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Morquio syndrome

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA; Galactosamine-6-sulfatase deficiency; Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVB; Beta galactosidase deficiency; MPS IV

 

Morquio syndrome is a disease of metabolism in which the body is missing or does not have enough of a substance needed to break down long chains of sugar molecules. These chains of molecules are called glycosaminoglycans (formerly called mucopolysaccharides).

The syndrome belongs to a group of diseases called mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). Specifically, it is known as MPS IV.

See also:

  • MPS I H (Hurler syndrome)
  • MPS II, Hunter syndrome
  • MPS III (Sanfilippo syndrome)
  • MPS I S (Scheie syndrome)

Causes

 

Morquio syndrome is an inherited condition, which means it is passed down through families. If both parents carry a nonworking copy of a gene related to this condition, each of their children has a 25% (1 in 4) chance of developing the disease. This is called an autosomal recessive trait.

There are 2 forms of Morquio syndrome: Type A and Type B.

  • People with Type A do not have a substance ( enzyme ) called galactosamine-6-sulfatase.
  • People with Type B do not produce enough of an enzyme called beta-galactosidase.

The body needs these enzymes to break down a long strand of sugar molecules called the keratan sulfate sugar chain. In both types, abnormally large amounts of glycosaminoglycans build up in the body. This can damage organs.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms usually start between ages 1 and 3. They include:

  • Abnormal development of bones, including the spine
  • Bell-shaped chest with ribs flared out at the bottom
  • Coarse facial features
  • Hypermobile joints
  • Knock-knees
  • Large head
  • Short stature with a particularly short trunk
  • Widely spaced teeth

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will perform a physical examination. Examination and testing may reveal:

  • Abnormal curvature of the spine
  • Cloudy cornea
  • Heart murmur
  • Hernia in the groin
  • Enlarged liver
  • Loss of nerve function below the neck
  • Short stature (especially short trunk)

Urine tests are usually done first. These tests may show extra mucopolysaccharides, but they can't determine the specific form of MPS.

Other tests may include:

  • Blood culture
  • Echocardiogram
  • Genetic testing
  • Hearing test
  • Slit-lamp eye exam
  • Skin fibroblast culture
  • X-rays of the long bones, ribs, and spine

People with Morquio syndrome should have MRI of the lower skull and upper neck to determine if their upper vertebrae are underdeveloped.

 

Treatment

 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a medicine for Morquio syndrome type A, called elosulfase alfa (Vimizim). It is given through a vein (IV, intravenously). Talk to your provider for more information.

Symptoms are treated as they occur. A spinal fusion may prevent permanent spinal cord injury in people whose neck bones are underdeveloped.

 

Support Groups

 

For more information and support, contact one of the following organizations:

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Cognitive function (ability to think clearly) is usually normal in people with Morquio syndrome.

Bone problems can lead to significant complications. For example, the small bones at the top of the neck may slip and damage the spinal cord, causing paralysis. Surgery to correct such problems should be done if possible.

Heart problems may lead to death.

 

Possible Complications

 

These complications may occur:

  • Breathing problems
  • Heart failure
  • Spinal cord damage and possible paralysis
  • Vision problems
  • Walking problems related to abnormal curvature of the spine and other bone problems

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if symptoms of Morquio syndrome occur.

 

Prevention

 

Genetic counseling is recommended for couples who want to have children and who have a family history of Morquio syndrome. Counseling is also recommended for families who have a child with Morquio syndrome to help them understand the condition and possible treatments. Prenatal testing is available.

 

 

Open References

References

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Mucolipidoses Fact Sheet . Office of Communications and Public Liaison. Bethesda, MD; Publication No. 03-5115. February 13, 2007.

Pyeritz RE. Inherited diseases of connective tissue. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 260.

Spranger J. Mucopolysaccharidoses. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 82.

Wraith JE. Mucopolysaccharidoses and oligosaccharidoses. In: Saudubray J-M, van den Berghe G, Walter JH, eds. Inborn Metabolic Diseases: Diagnosis and Treatment . 5th ed. New York, NY: Springer; 2012:chap 40.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Talking to your MD

           

            Self Care

             

              Tests for Morquio syndrome

               
                 

                Review Date: 4/20/2015

                Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, FACMG, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section on Medical Genetics, Winston-Salem, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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