States

TARGET AUDIENCE

This educational activity is designed for an international audience of general pediatricians, general practitioners, pediatric neurologists, physicians, and healthcare professionals interested in metabolic diseases and genetics. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Introduction to Microglia - a specialised population of macrophages-like cells in the CNS 
2. Reviewing microglia’s involvement in promoting or limiting the pathogenesis of diseases 
3. Exploring the potential for the management and treatment of neurometabolic disorders 

Watch the video!