Respiratory Dysfunction in Children and Adolescents with Mucopolysaccharidosis Types I, II, IVA, and VI

Abstract

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a rare genetic disease involving active storage of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Accumulation of GAGs in the connective tissues of airways leads to progressive pulmonary dysfunction. Studies conducted in Taiwan revealed mainly restrictive pulmonary dysfunction, whereas the same studies in Egypt and California revealed obstructive pulmonary dysfunction. The contradictory results and lack of studies of respiratory system in patients with MPS in Asian populations are an indication to study pulmonary impairment in patients with MPS in Kazakhstan. The prospective study of respiratory system in patients with MPS was conducted in the Scientific Centre of Paediatrics and Paediatric Surgery. Patients with MPS (n = 11) were examined for respiratory function. Different types of pulmonary dysfunction were present in MPS patients, they were mainly of a restrictive pathology. One patient with MPS II had obstructive dysfunction. Enzyme replacement therapy was provided for an average duration of four years, leading to improvements in respiratory function in two patients with total normalization in one. All observed patients had respiratory dysfunction, mainly of the restrictive type. Pulmonary impairment in patients with MPS is the main reason for death. Thus, it is necessary to follow up with pulmonary function assessments in children with MPS.