The natural history of growth in patients with Hunter syndrome: Data from the Hunter Outcome Survey (HOS)

Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type II) affects growth but the overall impact is poorly understood. This study investigated the natural history of growth and related parameters and their relationship with disease severity (as indicated by cognitive impairment). Natural history data from males followed prospectively in the Hunter Outcome Survey registry and not receiving growth hormone or enzyme replacement therapy, or before treatment start, were analysed (N=676; January 2014). Analysis of first-reported measurements showed short stature by 8years of age; median age-corrected standardized height score (z-score) in patients aged 8-12years was -3.1 (1st, 3rd quartile: -4.3, -1.7; n=68). Analysis of growth velocity using consecutive values found no pubertal growth spurt. Patients had large head circumference at all ages, and above average body weight and body mass index (BMI) during early childhood (median z-score in patients aged 2-4years, weight [n=271]: 1.7 [0.9, 2.4]; BMI [n=249]: 2.0 [1.1, 2.7]). Analysis of repeated measurements over time found greater BMI in those with cognitive impairment than those without, but no difference in height, weight or head circumference. Logistic regression modelling (data from all time points) found that increased BMI was associated with the presence of cognitive impairment (odds ratio [95% CI], 3.329 [2.313-4.791]), as were increased weight (2.365 [1.630-3.433]) and head circumference (1.749 [1.195-2.562]), but not reduced height. Unlike some other MPS disorders, there is no evidence at present for predicting disease severity in patients with Hunter syndrome based on changes in growth characteristics

Applications of Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Microscopy to the Study of Mineralization in Bone and Cartilage

Knowledge of the phase, composition, and crystallite size and perfection of the mineral in normal and abnormally calcified tissues provides insight into the mechanism by which this mineral was deposited. These data also can be used to develop rational therapies for pathological conditions characterized by abnormal mineral deposition. As illustrated in this review, coupling of an optical microscope with a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometer permits the mapping at 20 μm spatial resolution of changes in mineral characteristics (content, particle size, composition) in the growth plate, in bone biopsies, in mineralizing cell culture systems, and in soft tissue calcifications. Based on the infrared properties of apatitic compounds, and comparisons with x-ray diffraction data, correlations have been established from which mineral parameters can be determined. The validity of these spectral correlations has been demonstrated by independent measurements of mineral content (ash weight), and crystal particle size (dark field electron microscopy)

Levels of glycosaminoglycans in the cerebrospinal fluid of healthy young adults, surrogate-normal children, and Hunter syndrome patients with and without cognitive impairment.

In mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), glycosaminoglycans (GAG) accumulate in tissues. In MPS II, approximately two-thirds of patients are cognitively impaired. We investigated levels of GAG in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in different populations from four clinical studies (including NCT00920647 and NCT01449240). Data indicate that MPS II patients with cognitive impairment have elevated levels of CSF GAG, whereas those with the attenuated phenotype typically have levels falling between those of the cognitively affected patients and healthy controls

Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (Morquio A syndrome) and VI (Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome): under-recognized and challenging to diagnose

OBJECTIVE: Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (MPS IVA, or Morquio A syndrome) and VI (MPS VI, or Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome) are autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorders. Skeletal abnormalities are common initial presenting symptoms and, when recognized early, may facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention, leading to improved patient outcomes. Patients with slowly progressing disease and nonclassic phenotypes can be particularly challenging to diagnose. The objective was to describe the radiographic features of patients with a delayed diagnosis of MPS IVA or VI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study. The records of 5 MPS IVA and 3 MPS VI patients with delayed diagnosis were reviewed. Radiographs were evaluated by a radiologist with special expertise in skeletal dysplasias. RESULTS: An important common theme in these cases was the appearance of multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) with epiphyseal changes seemingly confined to the capital (proximal) femoral epiphyses. Very few patients had the skeletal features of classical dysostosis multiplex. CONCLUSIONS: Radiologists should appreciate the wide phenotypic variability of MPS IVA and VI. The cases presented here illustrate the importance of considering MPS in the differential diagnosis of certain skeletal dysplasias/disorders, including MED, some forms of spondylo-epiphyseal dysplasia (SED), and bilateral Perthes-like disease. It is important to combine radiographic findings with clinical information to facilitate early testing and accurate diagnosis

Ten years of the Hunter Outcome Survey (HOS) : insights, achievements, and lessons learned from a global patient registry

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II; Hunter syndrome; OMIM 309900) is a rare lysosomal storage disease with progressive multisystem manifestations caused by deficient activity of the enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase. Diseasespecific treatment is available in the form of enzyme replacement therapy with intravenous idursulfase (Elaprase®, Shire). Since 2005, the Hunter Outcome Survey (HOS) has collected real-world, long-term data on the safety and effectiveness of this therapy, as well as the natural history of MPS II. Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of MPS II who are untreated or who are receiving/have received treatment with idursulfase or bone marrow transplant can be enrolled in HOS. A broad range of disease- and treatment-related information is captured in the registry and, over the past decade, data from more than 1000 patients from 124 clinics in 29 countries have been collected. Evidence generated from HOS has helped to improve our understanding of disease progression in both treated and untreated patients and has extended findings from the formal clinical trials of idursulfase. As a long-term, global, observational registry, various challenges relating to data collection, entry, and analysis have been encountered. These have resulted in changes to the HOS database platform, and novel approaches to maximize the value of the information collected will also be needed in the future. The continued evolution of the registry should help to ensure that HOS provides further insights into the burden of the disease and patient care and management in the coming years

Clinical genetics evaluation in identifying the etiology of autism spectrum disorders

The autism spectrum disorders are a collection of conditions, which have, in common, impaired socialization and communication in association with stereotypic behaviors. The reported incidence of autism spectrum disorders has increased markedly over the past decade. In addition, a large amount of attention has been paid to these conditions among lay and professional groups. These influences have resulted in a marked increase in the number of referrals to clinical geneticists for evaluation of persons with autism spectrum disorders. The primary role of the geneticist in this process is to define etiology, if possible, and to provide counseling and contribute to case management based on the results of such investigations. In deciding upon the appropriate evaluation scheme for a particular patient, the geneticist must consider a host of different factors. Such considerations would include (1) Assuring an accurate diagnosis of autism before proceeding with any investigation. (2) Discussing testing options, diagnostic yields, and patient investment before proceeding with an evaluation. (3) Communication and coordination with the patient’s medical home. (4) Assessing the continuously expanding and evolving list of available laboratory testing modalities in light of evidence-based medicine. (5) Recognizing expanded phenotypes of well-described syndromic and metabolic conditions that encompass autism spectrum disorders. (6) Defining an individualized evaluation scheme based on the unique history and clinical features of a given patient. The guidelines in this article have been developed to assist the clinician in the consideration of these factors

BAD: a good therapeutic target?

The major goal in cancer treatment is the eradication of tumor cells. Under stress conditions, normal cells undergo apoptosis; this property is fortunately conserved in some tumor cells, leading to their death as a result of chemotherapeutic and/or radiation-induced stress. Many malignant cells, however, have developed ways to subvert apoptosis, a characteristic that constitutes a major clinical problem. Gilmore et al. recently described the ability of ZD1839, a small-molecule inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), to induce apoptosis of mammary cells that are dependent upon growth factors for survival. Furthermore, they showed that the major effector of the EGFR-targeted therapy is BAD, a widely expressed BCL-2 family member. These results are promising in light of the role of the EGFR in breast cancer development