Hypophosphatasia is a rare inborn disease of metabolism. This paper reviewed its pathogenesis, forms, clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Here a case of neonatal hypophosphatasia is reported. This baby was female (30 minutes old). Prenatal ultrasound showed disproportionate biparietal diameter and long bones of limbs in the baby. After birth, she presented with obvious craniomalacia, respiratory distress and cyanosis. Serum alkaline phosphatase level was significantly reduced. Both X-ray and autopsy showed extremely insufficient skeletal mineralization. Four days later she died of respiratory failure.