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Published on: February 5, 2018
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter's syndrome) in Taiwan
1Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract:
The mucopolysaccharidoses are a group of inherited disorders of lysosomal storage of glycosaminoglycans. Among them, mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II (Hunter's syndrome), caused by a deficiency in iduronate sulfatase, is the only one inherited in an X-linked recessive manner. We describe 12 Hunter's syndrome patients and seven carriers, with precise analysis of glycosaminoglycan content in urine and iduronate sulfatase activity in cultured fibroblasts and plasma. Their ages at the time of diagnosis ranged from 1 year 10 months to 11 years (mean 4.3 yr). The delay in diagnosis was from 1 month to 5 years (mean 2.1 yr) after the initial presentation. The most frequent initial complaints of the patients were delayed developmental milestones (75%) and speech (67%), although all patients were found to have coarsening of facial features at diagnosis. The difficulties in disease recognition allowed disease recurrence in four of the 11 families. Prompt clinical suspicion and referral will be important in genetic counseling for MPS type II and its management, if definitive therapy becomes available.
Insights
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter's syndrome) is an X-linked disorder. Early recognition of symptoms like developmental delays is crucial for timely genetic counseling and management.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are inherited lysosomal storage diseases.
- Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter's syndrome) is X-linked recessive, caused by iduronate sulfatase deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze glycosaminoglycan content and enzyme activity in Hunter's syndrome patients and carriers.
- To evaluate diagnostic delays and their impact on families.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of urinary glycosaminoglycans.
- Measurement of iduronate sulfatase activity in fibroblasts and plasma.
- Clinical assessment of 12 patients and 7 carriers.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis ages ranged from 1 year 10 months to 11 years (mean 4.3 yr).
- Diagnostic delays averaged 2.1 years.
- Common initial symptoms included developmental delays and speech issues; coarsening facial features were universal at diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Prompt clinical suspicion and referral are vital for managing Hunter's syndrome.
- Difficulties in diagnosis led to recurrence in 4 of 11 families.
- Early recognition is key for genetic counseling and potential future therapies.
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