Challenges in the management of mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (Hunter’s Syndrome) in a developing country: a case report.
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Date
2015-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
College of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Ethiopia
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter's syndrome) is an X-linked chromosomal storage disorder due to deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase with patients rarely living till adulthood. Failure to identify patients early could contribute to an increased morbidity as identified in this case report.
CASE DETAILS:
An eight year old patient with Hunter's syndrome identified five years after disease onset with severe cardiovascular complications exemplifies the challenges faced in resource-limited countries towards making diagnosis and treatment of rare conditions. Elevated urinary glycosaminoglycans levels or a strong clinical suspicion of Hunter's syndrome, as identified in the index case, is a prerequisite for enzyme activity testing. Urinary mucopolysaccharide(MPS) level was 69.6 mg/mmol(normal range is 0.0 - 11.6 mg/mmol), and the confirming MPS electrophoresis analysis showed elevated heparan sulphate in the urine sample. Enzyme activity testing, with absent or very low iduronate-2-sulfatase activity, is diagnostic. However, the scarce availability and high cost of these tests is another constraint in making a diagnosis.
CONCLUSION:
Identification and management of mucopolysaccharidosis type II pose a problem in resource-constrained countries due to late presentation, lack of facility for diagnosis and treatment, cost and expertise required for the management.
Description
Keywords
Hunter's syndrome;, Mucopolysaccharide;, Mucopolysaccharidosis
Citation
Ibraheem, R., Oladele, P., Abdulazeez, A., Abdulkadir, M.B., Katibi, S. & Ibraheem, G. (2015): Challenges in the management of mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (Hunter’s Syndrome) in a developing country: a case report. Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences. 25(3); 279-282