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Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, et al., editors. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2024.

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Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII

Synonyms: Beta-Glucuronidase Deficiency, MPS7, Sly Syndrome

, MD and , MD.

Author Information and Affiliations

Initial Posting: .

Estimated reading time: 23 minutes

Summary

Clinical characteristics.

Individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) can present perinatally with early demise, nonimmune hydrops fetalis, cholestatic jaundice, and hepatosplenomegaly, or in early childhood with developmental delay and characteristic musculoskeletal features (e.g., short neck, short-trunk short stature, pectus deformity, gibbus, and joint stiffness/contractures) and craniofacial features (e.g., macrocephaly, coarse hair, coarse facies, corneal clouding, and macroglossia). Skeletal survey shows features of dysostosis multiplex including thickened cortical bone, abnormal J-shaped sella turcica, paddle- or oar-shaped ribs, short, thickened clavicles, platyspondyly with anterior beaking of the lower thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, and proximal pointing of the metacarpals and metatarsals. Complications include developmental delay, intellectual disability, hepatosplenomegaly, spinal stenosis, recurrent otitis media, hearing loss, pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnea, hernias, feeding difficulties, and heart valve disease.

Diagnosis/testing.

The diagnosis of MPS VII is established in a proband with characteristic clinical and radiographic findings, urine glycosaminoglycan (GAG) analysis with elevated concentrations of total GAGs with increased dermatan and chondroitin sulfate, and absent or reduced beta-glucuronidase enzyme activity in leukocytes, fibroblasts, or dried blood spots; and/or biallelic pathogenic variants in GUSB identified by molecular genetic testing.

Management.

Targeted therapy: Enzyme replacement therapy with vestronidase alfa.

Supportive care: Neonatal intensive care for infants with nonimmune hydrops fetalis; surgical fusion for atlantoaxial instability, surgery as needed for scoliosis, spine monitoring during surgery; anti-inflammatory medications and/or analgesics as needed for pain due to joint stiffness; physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical therapy, and occupational therapy for issues with mobility and activities of daily living; surgical decompression for spinal stenosis, wrist splints and surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome; early intervention services, speech therapy, and school support for developmental issues; tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for airway obstruction and sleep apnea; positive pressure ventilation as needed; pulmonary toilet for restrictive lung disease; tympanostomy tubes and hearing aids for hearing loss; treatment per ophthalmologist for corneal clouding; thickeners and gastrostomy tube placement as needed for feeding difficulties; surgical repair for hernia; treatment of cardiac disease per cardiologist; hospice care when needed.

Surveillance: Urine dermatan and chondroitin sulfate levels every six to 12 months in individuals on enzyme replacement therapy; assess growth parameters every six to 12 months throughout childhood, then annually; developmental assessment every six to 12 months throughout childhood; orthopedic evaluation annually with radiographs per orthopedist; rehabilitation medicine evaluation as needed; neurologic exam and spine MRI annually throughout childhood and then every two years or per orthopedist in those who have had spinal decompression; ENT and pulmonary evaluations annually with sleep study and pulmonary function tests based on age and clinical manifestations; audiology examination annually throughout childhood and then every two years in adolescents and adults; ophthalmology examination every one to two years; echocardiogram and EKG every one to two years; abdominal MRI every two years or until organomegaly is improved on treatment; nerve conduction study every two years starting in school age or as needed; dental exams every six to 12 months.

Agents/circumstances to avoid: Individuals who have not had cervical fusion should not participate in activities that may result in cervical spine injury such as gymnastics. Cervical spine precautions must be taken during intubation for anesthesia.

Evaluation of relatives at risk: Testing of all at-risk sibs of any age is warranted to identify as early as possible those who would benefit from prompt initiation of enzyme replacement therapy and preventive measures.

Genetic counseling.

MPS VII is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. If both parents are known to be heterozygous for a GUSB pathogenic variant, each sib of an affected individual has at conception a 25% chance of being affected, a 50% chance of being an asymptomatic carrier, and a 25% chance of being unaffected and not a carrier. Once the GUSB pathogenic variants have been identified in an affected family member, carrier testing for at-risk family members, prenatal testing for a pregnancy at increased risk, and preimplantation genetic testing are possible.

Diagnosis

Formal diagnostic criteria for mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) have not been established.

Suggestive Findings

MPS VII should be suspected in a proband with any combination of the following clinical, radiographic, laboratory, and family history findings.

Clinical findings

  • Fetal/neonatal presentation
    • Fetal demise / neonatal mortality
    • Nonimmune hydrops fetalis (Note: Presence of hydrops does not necessarily predict subsequent severity of disease in surviving neonates.)
    • Cholestatic jaundice
    • Hepatosplenomegaly
  • Early childhood presentation
    • Musculoskeletal features (short neck, odontoid hypoplasia, disproportionate short-trunk short stature, pectus carinatum or excavatum, kyphosis, gibbus deformity, scoliosis, contractures, joint stiffness, genu valgum)
    • Developmental delay / intellectual disability with variable age of onset and severity that is typically evident by age two years
    • Characteristic craniofacial features (macrocephaly, coarse hair, coarse facies, corneal clouding, thick eyebrows, macroglossia, gingival hypertrophy, small and widely spaced teeth) (See Figure 1.)
    • Recurrent otitis media or respiratory infections
    • Snoring, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, obstructive sleep apnea
    • Hearing loss (sensorineural or conductive)
    • Prominent abdomen with hepatosplenomegaly
    • Hernias (umbilical and/or inguinal)
    • Thickening of mitral and/or aortic valve leaflets, valve insufficiency, valve stenosis, left ventricular hypertrophy
Figure 1. . Serial images of a male with mucopolysaccharidosis type VII at ages (A) 2.

Figure 1.

Serial images of a male with mucopolysaccharidosis type VII at ages (A) 2.5 months, (B) six months, (C) one year, (D) three years, (E) five years, (F) six years, (G) seven years, (H) eight years, (I) nine years, and (J) 11 years, showing characteristic (more...)

Radiographic findings. Skeletal survey shows features of dysostosis multiplex including thickened cortical bone, abnormal J-shaped sella turcica, paddle- or oar-shaped ribs, short, thickened clavicles, platyspondyly and anterior beaking of the lower thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, rounded iliac wings, shallow acetabulae, coxa valga, genu valgum, proximal pointing of the metacarpals and metatarsals, and bullet-shaped phalanges.

Laboratory findings. Urine glycosaminoglycan (GAG) analysis demonstrates elevated concentrations of dermatan and chondroitin sulfate with increased levels of total GAGs.

Family history is consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance (e.g., affected sibs and/or parental consanguinity). Absence of a known family history does not preclude the diagnosis.

Establishing the Diagnosis

The diagnosis of MPS VII is established in a proband with increased levels of urinary GAGs, suggestive findings, and:

Note: (1) Per ACMG/AMP variant interpretation guidelines, the terms "pathogenic variant" and "likely pathogenic variant" are synonymous in a clinical setting, meaning that both are considered diagnostic and can be used for clinical decision making [Richards et al 2015]. Reference to "pathogenic variants" in this GeneReview is understood to include likely pathogenic variants. (2) Identification of biallelic GUSB variants of uncertain significance (or of one known GUSB pathogenic variant and one GUSB variant of uncertain significance) does not establish or rule out the diagnosis.

Molecular genetic testing approaches can include a combination of gene-targeted testing (single gene testing, multigene panel) and comprehensive genomic testing (exome sequencing, genome sequencing). Gene-targeted testing requires that the clinician determine which gene(s) are likely involved (see Option 1), whereas comprehensive genomic testing does not (see Option 2).

Option 1

Single-gene testing. Sequence analysis of GUSB is performed first to detect missense, nonsense, and splice site variants and small intragenic deletions/insertions. Note: Depending on the sequencing method used, single-exon, multiexon, or whole-gene deletions/duplications may not be detected. If no variant is detected by the sequencing method used, the next step is to perform gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis to detect exon and whole-gene deletions or duplications.

Note: Targeted analysis for pathogenic variants can be performed first in individuals of Mexican, Brazilian, and Japanese ancestry (see Table 7).

A mucopolysaccharidosis multigene panel that includes GUSB and other genes of interest (see Differential Diagnosis) is most likely to identify the genetic cause of the condition while limiting identification of variants of uncertain significance and pathogenic variants in genes that do not explain the underlying phenotype. Note: (1) The genes included in the panel and the diagnostic sensitivity of the testing used for each gene vary by laboratory and are likely to change over time. (2) Some multigene panels may include genes not associated with the condition discussed in this GeneReview. (3) In some laboratories, panel options may include a custom laboratory-designed panel and/or custom phenotype-focused exome analysis that includes genes specified by the clinician. (4) Methods used in a panel may include sequence analysis, deletion/duplication analysis, and/or other non-sequencing-based tests.

For an introduction to multigene panels click here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genetic tests can be found here.

Option 2

When the diagnosis of MPS VII has not been considered because an individual has atypical phenotypic features, comprehensive genomic testing does not require the clinician to determine which gene is likely involved. Exome sequencing is most commonly used; genome sequencing is also possible.

For an introduction to comprehensive genomic testing click here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genomic testing can be found here.

Table 1.

Molecular Genetic Testing Used in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII

Gene 1MethodProportion of Pathogenic Variants 2 Detectable by Method
GUSB Sequence analysis 3~99% 4
Gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis 51 reported 4, 6
1.
2.

See Molecular Genetics for information on variants detected in this gene.

3.

Sequence analysis detects variants that are benign, likely benign, of uncertain significance, likely pathogenic, or pathogenic. Variants may include missense, nonsense, and splice site variants and small intragenic deletions/insertions; typically, exon or whole-gene deletions/duplications are not detected. For issues to consider in interpretation of sequence analysis results, click here.

4.

Data derived from the subscription-based professional view of Human Gene Mutation Database [Stenson et al 2020]

5.

Gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis detects intragenic deletions or duplications. Methods used may include a range of techniques such as quantitative PCR, long-range PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and a gene-targeted microarray designed to detect single-exon deletions or duplications. Exome and genome sequencing may be able to detect deletions/duplications using breakpoint detection or read depth; however, sensitivity can be lower than gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis.

6.

A homozygous exon 9 deletion was identified in a fetus with nonimmune hydrops [Sparks et al 2020].

Clinical Characteristics

Clinical Description

Individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) can present perinatally with early demise, nonimmune hydrops fetalis, cholestatic jaundice, and hepatosplenomegaly, or in early childhood with developmental delay and characteristic musculoskeletal and craniofacial features. To date, <200 individuals have been identified with biallelic pathogenic variants in GUSB. The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on these reports.

Table 2.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII: Frequency of Select Features

Feature% of Persons w/Feature
Growth /
constitutional
Disproportionate short stature100%
Nonimmune hydrops fetalis30%-50%
Musculoskeletal features Dysostosis multiplex90%
Pectus carinatum/excavatum85%
Joint contractures85%
Joint stiffness75%
Short-trunk short stature80%
Scoliosis70%
Kyphosis70%
Gibbus50%-70%
Genu valgum60%-70%
Acetabular dysplasia50%
Talipes equinovarus35%
Neurologic Intellectual disability85%
Spinal stenosis25%-50%
HydrocephalusUnknown
Carpal tunnel syndromeUnknown
Craniofacial features Coarse facial features>80%
Macrocephaly>80%
Corneal clouding50%-75%
Small, widely spaced teeth50%-75%
Macroglossia20%-70%
Gingival hypertrophy50%-60%
Respiratory/ENT manifestations Recurrent respiratory infections50%-70%
Snoring60%-70%
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids30%-40%
Obstructive sleep apnea30%-70%
Conductive/sensorineural hearing loss25%-50%
Liver/GI manifestations Hepatosplenomegaly75%
Umbilical/inguinal hernia60%-80%
Cholestatic jaundice5%-10%
Cardiac manifestations Cardiac valvular disease30%-50%
Left ventricular hypertrophy30%-40%

Growth. Disproportionate short-trunk short stature occurs due to vertebral body dysplasia and spinal curvature and is often evident before age two years. Even in individuals with initially normal stature, growth velocity slows prematurely [Montaño et al 2016] so that final adult height is very likely to be two standard deviations below the mean. Those who survive nonimmune hydrops fetalis are generally of shorter stature than those who did not experience hydrops.

As adolescent weight tends to be above the 50th centile, the prevalence of overweight is higher especially for individuals who are not independently ambulatory. A study of intravenous enzyme replacement therapy initiated prior to age five years found improved growth velocity and z scores after 48 weeks of treatment, but long-term effects of therapy on final adult height and weight are not known [Lau et al 2022].

Musculoskeletal features. Dysostosis multiplex may be one of the first noted manifestations of MPS VII. In addition to disproportionate short-trunk short stature, spine manifestations include progressive scoliosis, kyphosis, lumbosacral gibbus, and spinal stenosis most commonly affecting the cervical region. Atlantoaxial instability results from odontoid hypoplasia. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) storage in joint capsules, ligaments, and other connective tissue make restriction of joint mobility and contractures also very common. This is especially evident in the hip joint, where shallow acetabulae contribute to a high frequency of hip pain, difficulty walking, and osteoarthritis later in childhood and adolescence. Genu valgum and talipes equinovarus can develop. GAG storage can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Neurologic. Spinal stenosis occurs as a result of GAG deposition in the dura and atlantooccipital instability. Spinal cord compression can develop as early as age one to two years and into adolescence. Young individuals or those with cognitive impairment may not report clinical symptoms of myelopathy, but hyperreflexia and ankle clonus can be found on physical exam. Similarly, they may not report symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Hydrocephalus has been reported as a rare complication, but its exact prevalence is not known.

Developmental delay. A high frequency of conductive/mixed hearing loss contributes to speech delay, which is typically not recognized until after age 18 to 24 months. Gross motor and fine motor milestone acquisition is also delayed, a result of skeletal dysplasia compounded with accumulation of GAGs in the central nervous system. This may be evident in the first year of life as infants are delayed in sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. Enzyme replacement therapy may improve motor milestone acquisition, but very few individuals were assessed in the clinical trial [Lau et al 2022].

Intellectual disability. Most children with MPS VII have moderate-to-severe intellectual disability. Additionally, behavioral difficulties such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, insomnia, and hitting/kicking make this one of the most challenging aspects of MPS VII for caregivers [Montaño et al 2016]. As stored central nervous system GAGs are thought to be the etiology of neurocognitive deficits, intravenous enzyme replacement therapy is not expected to impact the intellect.

Craniofacial features. Macrocephaly, coarse hair, and gingival hypertrophy may be present in the neonatal period. Facial features coarsen with age, and affected individuals may develop macroglossia, corneal clouding, thick eyebrows, and thickened lips (see Figure 1). Dental problems include widely spaced teeth and poor enamel.

Respiratory complications. GAG storage in the upper airways and eustachian tubes results in recurrent bacterial acute otitis media as well as upper respiratory tract infections. Individuals often develop acute otitis media before they are able to clear prior middle ear effusions, resulting in chronic otitis and resultant conductive hearing loss. Macroglossia, in conjunction with adenoidal and tonsillar hypertrophy, contribute to upper airway obstructive disease and difficult airway management for anesthesiologists and otolaryngologists. Obstructive sleep apnea, lower respiratory tract infections, and restrictive lung disease also occur. As individuals get older, respiratory complications become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality [Montaño et al 2016]. In some instances, families and their care team opt for tracheostomy.

Gastrointestinal manifestations. Hepatosplenomegaly due to GAG storage is a common finding. Umbilical, inguinal, and hiatal hernias are also common. Unlike other MPS types, cholestatic jaundice is a well-known (if infrequent) manifestation of MPS VII and may be a consequence of fetal hepatic sinusoidal congestion and resultant liver dysfunction [Montaño et al 2016]. Feeding difficulties may necessitate thickeners and/or gastrostomy tube placement.

Cardiovascular complications. Accumulation of dermatan and chondroitin sulfate GAGs in heart valves results in progressive thickening of the heart valve leaflets. This is usually observed on echocardiography before age five years. Though initially valve thickening does not interfere with function, progressive disease results in defects of valve coaptation and subsequent valvular insufficiency and/or stenosis. Valvular disease affects all four heart valves but is most clinically significant in the mitral and aortic valves. Rarely, severity of valve dysfunction necessitates surgical valve replacement [Marek et al 2021]. Left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy are also common findings. Life-threatening dysrhythmias, likely caused by subendocardial fibrosis, are a recurrent cause of death in individuals with MPS VII [Montaño et al 2016, Lew at al 2018]. Monitoring for abnormal cardiac rhythms should be conducted by experts in MPS during anesthesia.

Genotype-Phenotype Correlations

Genotype-phenotype correlations have been suggested, though sample size is small [Tomatsu et al 2009, Montaño et al 2016]. In general, GUSB nonsense variants and deletions tend to be associated with severe phenotypes. Individuals with residual enzyme activity >1.4% of normal enzyme activity have later disease onset and longer survival [Zielonka et al 2017].

Prevalence

MPS type VII is an ultrarare disorder with a global prevalence estimated to be <200 individuals [Harmatz et al 2018].

GUSB founder variants have been identified in the Mexican population, c.1244C>T (p.Pro415Leu) and c.[1244C>T;1222C>T] (p.[Pro415Leu;Pro408Ser]), the latter being two pathogenic variants occurring in cis. The c.1856C>T (p.Ala619Val) allele is a founder variant in the Japanese population [Tomatsu et al 2009]. The pathogenic variant c.526C>T (p.Leu176Phe) accounted for 96% of alleles in a Brazilian cohort, and almost all affected individuals were homozygous [Giugliani et al 2021]. To date, carrier frequency in these populations is unknown.

Differential Diagnosis

Lysosomal storage disease. Findings in individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) overlap those of other lysosomal diseases, particularly other mucopolysaccharide disorders, including those summarized in Table 3. Clinical findings and biochemical testing can distinguish them.

Table 3.

Genes and Disorders of Interest in the Differential Diagnosis of Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII

GeneDisorderMOIClinical FindingsLaboratory Findings
IDUA MPS I ARSimilar to MPS VIIDeficient alpha-L-iduronidase enzyme activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts
IDS MPS II XLSimilar to MPS VII but no corneal cloudingDeficient iduronate 2-sulfatase enzyme activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts in the presence of normal activity of at least one other sulfatase
ARSB MPS VI (OMIM 253200)ARSimilar to MPS VIIDeficient arylsulfatase B enzyme activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts
GALNS MPS IVA ARProminent skeletal disease, normal intellectDeficient N-acetylgalactosamine 6-sulfatase enzyme activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts
GLB1 MPS IVB (See GLB1-Related Disorders.)ARProminent skeletal disease, normal intellectDeficient beta-galactosidase enzyme activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts
GNPTAB ML II & ML IIIα/β (See GNPTAB-Related Disorders.)ARSimilar to MPS VII but skin is thickened & waxyAbnormal urine oligosaccharides, increased activity of multiple lysosomal hydrolases in plasma
MAN2B1 Alpha-mannosidosis ARSimilar to MPS VII but may have psychiatric manifestations in adolescenceDeficient acid alpha-mannosidase enzyme activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts
NEU1 ML I (sialidosis) (OMIM 256550)ARSimilar to MPS VII but w/vision loss, myoclonic seizures, cherry-red spotAbnormal urine oligosaccharides, deficient neuraminidase enzyme activity in fibroblasts
SUMF1 Multiple sulfatase deficiency ARSimilar to MPS VII but w/ichthyosis, retinopathy, seizuresLow activity levels in at least two sulfatase enzymes

AR = autosomal recessive; ML = mucolipidosis; MOI = mode of inheritance; MPS = mucopolysaccharidosis; XL = X-linked

Management

No clinical practice guidelines for mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) have been published. Due to the clinical disease variability, these recommendations are intended to be a general guide, and management should be tailored to the specific individual.

Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis

To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with MPS VII, the evaluations summarized in Table 4 (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended.

Table 4.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis

System/ConcernEvaluationComment
General Consultation w/metabolic physicianReferral to center w/experience in mgmt of lysosomal disorders
Skeletal manifestations
  • Assessment of growth incl upper to lower segment ratios
  • Skeletal survey incl cervical flexion-extension radiographs
  • Consultation w/orthopedist
Further imaging to be ordered after eval by orthopedist
Neurologic
  • Assessment for hyperreflexia & clonus
  • MRI of whole spine to assess for spinal stenosis
Development Developmental assessment
ENT/Respiratory Consultation w/ENT specialist & pulmonologistImaging & other assessments to be ordered after eval by specialists
Hearing Audiology eval
Vision Ophthalmology exam
Organomegaly/
Gastrointestinal
  • MRI or abdominal ultrasound to assess liver & spleen volume/dimensions
  • Assessment for hernias
Ultrasound can be done if sedation for MRI is a concern but does not provide volumetric data.
Cardiac
  • EKG
  • Echocardiogram
Genetic counseling By genetics professionals 1Discuss nature, MOI, & implications of MPS VII to facilitate medical & personal decision making
Family support
& resources
By clinicians, wider care team, & family support organizationsAssessment of family & social structure to determine need for:

MOI = mode of inheritance; MPS VII = mucopolysaccharidosis type VII

1.

Medical geneticist, certified genetic counselor, certified advanced genetic nurse

Treatment of Manifestations

Targeted Therapy

In GeneReviews, a targeted therapy is one that addresses the specific underlying mechanism of disease causation (regardless of whether the therapy is significantly efficacious for one or more manifestation of the genetic condition); would otherwise not be considered without knowledge of the underlying genetic cause of the condition; or could lead to a cure. —ED

Enzyme replacement therapy with vestronidase alfa is the only disease-modifying therapy currently available for MPS VII. In a Phase III clinical trial, 12 individuals treated with vestronidase alfa demonstrated a mean 64.8% reduction in urinary dermatan sulfate and 70.6% reduction in chondroitin sulfate excretion after 24 weeks compared to placebo (P <0.0001) [Harmatz et al 2018]. The reduction occurred within the first two weeks of treatment initiation. Ten of 12 participants had clinically meaningful improvements in at least one multi-domain responder index (MDRI) domain (e.g., six-minute walk test, forced vital capacity, and/or shoulder flexion). Regarding safety, the most common adverse events were upper respiratory tract infection, extremity pain, infusion site extravasation, cough, vomiting, rash, and diarrhea. Of 215 total infusions, only two (0.9%) were categorized as hypersensitivity infusion-associated reactions. Seven of 12 participants tested positive for anti-drug antibodies. There was no impact of antibody titers on urine glycosaminoglycan (GAG) reduction. In the long-term extension study, the safety profile was similar, with most adverse events being mild to moderate in severity [Wang et al 2020]. Treated individuals demonstrated sustained reduction of urine GAG levels. In an open-label Phase II study in eight children younger than age five years, similar reduction of urine GAG excretion was observed [Lau et al 2022]. In addition, positive trends were seen in standing height and growth velocity, and hepatomegaly resolved in most.

As with enzyme replacement therapy for other MPS disorders, vestronidase alfa does not cross the blood-brain barrier and thus does not treat central nervous system disease.

Vestronidase alfa is administered at a dose of 4 mg/kg rounded to the next whole vial. Premedication with a non-sedating antihistamine with or without an antipyretic is recommended prior to the infusion. Given the need for long-term treatment, a portacath may be helpful for intravenous access.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was provided to a small number of individuals with variable results. Despite transplant-related complications, if the transplant is performed before the development of irreversible damage (mainly neurologic and skeletal), HSCT can potentially be considered a treatment option for MPS VII [Poswar et al 2022].

Supportive Care

Supportive care to improve quality of life, maximize function, and reduce complications is recommended. This ideally involves multidisciplinary care by specialists in relevant fields (see Table 5).

Table 5.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII: Treatment of Manifestations

Manifestation/ConcernTreatmentConsiderations/Other
Nonimmune hydrops fetalis Neonatal intensive care
Skeletal manifestations
  • Surgical fusion for atlantoaxial instability
  • Surgical treatment of scoliosis as needed
  • Spine monitoring during surgeries
Other surgeries such as hip &/or knee surgery per orthopedist
Anti-inflammatory medications &/or analgesics as needed for pain assoc w/joint stiffness
Consultation w/physical medicine & rehab / PT & OT for issues w/mobility & ADLDurable medical equipment (e.g., wheelchair, walker)
Neurologic
  • Surgical decompression for spinal stenosis
  • Wrist splints & surgery as needed for carpal tunnel syndrome
Developmental delay
  • Early intervention services
  • Speech therapy
  • School support (IEP)
Airway obstruction /
Sleep apnea
  • Tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy
  • Positive pressure ventilation
Tracheal reconstructive or other airway surgery, tracheostomy
Restrictive lung disease Pulmonary toilet
Hearing loss
  • Tympanostomy tubes
  • Hearing aids
Corneal clouding Treatment per ophthalmologist
Dysphagia/
Aspiration
  • Thickeners as needed
  • Gastrostomy tube placement
Hernias Surgical repair
Cardiac disease Treatment per cardiologist
End-of-life care Hospice

ADL = activities of daily living; IEP = individualized education plan; OT = occupational therapy; PT = physical therapy

Surveillance

Due to the broad clinical disease spectrum, surveillance should be tailored to the individual. To monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to treatment, and the emergence of new manifestations, the evaluations summarized in Table 6 are recommended.

Table 6.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII: Recommended Surveillance

System/ConcernEvaluationFrequency
Biomarkers Urine dermatan & chondroitin sulfateEvery 6-12 mos in individuals on ERT
Growth/Feeding/Nutrition Height, weight, & OFC measurementEvery 6-12 mos in infants & children, annually thereafter
Developmental delay /
Intellectual disability
Developmental assessmentEvery 6-12 mos throughout infancy & childhood
Skeletal manifestations Orthopedics evalAnnually
RadiographsAs recommended by orthopedist
Rehab medicine evalAs needed
Spinal stenosis
  • Neurologic exam
  • Spine MRI
Annually throughout childhood, then every 2 yrs, or per orthopedist in those who have had spinal decompression
Respiratory ENT & pulmonary evalAnnually
  • Sleep study
  • Pulmonary function tests
Based on age & clinical manifestations
Hearing loss Audiology examAnnually throughout childhood; every 2 yrs in adolescents/adults
Corneal clouding /
Vision concerns
Ophthalmology examEvery 1-2 yrs
Cardiac disease
  • Echocardiogram
  • EKG
Every 1-2 yrs
Organomegaly Abdominal MRI
  • Every 2 yrs or until organomegaly is improved on treatment.
  • Ultrasound can be done if sedation for MRI is a concern but does not provide volumetric data.
Carpal tunnel syndrome Nerve conduction studyEvery 2 yrs or as needed starting at school age
Dental care Dental examsEvery 6-12 mos

ERT = enzyme replacement therapy; OFC = occipitofrontal circumference

Agents/Circumstances to Avoid

Atlantoaxial instability can cause serious neurologic injury. Individuals who have not had cervical fusion should not participate in activities that may result in cervical spine injury such as gymnastics. Cervical spine precautions must be taken during intubation for anesthesia.

Evaluation of Relatives at Risk

Testing of all at-risk sibs of any age is warranted to identify as early as possible those who would benefit from prompt initiation of enzyme replacement therapy and preventive measures.

See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.

Therapies Under Investigation

Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling is the process of providing individuals and families with information on the nature, mode(s) of inheritance, and implications of genetic disorders to help them make informed medical and personal decisions. The following section deals with genetic risk assessment and the use of family history and genetic testing to clarify genetic status for family members; it is not meant to address all personal, cultural, or ethical issues that may arise or to substitute for consultation with a genetics professional. —ED.

Mode of Inheritance

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.

Risk to Family Members

Parents of a proband

  • The parents of an affected child are presumed to be heterozygous for a GUSB pathogenic variant.
  • Molecular genetic testing is recommended for the parents of the proband to confirm that both parents are heterozygous for a GUSB pathogenic variant and to allow reliable recurrence risk assessment.
  • If a pathogenic variant is detected in only one parent and parental identity testing has confirmed biological maternity and paternity, it is possible that one of the pathogenic variants identified in the proband occurred as a de novo event in the proband or as a postzygotic de novo event in a mosaic parent [Jónsson et al 2017]. If the proband appears to have homozygous pathogenic variants (i.e., the same two pathogenic variants), additional possibilities to consider include:
  • Heterozygotes (carriers) are asymptomatic and are not at risk of developing the disorder.

Sibs of a proband

  • If both parents are known to be heterozygous for a GUSB pathogenic variant, each sib of an affected individual has at conception a 25% chance of being affected, a 50% chance of being an asymptomatic carrier, and a 25% chance of being unaffected and not a carrier.
  • Based on limited case reports, affected sibs appear to manifest similar disease courses [Van Dorpe et al 1996, Montaño et al 2016].
  • Heterozygotes (carriers) are asymptomatic and are not at risk of developing the disorder.

Offspring of a proband. The offspring of an individual with MPS VII are obligate heterozygotes (carriers) for a pathogenic variant in GUSB.

Other family members. Each sib of the proband's parents is at a 50% risk of being a carrier of a GUSB pathogenic variant.

Carrier Detection

Molecular genetic testing. Molecular genetic carrier testing for at-risk relatives requires prior identification of the GUSB pathogenic variants in the family.

Carriers usually have low-normal or slightly deficient beta-glucuronidase enzyme activity; thus, molecular genetic testing is required to determine carrier status.

Related Genetic Counseling Issues

See Management, Evaluation of Relatives at Risk for information on evaluating at-risk relatives for the purpose of early diagnosis and treatment.

Family planning

  • The optimal time for determination of genetic risk and discussion of the availability of prenatal/preimplantation genetic testing is before pregnancy.
  • It is appropriate to offer genetic counseling (including discussion of potential risks to offspring and reproductive options) to young adults who are affected, are carriers, or are at risk of being carriers.
  • Carrier testing should be considered for the reproductive partners of known carriers and for the reproductive partners of individuals affected with MPS VII, particularly if both partners are of the same ancestral background. Founder variants have been identified in the Mexican, Japanese, and Brazilian populations (see Table 7).

DNA banking. Because it is likely that testing methodology and our understanding of genes, pathogenic mechanisms, and diseases will improve in the future, consideration should be given to banking DNA from probands in whom a molecular diagnosis has not been confirmed (i.e., the causative pathogenic mechanism is unknown). For more information, see Huang et al [2022].

Prenatal Testing and Preimplantation Genetic Testing

Molecular genetic testing. Once both GUSB pathogenic variants have been identified in an affected family member, prenatal and preimplantation genetic testing for MPS VII are possible.

Biochemical testing. Beta-glucuronidase enzyme analysis can be performed on cultured chorionic villus cells or amniocytes.

Differences in perspective may exist among medical professionals and within families regarding the use of prenatal testing. While most centers would consider use of prenatal testing to be a personal decision, discussion of these issues may be helpful.

Resources

GeneReviews staff has selected the following disease-specific and/or umbrella support organizations and/or registries for the benefit of individuals with this disorder and their families. GeneReviews is not responsible for the information provided by other organizations. For information on selection criteria, click here.

Molecular Genetics

Information in the Molecular Genetics and OMIM tables may differ from that elsewhere in the GeneReview: tables may contain more recent information. —ED.

Table A.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII: Genes and Databases

GeneChromosome LocusProteinLocus-Specific DatabasesHGMDClinVar
GUSB 7q11​.21 Beta-glucuronidase GUSB database GUSB GUSB

Data are compiled from the following standard references: gene from HGNC; chromosome locus from OMIM; protein from UniProt. For a description of databases (Locus Specific, HGMD, ClinVar) to which links are provided, click here.

Table B.

OMIM Entries for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII (View All in OMIM)

253220MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDOSIS, TYPE VII; MPS7
611499BETA-GLUCURONIDASE; GUSB

Molecular Pathogenesis

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII is caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase, which is involved in the degradation of chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and heparan sulfate. The partially degraded glycosaminoglycans accumulate in the lysosomes of many tissues, leading to cell and organ dysfunction.

Mechanism of disease causation. Loss-of-function variants result in absent or decreased enzyme activity.

GUSB-specific laboratory technical considerations. Pseudodeficiency alleles are non-pathogenic variants that cause decreased enzyme activity in vitro but do not result in clinical disease. At least one pseudodeficiency allele has been reported for GUSB, c.454G>A (p.Asp152Asn) [Vervoort et al 1995]. In addition, several pseudogenes exist [Tomatsu et al 2009].

Table 7.

GUSB Variants Referenced in This GeneReview

Reference SequencesDNA Nucleotide ChangePredicted Protein ChangeComment [Reference]
NM_000181​.4
NP_000172​.2
c.454G>Ap.Asp152AsnPseudodeficiency allele [Vervoort et al 1995]
c.526C>Tp.Leu176PheFounder variant in Brazilian population [Giugliani et al 2021]
c.1222C>Tp.Pro408SerFounder variants in Mexican population [Tomatsu et al 2009]
c.1244C>Tp.Pro415Leu
c.1856C>Tp.Ala619ValFounder variant in Japanese population [Tomatsu et al 2009]

Variants listed in the table have been provided by the authors. GeneReviews staff have not independently verified the classification of variants.

GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (varnomen​.hgvs.org). See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature.

Chapter Notes

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) and their families along with international research efforts that continue to improve our understanding of MPS VII.

Revision History

  • 4 January 2024 (sw) Review posted live
  • 7 July 2023 (as) Original submission

References

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