Short stature, skeletal dysplasia, dental anomalies and corneal clouding are the hallmarks of MPS-IVA. While birth lengths of affected individuals are generally normal (52±5 cm), final adult heights for males and females are far below average (123±23 and 117±21 cm, respectively) [6]. First anomalies are usually noted in early childhood, generally, before a child becomes three years old. MPS-IVA commonly manifests in form of kyphosis or gibbus, scoliosis, pectus carinatum, genu valgum, gait disturbances and frequent falls, but the clinical presentation varies with disease severity [1]. Symptoms like back, leg, and hip pain or malformations of the upper limbs more often introduce mild forms of the disease. Short neck, cervical spine instability, and generalized platyspondyly may also be noted. Ligamentous laxity contributes to joint instability and hypermobility, and may be detrimental in patients suffering from dysplasia of the vertebral column. As has been described above, this condition may cause spinal cord compression and paraplegia. Fortunately, this complication is rare. In general, MPS-IVA patients show normal intelligence, but visual impairment and hearing loss are regularly reported. Besides corneal clouding, vision may also be compromised due to astigmatism or retinopathy. MPS-IVA patients frequently suffer from valvular heart disease [11]. With regards to the respiratory tract, snoring, sleep apnea, recurrent upper respiratory infection, and dyspnea may occur.

• Short Stature

  Clinical findings Short stature, skeletal dysplasia, dental anomalies, and corneal clouding. Intelligence is normal; no CNS involvement, except where skeletal changes compress anatomic structures and cause neurologic complications. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Short stature, skeletal dysplasia, dental anomalies and corneal clouding are the hallmarks of MPS-IVA. [symptoma.com]

  The characteristic skeletal dysplasia includes short stature, dysostosis multiplex and degenerative joint disease. [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]

  Key clinical features include short stature, skeletal dysplasia, dental anomalies, and corneal clouding. [jodhre.hsc7uc.com]

• Pain

  Typical signs of anaphylaxis include cough, rash, throat tightness, hives, flushing, changes in skin color, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, retching, and vomiting. [vimizim.com]

  Symptoms included nodular soft-tissue masses located around joints, with episodes of painful swelling of the masses and pain that ended spontaneously within 3 days. Pelvic radiography showed multiple soft-tissue masses and some bone erosion. [en.wikipedia.org]

  […] ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome occurs, which may be life-threatening en Hard fish roes enclosed in the ovarian membrane, fresh, chilled or frozen, salted or in brine, for processing en The first symptoms of ovarian overstimulation may be noticed as pain [cs.glosbe.com]

• Falling

  MyBioSource and its authorized distributors reserve the right to refuse to process any order where we reasonably believe that the intended use will fall outside of our acceptable guidelines. [mybiosource.com]

  […] abnormalities Dental abnormalities Marked disproportionate short stature with short trunk and normal limbs Skeletal abnormalities including ulnar deviation of the wrists, pectus carinatum, kyphosis, scoliosis Hypermobile joints and waddling gait with frequent falls [centogene.com]

  MPS-IVA commonly manifests in form of kyphosis or gibbus, scoliosis, pectus carinatum, genu valgum, gait disturbances and frequent falls, but the clinical presentation varies with disease severity. [symptoma.com]

  Affected individuals exhibit a waddling gait with frequent falls. Early development and intelligence are typically normal, unlike other MPS storage disorders. High frequency hearing impairment is common. [rarediseases.org]

• Gaucher Disease

  disease Gaucher disease, type I, 230800 Gaucher disease, type II, 230900 Gaucher disease, type III, 231000 Gaucher disease, type IIIC, 231005 Gaucher disease, perinatal lethal, 608013 Tags Green Green List (high evidence) GLA 2 reviews 1 green X-LINKED [panelapp.genomicsengland.co.uk]

  In this respect, MPS is like all the other disorders of lysosomal storage such as Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, and Pompe disease. [medicinenet.com]

  Fabry disease treatment: https://www.fabrydisease.org/index.php/about-fabry-disease/fabry-disease-treatment. National Gaucher Foundation. [smartpharmtx.com]

  Gaucher Disease Within the group of LSDs, Gaucher disease is the most common enzyme deficiency disorder and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. [touchophthalmology.com]

  She is chair of the "Erfocentrum" board, treasurer of the European Study Group on Lysosomal Diseases, and involved in activities of the European Working Group on Gaucher Disease and the Adult Metabolic Group for the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors [books.google.ro]

• Recurrent Upper Respiratory Infection

  With regards to the respiratory tract, snoring, sleep apnea, recurrent upper respiratory infection, and dyspnea may occur. Anamnestic data may substantiate a tentative diagnosis of MPS-IVA. [symptoma.com]

• Sleep Apnea

  Adequate spontaneous ventilation was a primary objective, as face mask ventilation was also likely to be very difficult because of the continuous deposition of glycosaminoglycans, disturbed anatomy and sleep apnea. [omicsonline.org]

  Surgery to remove tonsils and adenoids may improve breathing among affected individuals with obstructive airway disorders and sleep apnea. Sleep studies can assess airway status and the possible need for nighttime oxygen. [en.wikipedia.org]

  The airway may become narrow in some people with MPS IV, leading to frequent upper respiratory infections and short pauses in breathing during sleep (sleep apnea). [medlineplus.gov]

  Respiratory For obstructive sleep apnea, yearly history focused on sleep patterns and sounds. Evaluation by an otolaryngologist for adenotonsillectomy. Annual in home screening sleep studies (which monitor oxygen saturation). [genereviews.nrdrs.org.cn]

  apnea, endurance limitations, snoring Cardiac valve abnormalities Dental abnormalities Marked disproportionate short stature with short trunk and normal limbs Skeletal abnormalities including ulnar deviation of the wrists, pectus carinatum, kyphosis, [centogene.com]

• Snoring

  History of snoring, daytime somnolence and stridor may indicate airway obstruction [10]. History of snoring was present in our case. [ijaweb.org]

  […] suggestive laboratory findings 4: No distinctive clinical findings at birth History of adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, hernia repair, ear ventilation, cervical spine decompression Respiratory abnormalities including sleep apnea, endurance limitations, snoring [centogene.com]

  With regards to the respiratory tract, snoring, sleep apnea, recurrent upper respiratory infection, and dyspnea may occur. Anamnestic data may substantiate a tentative diagnosis of MPS-IVA. [symptoma.com]

  Airway evaluation: abnormal neck anatomy, short neck with limited mobility, hyromental and thyromentonian distance less than 6 cm, severely limited jaw protrusion, mouth opening inferior to 6 cm, mallampati IV and snoring. [omicsonline.org]

• Dyspnea

  Thepatient developed urticaria, angioedema of the lips and dyspnea, maculopapular andurticarial rash over the foot and also he had fever. [tjmbb.org]

  Because of persistent dyspnea and poor exercise tolerance (New York Heart Association class III), he was investigated for cardiac disease. [circ.ahajournals.org]

  With regards to the respiratory tract, snoring, sleep apnea, recurrent upper respiratory infection, and dyspnea may occur. Anamnestic data may substantiate a tentative diagnosis of MPS-IVA. [symptoma.com]

• Hepatomegaly

  Hepatomegaly and peripheral corneal deposits resembling arcus senilis were present. Peripheral leukocytes contained basophilic granulation. [annals.org]

  Affected people may also experience involvement of other organ systems such as respiratory problems,valvular heart disease, hearing impairment, corneal clouding, dental abnormalities, hepatomegaly, and spinal cord compression. [checkorphan.org]

  Affected people may also experience involvement of other organ systems such as respiratory problems, valvular heart disease, hearing impairment, corneal clouding, dental abnormalities, hepatomegaly, and spinal cord compression.[1][2] MPS IVA is caused [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]

• Visual Impairment

  Involvement of other organ systems can lead to respiratory complications, valvular heart disease, hearing impairment, visual impairment from corneal clouding, dental abnormalities, and hepatomegaly. [centogene.com]

  Additionally, MPS-IVA patients may present with visual and hearing impairment, respiratory distress and heart disease. [symptoma.com]

  Visual impairment: corneal clouding. Dental caries (enamel abnormalities). [patient.info]

  Neurocognitive development may be delayed due to functional and visual impairments. [touchophthalmology.com]

• Corneal Opacity

  Corneal opacities and deafness are also features of the syndrome [2]. Different phenotypes of MPS IVA have been recognized. [hindawi.com]

  Cornea Corneal opacities are universally present in all forms of MPS I.31 Fine grey punctate opacities are first seen in the anterior stroma; later, as the disease progresses, they are also seen in the posterior stroma. [touchophthalmology.com]

  opacity 0007957 Delayed skeletal maturation Delayed bone maturation Delayed skeletal development [ more ] 0002750 Gait disturbance Abnormal gait Abnormal walk Impaired gait [ more ] 0001288 Genu valgum Knock knees 0002857 Hearing impairment Deafness [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]

  Visual problems Although corneal opacity has been reported [ 31 ], it is not generally a feature of MPS II and helps to distinguish the disorder clinically from severe MPS I and MPS VI. [link.springer.com]

• Hearing Impairment

  Affected people may also experience involvement of other organ systems such as respiratory problems,valvular heart disease, hearing impairment, corneal clouding, dental abnormalities, hepatomegaly, and spinal cord compression. [checkorphan.org]

  Affected people may also experience involvement of other organ systems such as respiratory problems, valvular heart disease, hearing impairment, corneal clouding, dental abnormalities, hepatomegaly, and spinal cord compression.[1][2] MPS IVA is caused [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]

• Hearing Problem

  Recurrent upper airway infections and hearing problems. Mild hepatosplenomegaly. [patient.info]

  Pediatricians, surgeons, specialists who assess and treat heart problems (cardiologists), specialists who assess and treat hearing problems (audiologists), specialists who assess and treat eye problems (ophthalmologists), specialists who assess and treat [rarediseases.org]

• Genu Valgum

  Skeletal deformities (platyspondyly, kyphosis, scoliosis, pectus carinatum, genu valgum, long bone deformities) become more pronounced as the child grows. Joint hyperlaxity is accompanied by frequent luxations (hips, knees). [orpha.net]

  Clinical features include short trunk dwarfism, dysostosis multiplex, progressive spinal deformity, short neck, pectus carinatum, genu valgum, pes planus, and odontoid hypoplasia with varying degrees of severity. [icd10data.com]

  The severe form is usually apparent between ages one and three years, often first manifesting as kyphoscoliosis, genu valgum and pectus carinatum2, 3. [centogene.com]

  MPS-IVA commonly manifests in form of kyphosis or gibbus, scoliosis, pectus carinatum, genu valgum, gait disturbances and frequent falls, but the clinical presentation varies with disease severity. [symptoma.com]

  Genu valgum. Gait abnormalities. Corneal clouding. Differential diagnosis Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. Other mucopolysaccharidoses. [patient.info]

• Platyspondyly

  Characteristic findings included hypoplasia of odontoid peg, universal platyspondyly, gibbus and kyphosis of the dorsal region with widening of disk spaces. [cjhr.org]

  Clinical manifestations include: Platyspondyly of vertebrae. Dysplasia of the long bones. Atlanto-occipital instability. Genu valgum. Gait abnormalities. Corneal clouding. Differential diagnosis Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. [patient.info]

  Skeletal deformities (platyspondyly, kyphosis, scoliosis, pectus carinatum, genu valgum, long bone deformities) become more pronounced as the child grows. Joint hyperlaxity is accompanied by frequent luxations (hips, knees). [orpha.net]

  […] beta-galactosidase deficiency mucopolysaccharidosis (mps) iv b this type is caused by beta-galactosidase (ec 3.2.1.23) deficiency and is marked a milder phenotype consisting of dysostosis multiplex, pectus carinatum, odontoid hypoplasia, kyphosis, genua valga, platyspondyly [icd10data.com]

  Short neck, cervical spine instability, and generalized platyspondyly may also be noted. Ligamentous laxity contributes to joint instability and hypermobility, and may be detrimental in patients suffering from dysplasia of the vertebral column. [symptoma.com]

• Arthritis

  Arthritis Rheum 2006;55:709–16. (30) Doherty M, Dacre J, Dieppe P, Snaith M. The ‚GALS‘ locomotor screen. Ann Rheum Dis 1992;51:1165–69. (31) Chan MO, Sen ES, Hardy E, Hensman P, Wraith E, Jones S, et al. [revista.spr.org.py]

  Progressive bone and joint involvement leads to short stature, disabling pain and arthritis. [centogene.com]

  Joint replacement surgery may be needed in adults with severe arthritis and pain. A number of treatments have shown benefit in other types of mucopolysaccharidoses. However, their use in Morquio's syndrome is still in an experimental stage. [patient.info]

  Arthritis Rheum 50:1650–1654 CrossRef PubMed Google Scholar 22. Farahmand P et al (2011) Epidemiologie des Morbus Paget. Osteologie 20:114–118 Google Scholar 23. Feng X et al (2011) Disorders of bone remodeling. [link.springer.com]

  […] kyphoscoliosis) or concern for a spine abnormality; an abnormally short neck; knees that are abnormally close together (knock knees or genu valgum); flat feet; abnormal development of the growing ends of the long bones (epiphyses); hip dislocation and arthritis [rarediseases.org]

• Coxa Valga

  valga Qualitative urine glycosaminoglycan (GAG) analysis, which uses thin layer chromatography or electrophoresis to identify specific types of GAG, was commonly used for MPS IVA diagnostics 4. [centogene.com]

  Radiological findings in Morquio's syndrome include odontoid hypoplasia, atlanto-axial subluxation, flared ribs, short thorax, flattened capital femoral epiphyses, coxa valga, universal platyspondyly, anterior beaking of vertebrae and short ulna. [patient.info]

  valga 0002673 Disproportionate short-trunk short stature Disproportionate short-trunked dwarfism Disproportionate short-trunked short stature Short-trunked dwarfism [ more ] 0003521 Epiphyseal deformities of tubular bones 0003053 Flaring of rib cage [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]

  Frontal view of the pelvis with both hips revealed enlarged acetabular cavities with rough margins, and poorly formed femoral epiphyses and widened femoral necks with coxa valga [Figure 5]. [cjhr.org]

• Hip Pain

  Symptoms like back, leg, and hip pain or malformations of the upper limbs more often introduce mild forms of the disease. Short neck, cervical spine instability, and generalized platyspondyly may also be noted. [symptoma.com]

  The slowly progressing form, which may not become apparent until adolescence, presents with hip pain and stiffness. [rarediseases.org]

• Short Neck

  This child also presented with most of the features such as short stature, pectus carinatum, short neck, knock knees, kyphosis, projecting jaw, broad mouth, and flat feet with an abnormal gait. [cjhr.org]

  Airway evaluation: abnormal neck anatomy, short neck with limited mobility, hyromental and thyromentonian distance less than 6 cm, severely limited jaw protrusion, mouth opening inferior to 6 cm, mallampati IV and snoring. [omicsonline.org]

  Clinical features include short trunk dwarfism, dysostosis multiplex, progressive spinal deformity, short neck, pectus carinatum, genu valgum, pes planus, and odontoid hypoplasia with varying degrees of severity. [icd10data.com]

  Short neck, cervical spine instability, and generalized platyspondyly may also be noted. Ligamentous laxity contributes to joint instability and hypermobility, and may be detrimental in patients suffering from dysplasia of the vertebral column. [symptoma.com]

  Clinical manifestations include: Short stature (flat vertebrae cause a short trunk), short neck, moderate kyphosis or scoliosis, and mild pectus carinatum (pigeon chest). [patient.info]

• Waddling Gait

  gait with frequent falls Visual impairment secondary to corneal clouding, astigmatism, and/or retinopathy Frequent findings on skeletal radiographs in MPS IV-affected children include the following 2, 4: Kyphosis and gibbus (structural kyphosis) Odontoid [centogene.com]

  The combined abnormalities usually result in a duck-waddling gait. Mid-face hypoplasia and mandibular protrusion. Thin teeth enamel. Corneal clouding affecting vision. Recurrent upper airway infections and hearing problems. Mild hepatosplenomegaly. [patient.info]

  The patient may have a waddling gait. Pectus carinatum (horizontal and protuberant sternum) and a shortened neck with clouding of the cornea, ligamentous laxity, and joint stiffness are also seen. [cjhr.org]

  Affected individuals exhibit a waddling gait with frequent falls. Early development and intelligence are typically normal, unlike other MPS storage disorders. High frequency hearing impairment is common. [rarediseases.org]

• Abnormal Gait

  This child also presented with most of the features such as short stature, pectus carinatum, short neck, knock knees, kyphosis, projecting jaw, broad mouth, and flat feet with an abnormal gait. [cjhr.org]

  0000772 Corneal opacity 0007957 Delayed skeletal maturation Delayed bone maturation Delayed skeletal development [ more ] 0002750 Gait disturbance Abnormal gait Abnormal walk Impaired gait [ more ] 0001288 Genu valgum Knock knees 0002857 Hearing impairment [rarediseases.info.nih.gov]

  The most prevalent clinical manifestations were kyphosis (100%), pectus carinatum (96%), abnormal gait (93%), striking short trunk dwarfism (92%), genu valgum (92%), and valvular heart disease (91%). [ojrd.biomedcentral.com]

• Average Intelligence

  On clinical examination, the child appeared to have a less than average intelligence but was placid and cooperative. He was short statured (height 99.5 cm, expected height 115 cm), weighed 19.5 kg (expected weight 24 kg) and had a short neck. [ijaweb.org]

Anamnestic data may substantiate a tentative diagnosis of MPS-IVA. On the one hand, there may be a family history of similar complaints and consanguineous marriage increases the likelihood of hereditary disorders to manifest. On the other hand, considerable shares of MPS-IVA patients present with a medical history of ear tube placement, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy or dental problems. Patients may also have undergone orthopedic surgery without a proper investigation as to the causes of skeletal anomalies.

If anamnestic data, clinical presentation, ophthalmological and radiographic findings are consistent with MPS-IVA, the following measures should be undertaken to confirm the diagnosis [12]:

• Qualitative and quantitative analysis of urine samples for glycosaminoglycan content. MPS-IVA patients test positive for urinary excretion of chondroitin 6-sulfate and keratan sulfate. Because the sensitivity of this assay is restricted, additional tests should be performed if there is a suspicion of MPS-IVA. Furthermore, urine analysis may not allow for a distinction between MPS-IVA and mucopolysaccharidosis 4B (MPS-IVB).
• Assessment of GALNS activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts, which yields values below laboratory-specific reference ranges. In contrast, MPS-IVB patients suffer from a deficiency of β-galactosidase.
• Identification of mutations affecting the gene encoding for GALNS.

Of note, radiographic anomalies like odontoid hypoplasia, spinal curvature, and epiphyseal dysplasia may be detected in the neonatal period, possibly before the onset of clinical symptoms [6].

Specific treatment is limited and thus, supportive care is provided and adjusted to the needs of an individual patient. Traditionally, the latter comprised physiotherapy, orthopedic interventions, and provision of orthopedic aids, psychological support for the patient and their family. Furthermore, therapy aims at symptom relieve and avoidance of complications due to lesions of the nervous system, heart and respiratory tract, which may be achieved by means of surgery, administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, prophylactic application of antibiotics, and supplementation of oxygen, among others. While these measures are still of major importance, approval of elosulfase alfa (Vimizim®) for enzyme replacement therapy in MPS-IVA patients gave rise to new hope for an improvement of life quality and endurance [13] [14]. Elosulfase alfa is typically administered intravenously, at a weekly dose of 2 mg/kg. Patients should be prepared for drug administration by previous application of an antihistamine. Long-term outcomes of elosulfase alfa therapy have not yet been published. Regular follow-ups are recommended in any case. Here, particular attention should be paid to a possible progression of cardiac and pulmonary disorders as well as spinal cord compression.

Symptom onset generally occurs early in life, and the disease follows a progressive course. While morbidity and mortality largely depend on the severity of the disease, Morquio A is a serious illness often associated with severely reduced quality of life, disability and long-term needs for care. Patients diagnosed with mild MPS-IVA have a near-to-normal life expectancy, but moderate to severe forms of the disease cause premature death. Respiratory failure and heart failure have recently been reported to be the most common causes of death in MPS-IVA patients, which occurs at a mean age of 25 years [10].

MPS-IVA is a hereditary disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding for GALNS, which is located on the long arm of chromosome 16. It encompasses almost 50 kb and comprises 14 exons that are assembled to a 522-amino acid protein. Several hundred mutations have been related with MPS-IVA so far, and still, as-of-yet undescribed gene variants are discovered periodically [2]. Either one of the three most common mutations may be encountered in only about 20% of MPS-IVA patients. With regards to the nature of mutations, missense mutations prevail and account for more than three-fourths of known gene defects. Nonsense mutations as well as deletions and insertions of varying size account for the remaining variants [3]. Recently, the three-dimensional structure of this glycosaminoglycan-degrading enzyme has been disclosed by means of crystallography [4]. This knowledge allowed for mapping known mutations to substructures of the homodimeric glycoprotein and revealed that MPS-IVA-related variants either present a disruption of the active site, inadequate folding or loss of surface exposure of certain amino acids.

Estimates regarding the prevalence of MPS-IVA range from 1-10 per 1,000,000 inhabitants, with slightly higher prevalence rates, reported among neonates [5]. The International Morquio A Registry provides further epidemiological data regarding race, gender, and age of affected individuals [6]. The majority of patients registered were Caucasians, but most questionnaires were filled out by North Americans and Europeans, so it is not possible to deduce a possible predilection for a race. Blacks and Asians were included in this study, indicating that MPS-IVA may affect people of all races, though. Men and women accounted for 53% and 47% of study participants, respectively, implying an equal prevalence in both genders. This result is consistent with the autosomal mode of inheritance described for the disease. The patients' mean age at symptom onset was 2.1 year, with less than 10% of affected individuals experiencing first symptoms beyond the age of 5 years. Of note, eldest study participants were older than 70 years, thus showing that mild MPS-IVA does not necessarily provoke premature death.

Under physiological conditions, glycosaminoglycans chondroitin 6-sulfate and keratan sulfate are subjected to degradation by GALNS. This lysosomal enzyme catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of the sulfuric ester bonds in these macromolecules. In MPS-IVA patients, functional deficiencies of GALNS result in an intralysosomal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans, which is primarily observed in cartilaginous and osseous tissues as well as in the cornea [7]. In general, this condition is referred to as a lysosomal storage disorder, and ensuing pathophysiological events are similar to those observed in other entities of this group of diseases: Progressive enlargement of lysosomes initially interferes with the function of these cell organelles, but eventually, cellular, tissue and organ function are compromised. Nevertheless, detrimental consequences of glycosaminoglycan accumulation are likely to go beyond mere mechanical effects. In this context, it has been suggested that keratan sulfate inhibits osteoblast activity at low concentrations and directly mediates bone toxicity at higher concentrations [8]. With regards to neurological deficits observed in some MPS-IVA patients, these are not usually due to lysosomal defects in neurons or glia cells. They rather constitute complications of the disease arising from bone deformities that hinder development, growth and function of the central nervous system. For instance, odontoid hypoplasia and atlantoaxial subluxation or instability, as well as extradural deposition of glycosaminoglycans, may result in spinal cord compression, cervical myelopathy, and myelomalacia [9]. This condition is life-threatening.

Affected families may benefit from genetic counseling. Due to the severity of the disease, prenatal screens are indicated upon suspicion of inheritance. Similar to the postnatal assessment of enzymatic activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts, tests may be performed to evaluate GALNS activity in cultured chorionic villus cells or amniocytes [12]. Specimens obtained by chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis may also be utilized for genetic screens. Possibly, a delay of symptom onset and a reduction of the disease' severity may be achieved by an early diagnosis and initiation of treatment, if parents-to-be decide against a premature termination of pregnancy.

Mucopolysaccharidosis 4A or mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (MPS-IVA) is a rare lysosomal storage disease that has first been described by the Uruguayan pediatrist Luis Morquio and James Brailsford from England in 1929. The disease is also referred to as Morquio A many times. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and provoked by mutations of the gene encoding for the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS), which catalyzes the degradation of glycosaminoglycans like chondroitin 6-sulfate and keratan sulfate. Deficiency of GALNS results in the accumulation of these substrates in lysosomes. This condition eventually interferes with cellular, tissue and organ function.

MPS-IVA is generally described as a musculoskeletal disorder since most patients present with short stature and progressive skeletal dysplasia. However, compromise of the cardiovascular system or respiratory tract, as well as visual and auditory impairment, may also be observed [1]. Although sequence anomalies of a single gene account for MPS-IVA, manifold mutations have been described and are possibly related to clinical heterogeneity. While symptom onset typically occurs in infancy or early childhood, the severity of the disease varies largely. Unfortunately, severe MPS-IVA is still associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. In contrast, most patients suffering from mild MPS-IVA survive into adulthood and may even have a near-to-normal life expectancy. Life-long enzyme replacement therapy is the treatment of choice.

Mucopolysaccharidosis 4A (MPS-IVA) is a rare hereditary disease. It is triggered by mutations in the gene encoding for the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS), which catalyzes the degradation of glycosaminoglycans like chondroitin 6-sulfate and keratan sulfate. In patients suffering from MPS-IVA, GALNS activity is severely reduced. Consequently, chondroitin 6-sulfate and keratan sulfate accumulate within cells forming the cartilage, bones, and cornea and interfere with cellular, tissue and organ function. Accordingly, short stature, skeletal dysplasia, dental anomalies and corneal clouding are the hallmarks of MPS-IVA. Affected individuals are born apparently healthy, but symptom onset occurs in early childhood. By the age of three, children may have developed considerable deformities like spinal curvature, pectus carinatum, and knock-knee. In milder forms of the disease, gait disturbances and dysplasia of upper and lower limbs may be most striking. Additionally, MPS-IVA patients may present with visual and hearing impairment, respiratory distress and heart disease.

Diagnostic measures to confirm a tentative diagnosis of MPS-IVA include laboratory analyses of urine samples (to demonstrate abnormal excretion of chondroitin 6-sulfate and keratan sulfate), assessment of GALNS activity and the application of molecular biological techniques to identify gene defects. The only proof of reduced enzymatic activity or positive results of genetic tests are considered diagnostic, though, since people suffering from other types of mucopolysaccharidosis may also excrete glycosaminoglycans in their urine.

Unfortunately, causative therapy is not available. Enzyme replacement therapy has recently been approved for the treatment of MPS-IVA and may improve life quality and endurance. Otherwise, affected individuals and their families are offered personalized supportive care that may comprise physiotherapy, orthopedic interventions and provision of orthopedic aids, psychological support, drug therapy and surgery.

1. Hendriksz CJ, Harmatz P, Beck M, et al. Review of clinical presentation and diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis IVA. Mol Genet Metab. 2013; 110(1-2):54-64.
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3. Tomatsu S, Montano AM, Nishioka T, et al. Mutation and polymorphism spectrum of the GALNS gene in mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (Morquio A). Hum Mutat. 2005; 26(6):500-512.
4. Rivera-Colón Y, Schutsky EK, Kita AZ, Garman SC. The structure of human GALNS reveals the molecular basis for mucopolysaccharidosis IV A. J Mol Biol. 2012; 423(5):736-751.
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9. Möllmann C, Lampe CG, Müller-Forell W, et al. Development of a Scoring System to Evaluate the Severity of Craniocervical Spinal Cord Compression in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (Morquio A Syndrome). JIMD Rep. 2013; 11:65-72.
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11. Lin HY, Chuang CK, Chen MR, et al. Natural history and clinical assessment of Taiwanese patients with mucopolysaccharidosis IVA. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2014; 9:21.
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14. Hendriksz CJ, Burton B, Fleming TR, et al. Efficacy and safety of enzyme replacement therapy with BMN 110 (elosulfase alfa) for Morquio A syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis IVA): a phase 3 randomised placebo-controlled study. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2014; 37(6):979-990.