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Mannosidosis is a rare inborn error of metabolism characterized by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-mannosidase and widespread storage of complex carbohydrate, which is enriched in mannose. Two affected unrelated males, aged 6 and 26 years, are reported. Both had a nonprogressive encephalopathy with moderately severe mental retardation. The older patient showed several unique features, including massive gingival hyperplasia associated with histiocytes containing large amounts of a material with the staining characteristics of glycoprotein. The best determinant of mannose storage proved to be the ratio of mannose to other carbohydrates in urinary polysaccharides. The enzyme deficiency in this disease is most convincingly demonstrated at pH values below 4.0. The ability of zinc to activate the mutant enzyme in vitro offers a possible mode of therapy for this disease. Retarded individuals with a Hurler-like appearance and gum hyperplasia of unknown cause should be screened for alpha-mannosidase deficiency.

Two cases of hemophilia in severely mentally retarded patients with drug-induced gingival hyperplasia are presented. The method of management in each case is described. A conservative approach is recommended in which tissue removals and only selected extractions are performed. It is also suggested that the sequela of dilantin hyperplasia be considered when dilantin is used in patients with hemophilia or severely mentally retarded patients whose oral hygiene may be difficult to maintain. If feasible, as in the first case reported, discontinuance of the drug should be considered. In case 2 the patient is presently being weaned from dilantin therapy. It should be understood that the authors are concerned with the immediate clinical management of drug-induced gingival hyperplasia in mentally-retarded patients with hemophilia. Although this method of management has proved successful in the hands of the authors, we do not have data to show that it is the best form of treatment for these patients.