The phenotypic expression of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) ranges from the
rapidly progressive childhood cerebral form to the milder adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN)
in adults. It is not possible to predict phenotype by mutation analysis or biochemical
assays. This study reports on 372 patients ranging in age from less than 3 years to
adulthood, who have been followed at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. With the aim of
determining whether a method could be developed to predict clinical course by analysis
of data available at time of first contact, the patients were subdivided into 18 subgroups
on the basis of age and the extent of brain magnetic resonance (MRI) abnormality utilizing
the MRI scoring system devised by Loes et al. Scores to grade degree of neurologic
and neuropsychologic impairment were also developed. There was strong correlation
between MRI and the neurology and neuropsychology scores at baseline. Information
based exclusively on age and MRI score at time of first contact was highly predictive
of future clinical course and should aid the evaluation of the effects of bone marrow
transplantation and the selection of patients for this procedure, as well as the evaluation
of other therapies that may be developed in the future.
Adrenoleukodystrophy - Therapy - Bone marrow transplant - Magnetic resonance imaging
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy - Prognosis - Phenotypes - Natural history