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Cognitive, medical, and neuroimaging characteristics of attenuated mucopolysaccharidosis type II
Brianna Yund1, Kyle Rudser2, Alia Ahmed1
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Unlabelled:
The phenotype of attenuated mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), also called Hunter syndrome, has not been previously studied in systematic manner. In contrast to the "severe" phenotype, the "attenuated" phenotype does not present with behavioral or cognitive impairment; however, the presence of mild behavior and cognitive impairment that might impact long-term functional outcomes is unknown. Previously, significant MRI abnormalities have been found in MPS II. Recent evidence suggests white matter abnormalities in many MPS disorders.
Methods:
As the initial cross-sectional analysis of a longitudinal study, we studied the association of brain volumes and somatic disease burden with neuropsychological outcomes, including measures of intelligence, memory, and attention in 20 patients with attenuated MPS II with a mean age of 15.8. MRI volumes were compared to 55 normal controls.
Results:
While IQ and memory were average, measures of attention were one standard deviation below the average range. Corpus callosum volumes were significantly different from age-matched controls, differing by 22%. Normal age-related volume increases in white matter were not seen in MPS II patients as they were in controls. Somatic disease burden and white matter and corpus callosum volumes were significantly associated with attention deficits. Neither age at evaluation nor age at starting treatment predicted attention outcomes.
Conclusions:
Despite average intelligence, attention is compromised in attenuated MPS II. Results confirm an important role of corpus callosum and cortical white matter abnormality in MPS II as well as the somatic disease burden in contributing to attention difficulties. Awareness by the patient and caregivers with appropriate management and symptomatic support will benefit the attenuated MPS II patient.
Insights
Attention is compromised in attenuated mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), or Hunter syndrome, despite average intelligence. White matter and corpus callosum abnormalities are linked to attention deficits in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The attenuated phenotype of mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), or Hunter syndrome, is not well-characterized, particularly regarding potential mild cognitive or behavioral impairments.
- While severe MPS II involves significant cognitive deficits, the impact of the attenuated form on long-term functional outcomes remains unclear.
- Previous studies indicate MRI abnormalities, including white matter changes, in MPS II patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between brain volumes, somatic disease burden, and neuropsychological outcomes in patients with attenuated MPS II.
- To compare brain volumes in patients with attenuated MPS II to those of normal controls.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of a longitudinal study involving 20 patients with attenuated MPS II (mean age 15.8).
- Neuropsychological assessments included measures of intelligence, memory, and attention.
- Brain MRI volumes were analyzed and compared to 55 age-matched normal controls.
Main Results:
- Patients with attenuated MPS II demonstrated average IQ and memory but attention measures were one standard deviation below average.
- Corpus callosum volumes were significantly smaller (22% difference) in MPS II patients compared to controls.
- MPS II patients did not exhibit normal age-related white matter volume increases seen in controls.
- Somatic disease burden, white matter, and corpus callosum volumes were significantly associated with attention deficits.
Conclusions:
- Attention is impaired in attenuated MPS II, even with average intelligence.
- Corpus callosum and white matter abnormalities, along with somatic disease burden, contribute to attention difficulties in MPS II.
- Increased awareness and appropriate management are crucial for patients with attenuated MPS II.
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