John Taggart, Head of Communications at Niemann-Pick UK (NPUK), discusses the ASMD Perspective Index and its use in diagnosing Niemann-Pick disease.
Niemann-Pick disease is an inherited condition characterized by abnormal lipid metabolism that causes harmful amounts of lipids to accumulate in the spleen, liver, lungs, bone marrow, and brain. Niemann-Pick appears during infancy and symptoms include hepatosplenomegaly, failure to thrive, and progressive deterioration of the nervous system. It is caused by genetic changes in the SMPD1 gene. Niemann-Pick disease types A, A/B, and B are also known as acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD).
At WORLDSymposium 2025, Mr. Taggart presented a poster highlighting the use of the ASMD Perspective Index in diagnosing Niemann-Pick disease. The ASMD Perspective Index is a digital awareness tool designed to support clinicians in the recognition of key symptoms of ASMD. The index guides clinicians through an online survey covering symptoms such as hepatosplenomegaly, valvular abnormalities, and ataxia, which may prompt consideration of ASMD.
Since its launch, the tool has been utilized by clinicians across the UK and early feedback highlights its clarity, usability, and value in raising awareness of this under-recognized condition. The ASMD Perspective Index works to address diagnostic delays in rare diseases and is part of wider educational and data initiatives through collaboration with the International Niemann-Pick Disease Alliance (INPDA).
To learn more about Niemann-Pick and other rare lysosomal storage disorders, visit https://checkrare.com/diseases/lysosomal-storage-disorders/
