Every thing About Sanfilippo Syndrome or MPS III ;

 

Sanfilippo Syndrome or MPS III 

Sanfilippo Syndrome is a rare inherited disorder, also known as MPS III (mucopolysaccharidosis type III). It is classified as an LSD or lysosomal storage disorder. In Sanfilippo syndrome, genetic variations interrupt the normal activity of lysosomes in human cells.

What are Lysosomes, and what are they Responsible for?

Lysosomes contain particular proteins (enzymes) that are liable for breaking down and recycling molecules such as sugar and fats. People with a lysosomal storage disorder lack one of these essential enzymes or don’t contain one of the enzymes in adequate quantities to break down molecules for cells to function appropriately.

Sanfilippo disorder is classified into 4 subtypes, distinguished by their genetic cause: MPS IIIA, IIIB, IIIC, and IIID. All these 4 subtypes primarily affect the spinal cord and brain. Ultimately, other body systems may also be influenced.    

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What are the Causes of Sanfilippo Syndrome 
in Children?

A genetic variation occurs in Sanfilippo Syndrome, which results in an incapability of the breakdown of a substance known as Heparin Sulfate. Ultimately, this condition leads to the building up of Heparin Sulfate in the body’s tissues.

Sanfilippo Syndrome is inherited in a specific pattern called Autosomal Recessive Pattern, this means, a child who is affected with this disorder has inherited one defective gene from each of his parents. This defective gene is responsible for the production of enzymes (lysosomes).

Sanfilippo syndrome life expectancy:

How old was the oldest person with Sanfilippo Syndrome?

The current consensus is that patients with be Sanfilippo Syndrome will between ten and twenty years after being diagnosed. Some patients, though, have been reported to live up to 50 years.

What are the Symptoms of Sanfilippo Syndrome?

The symptoms of Sanfilippo Syndrome may vary extensively. This variation depends on the subtype of the disorder. Even within a particular subtype, there is a high degree of dissimilarity in the number of symptoms and their severity.

Symptoms of MPS IIIA usually emerge earlier in life and progress more quickly than the symptoms in other subtypes of Sanfilippo Syndrome. A child with Sanfilippo Syndrome classically doesn’t show any symptoms at the time of birth. Fairly, most symptoms start to develop in early childhood.

Signs and symptoms are;

• Behavior problem
• Sleep deprivation
• Developmental regression
• Delayed speech
• Difficulty with communication and social skills called an autism spectrum disorder
• Mildly coarse facial features
• Seizures
• An enlarged head called macrocephaly
• Intellectual disability
• An enlarged tongue called macroglossia
• Movement disorders
• Umbilical hernia or inguinal hernia

Over the time child may have:

• Visual impairment
• Hearing loss
• Arthritis
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Enlarged spleen and liver called hepatosplenomegaly
• Chronic diarrhea

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Sanfilippo Syndrome| Diagnosis and Treatment:

How is Sanfilippo Syndrome Treated?

Unfortunately, there are no permitted therapies offered to reverse the effects of Sanfilippo Syndrome. Currently, approaches involve the association between specialists to manage particular symptoms of the disorder.

How do we Care for Sanfilippo Syndrome?

Lysosomal Storage Disorders (BoLD) Program is available in Boston. Their team of professional health experts is devoted to the care of complex children patients. Their team is always prepared to meet the challenges of providing comprehensive care by collaborating with the parents and the child to bring direct care to the BoLD clinic. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1. What are the first signs of Sanfilippo Syndrome?

A.   Early signs of Sanfilippo Syndrome are:

• Large head size

• Speech and other developmental delays

• Ongoing diarrhea

• Getting many ear and sinus infections

• Sleep problem

• Headaches

• Behavior issues look like those caused by autism

Q2. What causes Sanfilippo Syndrome?

 A.  MPS (muchosaccharidosis) type III or Sanfilippo Syndrome, refers to one of five neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders (MPS IIIA to MPSIII E) autosomal recessive, whose symptoms are caused by the insufficiency of enzymes involved entirely in Heparin Sulfate degradation.  

Q3. How is Sanfilippo Syndrome Detected?

A.  Sanfilippo is usually expected based on a thorough physical, family history, and medical examination. Usually, a urine test is performed and shows elevated levels of Heparin Sulfate. Additional tests also be executed to confirm a diagnosis, including evaluating enzyme activity in the skin and blood.

Q4. What age is Sanfilippo Diagnosed?

A. Signs of Sanfilippo Syndrome may be developed in the period but often go ignored without newborn screening. Most early symptoms of Sanfilippo Syndrome start to be recognized between one and six years of age.