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Clinical guidelines for diagnosing and managing ocular manifestations in children with mucopolysaccharidosis
Kristina T Fahnehjelm1, Jane L Ashworth, Susanne Pitz
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. kristina.tear-fahnehjelm@sankterik.se
Insights
Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) cause vision problems in children, affecting various eye structures. Early diagnosis and management by ophthalmologists are crucial for improving quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are rare genetic lysosomal storage disorders.
- Characterized by glycosaminoglycan accumulation, leading to multisystemic clinical manifestations.
- Severe cases can result in premature death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of ocular problems in MPS.
- To establish clinical guidelines for pediatric ophthalmologists.
- To facilitate early diagnosis and management of ocular manifestations in children with MPS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on ocular manifestations in MPS.
- Analysis of diagnostic challenges in MPS patients.
- Review of management strategies for ocular complications.
Main Results:
- Ocular problems are highly prevalent in children with MPS, affecting the cornea, retina, optic nerve, and visual pathways.
- Diagnostic difficulties include corneal clouding hindering fundus visualization and falsely elevated intraocular pressures.
- Simple interventions like prescription or photochromatic glasses can significantly enhance quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Ocular manifestations are a significant concern in pediatric MPS.
- Standardized diagnostic and management guidelines are needed for pediatric ophthalmologists.
- Timely intervention can mitigate visual impairment and improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of rare lysosomal storage disorders characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in several tissues and organs. This accumulation results in an array of clinical manifestations and premature death in severe cases. Ocular problems are very common in children with MPS and may involve the cornea, sclera, trabecular meshwork, retina, optic nerve and also the posterior visual pathways. The aims of this study are to give an overview of ocular problems in MPS and to provide clinical guidelines for paediatric ophthalmologists for early diagnosis and management of ocular manifestations in children with MPS. Diagnostic problems may arise in children with severe corneal clouding, hampering visualization of the fundus. Intraocular pressures may be falsely high, even leading to suspicion and unnecessary pressure-lowering treatment. Simple interventions such as the use of prescription glasses or photochromatic glasses can considerably improve quality of life in children with MPS.
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