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No HPO annotations are available for this condition.
Age of onset: infancy.
Sphingosine phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome (SPLIS) is characterized by varying combinations of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, primary adrenal insufficiency (with or without mineralocorticoid deficiency), testicular insufficiency, immunodeficiency, and neurologic abnormalities, and may also include primary hypothyroidism and ichthyosis. To date, 46 individuals with sphingosine phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome (SPLIS) have been reported [, , , , , , , , , , ]. Of note, the individual reported by is also included in the report by . The following description of the phenotypic features of SPLIS is based on these reports. Table 2. Features of Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency Syndrome
Sphingosine phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome (SPLIS) should be suspected in individuals with any combination of the following clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings and family history.
Clinical findings
Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. Typically congenital or infantile-onset, often associated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
• Endocrine
No approved treatments are currently available for disorder of phospholipids, sphingolipids and fatty acids biosynthesis. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with sphingosine phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome (SPLIS), the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 5. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency Syndrome
There are no published surveillance guidelines. Based on the known potential medical conditions associated with SPLIS, we propose consideration of the following . Table 7. Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency Syndrome
No clinical trials have been registered for disorder of phospholipids, sphingolipids and fatty acids biosynthesis.
73 publications have been identified in PubMed for disorder of phospholipids, sphingolipids and fatty acids biosynthesis. Research spans Basic Science / Preclinical (56%), Review / Meta-Analysis (25%), and Epidemiology / Natural History (10%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Laboratory research | 41 | 56% |
Data assembled from 4 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 20, 2026, 5:14 PM UTC
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Feature | # of Persons | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome | 37/46 | — |
Endocrine | Primary adrenal insufficiency | 31/46 |
8/26 w/cryptorchidism /or micropenis Hypothyroidism | 6/46 | — |
Immunodeficiency | 31/46 | — |
Neurologic abnormalities | 22/46 | Cranial nerve deficits (11/46); Strabismus (6/46); Ptosis (2/46); Developmental delay (9/46); Regression/progressive neurologic involvement (6/46); Peripheral motor sensory neuropathy (5/46) |
Spasticity Sensorineural hearing loss | 8/45 | — |
Ichthyosis/acanthosis | 13/46 | 1. , , The range of renal involvement extends from nonimmune fetal hydrops at the severe end to delayed evidence of nephrosis for many years after diagnosis or no renal involvement after years of follow up, as observed in two sibs in their twenties and thirties . |
Source: GeneReviews — "Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency Syndrome"
Source: GeneReviews — "Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency Syndrome"
Table 3. Genes of Interest in the Differential Diagnosis of Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency Syndrome
Gene(s) | DiffDx Disorder(s) | MOI | Features of the DiffDx Disorder |
|---|---|---|---|
ALDH3A2 | Sjgren-Larsson syndrome 1 | AR | Ichthyosis; intellectual disability; abnormal brain MRI |
GBA1 (GBA) | Gaucher disease type 2 | AR | Ichthyosis; nonimmune hydrops; abnormal brain MRI |
LAMB2 | Pierson syndrome (OMIM 609049) | AR | Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome; developmental delay |
Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency | AR | Adrenal calcifications | Hepatic fibrosis cirrhosis; intestinal malabsorption LMX1B |
Nail-patella syndrome | AD | Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome; sensorineural hearing loss | Nail dysplasia; hypoplastic or absent patellae; eye anomalies NPHS1 NPHS2 |
PLCE1 | Congenital nephrotic syndrome types 1, 2, 3 (OMIM 256300, 600995, 610725) | AR | Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome |
Schimke immunoosseous dysplasia | AR | Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome; T-cell lymphopenia | Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia; numerous lentigines AD = autosomal dominant; AR = autosomal recessive; DiffDx = differential diagnosis; MOI = mode of inheritance; SPLIS = sphingosine phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome 1. Table 4. |
Differential Diagnosis of Clinical Findings Associated with Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency Syndrome Clinical Finding | Distinguishing Features | Comment | — |
Motor/sensory neuropathy | Often autosomal dominant | See Charcot-Marie-Tooth Hereditary Neuropathy Overview. | — |
Congenital ichthyosis | Acanthosis may be observed in SPLIS. | Congenital ichthyosis is a feature of several genetic syndromes.; Nonsyndromic ichthyosis (e.g., autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis) can be considered if ichthyosis is the presenting finding; syndromic ichthyosis can be assoc w/Netherton syndrome, Sjgren-Larsson syndrome, trichothiodystrophy | — |
Nonimmune hydrops | Enlarged/hemorrhagic adrenals | Many genetic conditions are assoc w/fetal hydrops (e.g., chromosome anomalies, RASopathies, lysosomal storage disorders).1 Primary adrenal insufficiency | Adrenal calcifications, hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism, micropenis may be assoc w/primary adrenal insufficiency. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency Syndrome"
Biomarker and diagnostic research for disorder of phospholipids, sphingolipids and fatty acids biosynthesis has been reported in the published literature.
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
syndrome | Referral to nephrologist | Serum creatinine/BUN; urine protein/creatinine; renal ultrasound; May require kidney biopsy Primary adrenal |
insufficiency | Endocrinology referral | Early morning ACTH cortisol; Serum electrolytes; Plasma renin activity; Adrenal ultrasound; ACTH stimulation test if baseline results borderline Hypothyroidism |
Immunodeficiency | Consider referral to immunologist. | T-, B-, NK-cell subset analysis; Serum immunoglobulins; T-cell proliferation assays; Antibody titers to vaccinations Poor weight gain/ |
Failure to thrive | Eval by gastroenterology, nutrition, feeding team | Initiation of tube feeding if needed Neurologic |
involvement | Neurologic exam | Assess for UMN involvement (spasticity, DTRs) LMN involvement (strength, sensation, DTRs); if abnormal consider EMG NCV.; Consider EEG if seizures are a concern.; Brain MRI if not previously performed |
Musculoskeletal | Orthopedics/ physical medicine rehab/ PT OT eval | To incl assessment of:; Gross motor fine motor skills; Contractures kyphoscoliosis; Mobility, ADL, need for adaptive devices; Need for PT (to improve gross motor skills) /or OT (to improve fine motor skills) |
Hearing | Audiologic eval | For sensorineural hearing loss |
Speech | Speech language pathology assessment | For those w/DD /or hearing loss |
Development | Developmental assessment | To incl:; Motor, adaptive, cognitive, speech-language eval; Eval for early intervention/ special education Ichthyosis/ |
Acanthosis | Dermatology referral if skin abnormalities | Genetic |
counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of SPLIS to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support resources |
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency Syndrome Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome |
Primary adrenal insufficiency | By pediatric endocrinologist | Glucocorticoid replacement; Mineralocorticoid replacement as required ± sodium supplementation; Appropriate counseling for sick days; emergency perioperative mgmt Hypothyroidism |
Immunodeficiency | Care by immunologist | Monitor absolute lymphocyte count over time. If proliferation is abnormal, consider avoiding live vaccines. Most affected persons have normal or near-normal T-cell function despite absolute levels. To consider: supportive therapy (e.g., IVIG) to prevent infection based on history lab testing. |
Failure to thrive | Search for underlying etiology, e.g., renal or endocrine problem. | Consider input from nutritionist, parenteral feeding. |
DD/ID | See . | Neurologic |
involvement | Seizure management | Rule out electrolyte disturbances hypoglycemia.; Information is insufficient re specific antiseizure mgmt. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency Syndrome"
Any nephrotoxic drug should be avoided. If renal insufficiency is present, avoid medications that require renal excretion. Live vaccines or exposure to infectious agents may be particularly dangerous due to immunodeficiency. Transfusion products should be irradiated.
Source: GeneReviews — "Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency Syndrome"
Responsiveness to cofactor supplementation (pyridoxine HCl) has been reported in two individuals with sphingosine phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome . Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency Syndrome"
View trials for disorder of phospholipids, sphingolipids and fatty acids biosynthesis
Evaluation |
|---|
Frequency |
|---|
insufficiency | Early morning ACTH, serum cortisol (thereafter ACTH stimulation test if baseline results borderline/abnormal), electrolytes, plasma renin activity | Clinical review analysis every 6-12 mos; in addition, consider before any major procedure. |
Hypothyroidism | Free T4, TSH | Annually Testicular |
insufficiency | Clinical review w/close assessment of pubertal progression, further investigation if delayed onset or poor progression | Annually |
Immunodeficiency | Ongoing eval of lymphocyte count immune function | Every 6-12 mos or more frequent if ongoing infections or other concerns |
Feeding/Nutrition | Monitor growth on age- sex-appropriate curve. | Standard intervals for well-child check-ups; more frequent weight checks if growth rate Neurologic |
involvement | Neurologic exam for new manifestations /or progression | At least annually Musculoskeletal/ |
Mobility/ADL | OT/PT assessment | — |
Hearing | Audiogram | At least annually |
Speech | Speech language pathologist | Development / Educational needs |
Source: GeneReviews — "Sphingosine Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency Syndrome"
Research summaries |
18 |
25% |
Disease patterns and progression | 7 | 10% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 6 | 8% |
New treatment approaches | 1 | 1% |
Cen Y (2026). [PMID: 41704482](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41704482/). *Frontiers in endocrinology*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Bleve S (2026). [PMID: 41820670](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41820670/). *Prostate cancer and prostatic diseases*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Lv Y (2026). [PMID: 42053125](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42053125/). *Anal Chem*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Fontes AC (2026). [PMID: 42188039](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42188039/). *Metabolites*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Qadir AM (2026). [PMID: 41484393](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41484393/). *Metabolic brain disease*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Monthe-Dreze C (2026). [PMID: 41651070](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41651070/). *The Journal of nutrition*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Mujamammi AH (2026). [PMID: 41893363](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41893363/). *Metabolites*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Salas YM (2026). [PMID: 41903861](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41903861/). *Ageing Res Rev*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Karaszewska DM (2026). [PMID: 41654543](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41654543/). *Translational psychiatry*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Pinto B (2026). [PMID: 41850615](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41850615/). *Journal of affective disorders*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]