Immunochemistry of lysosomal storage disorders.

BACKGROUND Lysosomal storage disorders are a group of genetic diseases, each with a broad spectrum of clinical presentation that ranges from attenuated to severe. The immunochemical analysis of patient samples is aimed at several key aspects of patient management, including early detection of the disorder, prediction of clinical severity, determining the most appropriate therapeutic regimen, and monitoring of patients on therapy. METHODS In this study, we review the current and emerging technology available to achieve these assessments. RESULTS Immune assays have direct practical application for the early detection, diagnosis and prognosis of lysosomal storage disorder patients. Multiplexing of these assays may provide a platform to allow newborn screening for multiple lysosomal storage disorders. CONCLUSIONS We have reviewed the immunochemical techniques available for the analysis of lysosomal storage disorder patient samples and advise that these may be used in conjunction with other technologies for effective patient management.