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Published on: June 14, 2016
Sinus complications in mucopolysaccharidosis IH/S (Hurler-Scheie syndrome)
C J MacArthur1, R Gliklich, T J McGill
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of California, Irvine, Orange 92668.
Insights
Hurler-Scheie syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, causes glycosaminoglycan buildup. This case highlights severe nasal polyposis in a patient with Hurler-Scheie syndrome, a complication not previously reported.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Metabolic Disorders
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Hurler-Scheie syndrome is a rare genetic disorder resulting from a deficiency in the enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase.
- This deficiency leads to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in tissues, causing widespread systemic effects.
- While bone marrow transplantation can be effective for younger patients, many individuals with this condition age beyond its therapeutic window.
Observation:
- Sinus complications have not been previously documented in patients with mucopolysaccharidoses.
- This case presents a patient with Hurler-Scheie syndrome who developed severe nasal polyposis.
- The nasal polyposis necessitated surgical intervention via endoscopic sinus removal.
Findings:
- The study identifies severe nasal polyposis as a potential, previously unreported complication of Hurler-Scheie syndrome.
- This finding suggests that otolaryngologists should consider sinus issues in the differential diagnosis for patients with this syndrome.
- Increased longevity in patients with Hurler-Scheie syndrome may lead to a greater recognition of such complications.
Implications:
- Recognizing nasal polyposis in Hurler-Scheie syndrome is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- This underscores the importance of multidisciplinary care, including otolaryngology, for patients with rare metabolic disorders.
- Further research is warranted to understand the prevalence and mechanisms of sinus complications in mucopolysaccharidoses.
Abstract:
Hurler-Scheie syndrome is a genetic compound of two mucopolysaccharidoses, the Hurler and Scheie syndromes. The genetic error of metabolism caused by this syndrome produces intermediary systemic effects in the affected individuals. Lacking the enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase, glycosaminoglycans are deposited in the tissues, causing multiple systemic effects and creating many problems for the otolaryngologist. Although early bone marrow transplantation is currently being performed to prevent or reverse many of the systemic manifestations of this disorder, there remains a large population of children past the age at which bone marrow transplantation can be effective. Sinus complications have not previously been reported in the mucopolysaccharidoses and may be more frequently recognized as these patients' longevity increases. We present a patient with Hurler-Scheie syndrome who developed severe nasal polyposis requiring sinus endoscopic removal.
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