Morquio syndrome

• Alternative Names

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

• Causes, incidence, and risk factors

  Morquio syndrome is an autosomal recessive trait. That means both your parents must pass you the defective gene in order for you to get this disease.

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

  • Persons with Type A do not have a substance (enzyme) called galactosamine-6-sulfatase.
  • Persons 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 and brain, which can damage organs.

  The syndrome is estimated to occur in 1 of every 200,000 births. Symptoms usually start between ages 1 and 3. A family history of the syndrome raises one's risk for the condition.

• Symptoms
  • 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 (macrocephaly)
  • Short stature with a particularly short trunk
  • Widely spaced teeth
• Signs and tests

  The doctor will perform a physical examination. Examination and testing may reveal:

  • Abnormal curvature of the spine (kyphoscoliosis)
  • Cloudy cornea
  • Heart murmur (aortic regurgitation)
  • Inguinal hernia
  • Liver enlargement
  • 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

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

• Treatment

  There is no specific treatment for Morquio syndrome. Symptoms are treated as they occur.

  A spinal fusion may prevent irreversible spinal cord injury in persons whose neck bones are underdeveloped.

• Support Groups

  National MPS Society --www.mpssociety.org

• Expectations (prognosis)

  Cognitive (thinking) function is usually normal in patients 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 (cardiac) complications may lead to death.

• Complications
  • 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
• Calling your health care provider

  Call your health care provider if symptoms of Morquio syndrome occur.

• Prevention

  Genetic counseling is recommended for prospective parents with 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.

• 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.

Review Date: 5/11/2009

Reviewed By: Diana Chambers, MS, EdD, Certified Genetics Counselor (ABMG), Charter Member of the American Board of Genetic Counseling, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.