MPS II

MPS II

MPS II, Hunter syndrome or iduronate sulfatase deficiency, is caused by lack of the enzyme iduronate sulfatase. Hunter syndrome has two clinical subtypes and (since it shows X-linked recessive inheritance) is the only one of the mucopolysaccharidoses in which the mother alone can pass the defective gene to a son. The incidence of Hunter syndrome is estimated to be 1 in 100,000 to 150,000 male births.

Children with MPS II A, the more severe form of Hunter syndrome, share many of the same clinical features associated with Hurler syndrome (MPS I H) but with milder symptoms. Onset of the disease is usually between ages 2 and 4. Developmental decline is usually noticed between the ages of 18 and 36 months, followed by progressive loss of skills. Other clinical features include coarse facial features, skeletal irregularities, obstructive airway and respiratory complications, short stature, joint stiffness, retinal degeneration (but no corneal clouding), communicating hydrocephalus (see "What are the signs and symptoms?"), chronic diarrhea, enlarged liver and spleen, and progressive hearing loss. Whitish skin lesions may be found on the upper arms, back, and upper legs. Death from upper airway disease or cardiovascular failure usually occurs by age 15.

Physical characteristics of MPS II B are less obvious and progress at a much slower rate. Diagnosis is often made in the second decade of life. Intellect and social development are not affected. Skeletal problems may be less severe, but carpal tunnel syndrome and joint stiffness can restrict movement and height is somewhat less than normal. Other clinical symptoms include hearing loss, poor peripheral vision, diarrhea, and sleep apnea, although respiratory and cardiac complications can contribute to premature death. Persons with MPS II B may live into their 50s or beyond.