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Mucopolysaccharidosis I

Disease Details

Family Health Simplified

Description
Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is a genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase, leading to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in various tissues and organs.
Type
Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder.
Signs And Symptoms
Children with Hurler syndrome may appear normal at birth and develop symptoms over the first years of life. Symptoms vary between patients.One of the first abnormalities that may be detected is coarsening of the facial features; these symptoms can begin at 3–6 months of age. The head can be large with prominent frontal bones. The skull can be elongated. The nose can have a flattened nasal bridge with continuous nasal discharge. The eye sockets may be widely spaced, and the eyes may protrude from the skull. The lips can be large, and affected children may hold their jaws open constantly. Skeletal abnormalities occur by about age 6 months, but may not be clinically obvious until 10–14 months. Patients may experience debilitating spine and hip deformities, carpal tunnel syndrome, and joint stiffness. Patients may be normal height in infancy, but stop growing by the age of two years. They may not reach a height of greater than 4 ft (1.2 m).Other early symptoms may include inguinal and umbilical hernias. These may be present at birth, or they may develop within the first months of life. Clouding of the cornea and retinal degeneration may occur within the first year of life, leading to blindness. Enlarged liver and spleen are common. There is no organ dysfunction, but GAG deposition in these organs may lead to a massive increase in size. Patients may also have diarrhea. Aortic valve disease may occur.Airway obstruction is frequent, usually secondary to abnormal cervical vertebrae. Upper and lower respiratory tract infections can be frequent.Developmental delay may become apparent by age 1–2 years, with a maximum functional age of 2–4 years. Progressive deterioration follows. Most children develop limited language capabilities. Death usually occurs by age 10.
Prognosis
A British study from 2008 found a median estimated life expectancy of 8.7 years for patients with Hurler syndrome. In comparison, the median life expectancy for all forms of MPS type I was 11.6 years. Patients who received successful bone marrow transplants had a 2-year survival rate of 68% and a 10-year survival rate of 64%. Patients who did not receive bone marrow transplants had a significantly reduced lifespan, with a median age of 6.8 years.
Onset
Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) typically presents in infancy or early childhood.
Prevalence
Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) has a prevalence of approximately 1 in 100,000 live births.
Epidemiology
Hurler syndrome has an overall frequency of one per 100,000. Combined, all of the mucopolysaccharidoses have a frequency of approximately one in every 25,000 births in the United States.
Intractability
Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is considered a challenging condition to manage, but not entirely intractable. Treatment options such as enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can improve the quality of life and slow disease progression. However, these treatments may not completely halt the disease or reverse existing damage, and ongoing care is often required to manage symptoms and complications.
Disease Severity
Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is a progressive disorder with varying degrees of severity. It is part of a group of lysosomal storage disorders caused by a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase. The severity of MPS I can range from mild to severe and is categorized into three clinical subtypes based on the age of onset and symptom severity:

1. **Hurler Syndrome (MPS IH):** This is the most severe form. Symptoms usually appear within the first year of life and may include developmental delay, progressive mental deterioration, airway obstruction, severe skeletal deformities, and organ enlargement (hepatosplenomegaly). Without treatment, life expectancy is significantly reduced, often to around 10 years.

2. **Hurler-Scheie Syndrome (MPS IHS):** This intermediate form has later onset and milder symptoms compared to Hurler Syndrome. Patients may experience similar, but less severe, physical symptoms, without the profound neurological impact seen in Hurler Syndrome. Life expectancy can vary and might extend into adulthood with appropriate management.

3. **Scheie Syndrome (MPS IS):** The mildest form typically presents in late childhood or adolescence. Symptoms include joint stiffness, corneal clouding, and mild to moderate skeletal abnormalities. Intelligence is usually normal or mildly affected, and life expectancy can be near normal with proper treatment.

The course and severity of MPS I can vary significantly within these subtypes, and early diagnosis and treatment, including enzyme replacement therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, can impact outcomes.
Healthcare Professionals
Disease Ontology ID - DOID:12802
Pathophysiology
Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme α-L-iduronidase. This enzyme is responsible for degrading glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), specifically dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate. The deficiency leads to the accumulation of these GAGs in various tissues and organs, causing progressive cellular damage. Clinical manifestations can include developmental delay, coarse facial features, hepatosplenomegaly, cardiac anomalies, and musculoskeletal abnormalities. The severity of symptoms can vary, and MPS I is typically classified into Hurler, Hurler-Scheie, and Scheie syndromes, ranging from severe to attenuated forms.
Carrier Status
Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is an autosomal recessive disorder. This means that an individual must inherit two mutated copies of the IDUA gene, one from each parent, to manifest the disease. Carriers of MPS I have one normal copy and one mutated copy of the gene; they typically do not show symptoms of the disorder but can pass the mutated gene to their offspring.
Mechanism
Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the IDUA gene, which encodes the enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase. The mechanism of MPS I involves the deficiency or absence of this enzyme, leading to the impaired breakdown of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), specifically dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate.

As a result of this enzyme deficiency, GAGs accumulate within lysosomes in various tissues and organs, causing cellular dysfunction and contributing to the wide array of symptoms seen in MPS I, which can include skeletal abnormalities, organomegaly, and neurocognitive decline.

At the molecular level, the accumulation of undegraded GAGs disrupts normal cellular functions by enlarging lysosomes, interfering with cellular trafficking, and inducing inflammation. The excess GAGs can also disrupt extracellular matrix organization and impair the function of multiple organ systems. Enzyme replacement therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are current therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating these effects.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for Hurler syndrome. Enzyme replacement therapy with iduronidase (Aldurazyme) may improve pulmonary function and mobility. It can reduce the amount of carbohydrates being improperly stored in organs. Surgical correction of hand and foot deformities may be necessary. Corneal surgery may help alleviate vision problems.Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) can be used as treatments for MPS I. BMT from siblings with identical HLA genes and from relatives with similar HLA genes can significantly improve survival, cognitive function, and physical symptoms. Patients can develop graft versus host disease; this is more likely in non-sibling donors. In a 1998 study, children with HLA-identical sibling donors had a five-year survival of 75%; children with non-sibling donors had a five-year survival of 53%.Children often lack access to a suitable bone marrow donor. In these cases, UCBT from unrelated donors can increase survival, decrease physical signs of the disease, and improve cognition. Complications from this treatment may include graft versus host disease.
Compassionate Use Treatment
For Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I (MPS I), compassionate use treatments, off-label, or experimental treatments may include:

1. **Gene Therapy**: Experimental approaches like gene therapy aim to introduce a functional copy of the defective gene. Clinical trials are ongoing to assess their effectiveness and safety.

2. **Substrate Reduction Therapy (SRT)**: Research is exploring drugs that reduce the buildup of glycosaminoglycans by inhibiting their production.

3. **Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)**: While these are standard treatments for some cases, they may be used compassionately or experimentally in others, particularly for patients who don't respond well to enzyme replacement therapy.

4. **Chaperone Therapy**: This approach uses small molecules to stabilize the defective enzyme, increasing its activity. This is still largely in the research phase.

5. **Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT)**: While ERT (like laronidase) is a standard treatment, in some cases, its use might be compassionate or experimental, particularly in its application to less common manifestations or in specific combinations with other therapies.

6. **Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Therapies**: Off-label use of these drugs might be considered to manage secondary symptoms and inflammation associated with the disease.

Consulting with a healthcare provider or a specialist in genetic disorders is crucial for exploring these options. They can also provide information on ongoing clinical trials.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to break down certain sugar molecules, leading to various health issues. Lifestyle recommendations for individuals with MPS I typically focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life:

1. **Regular Medical Follow-Up**: Frequent visits to healthcare providers specializing in MPS I, such as geneticists, cardiologists, and orthopedists, are essential for monitoring the progression of the disease and managing complications.

2. **Physical Therapy**: Engaging in regular physical therapy can help maintain joint function and mobility, reduce pain, and improve the overall physical condition.

3. **Diet and Nutrition**: A well-balanced diet, high in nutrients, may help support overall health. In some cases, specific dietary interventions might be necessary based on individual health needs.

4. **Exercise**: While vigorous exercise might be challenging, low-impact activities like swimming or walking can help maintain muscle strength and cardiovascular health.

5. **Respiratory Care**: Regular assessments of lung function and respiratory therapy may be required, as respiratory issues are common in MPS I.

6. **Pain Management**: Work with healthcare providers to develop a plan for managing pain, which may involve medications, physical therapy, or other interventions.

7. **Support Groups**: Joining support groups or connecting with other families affected by MPS I can provide emotional support and practical advice.

8. **Educational Support**: Children with MPS I may benefit from individualized educational plans to accommodate learning disabilities and other challenges.

9. **Adaptive Devices**: Utilizing braces, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices can help maintain mobility and independence.

10. **Mental Health**: Psychological support or counseling can be beneficial for both patients and their families to cope with the emotional aspects of the disease.

It's important to work closely with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to develop a comprehensive, personalized approach to managing MPS I.
Medication
For mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I), enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with laronidase (Aldurazyme) is commonly used to treat the condition. This medication aims to replace the deficient enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase, thereby helping to break down glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that accumulate in the body's cells.
Repurposable Drugs
As of now, there are limited established repurposable drugs specifically for mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I). Standard treatments primarily include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with laronidase and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, research is ongoing to explore other pharmacological agents that could potentially be repurposed for MPS I.
Metabolites
In Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I (MPS I), also known as Hurler syndrome, Hurler-Scheie syndrome, or Scheie syndrome depending on severity, the primary metabolites that accumulate are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), particularly heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate. These substances accumulate due to a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase, leading to various symptoms and organ dysfunction.
Nutraceuticals
There is limited evidence and research regarding the effectiveness of nutraceuticals in the management of Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I). MPS I is a rare genetic disorder caused by the deficiency of the enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase, leading to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans. Currently, standard treatments include enzyme replacement therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Nutraceuticals or dietary supplements have not been proven to significantly impact the course of MPS I and should not replace conventional treatments. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended for the management of this condition.
Peptides
Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase. This deficiency leads to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in various body tissues. Treatment approaches for MPS I include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human alpha-L-iduronidase (laronidase), and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Peptide-based therapies are not a standard treatment for MPS I. Nanotechnology has potential applications in drug delivery and gene therapy for MPS I, but it is still largely experimental.