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Alternative names
Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (galactosamine-6-sulfatase deficiency); Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVB (beta galactosidase deficiency)Definition Return to top
Morquio syndrome is an inherited disease belonging to the group of mucopolysaccharide storage diseases. Two forms are recognized, type A and type B.
Type A disease is characterized by the absence of the enzyme galactosamine-6-sulfatase, and the excretion of keratan sulfate in the urine. Type B disease results from deficiency of the enzyme beta galactosidase.
In both types there is accumulation in the body and brain of abnormally large amounts of a substance called mucopolysaccharide.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Morquio syndrome is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. It has several symptoms in common with other mucopolysaccharide storage diseases such as coarse facial features, short stature, and skeletal and joint abnormalities.
Like Sanfilippo syndrome, onset of symptoms is delayed until after the first year, and life expectancy may exceed 20 years. Unlike Sanfilippo syndrome, the mental development is often normal.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Physical examination and testing shows:
Treatment Return to top
There is no specific treatment for Morquio syndrome. Symptoms are treated as they occur. Patients with Morquio syndrome should have MRI of the lower skull and upper neck to determine if the upper vertebrae are underdeveloped. If they are, a spinal fusion may prevent irreversible spinal cord injury.
Bone marrow transplantation or enzyme replacement therapy may be available in the future.
Support Groups Return to top
National MPS SocietyExpectations (prognosis) Return to top
Bone abnormalities represent a significant problem, and correction through surgery should be made where possible. For example, small vertebrae at the top of the neck can cause slippage that damages the spinal cord so that paralysis may result. Death may occur as a result of cardiac complications.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms of Morquio syndrome occur.Prevention Return to top
Genetic counseling is recommended for prospective parents with a family history of Morquio syndrome. Update Date: 8/6/2003 Updated by: Douglas R. Stewart, M.D., Division of Medical Genetics, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |