Health Encyclopedia

Scheie syndrome

Definition

Scheie syndrome is an inherited disease of metabolism in which the body cannot properly break down long chains of sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans (formerly called mucopolysaccharides).

The syndrome belongs to a group of diseases called mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). Specifically, it is known as MPS I S.

Alternative Names

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I S; MPS I S

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Persons with Scheie syndrome are missing a substance called lysosomal alpha-L-iduronidase. This substance, called an enzyme, helps break down long chains of sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans (formerly called mucopolysaccharides). These molecules are found throughout the body, often in mucus and in fluid around the joints.

Without the enzyme, glycosaminoglycans build up and damage organs, including the heart. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Scheie syndrome is the mildest form of mucopolysaccharidosis type 1. The syndrome is syndrome is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait.

Symptoms

Symptoms may not appear until age 4 or 5, and may include:

Coarsened facial features
Increased body hair (hirsutism)
Broad mouth with full lips
Cloudy cornea and progressive loss of vision, resulting in blindness
Prognathism
Stiff joints
Claw hands and deformed feet

Signs and tests

A physical exam may show signs of:

Aortic regurgitation
Hearing loss
Hernias -- inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia
Liver swelling
Prognathism

An eye exam will show cloudy corneas and retinal pigmentation.

Urine tests will be done. Persons with Scheie syndrome have increased amounts of dermatan and heparan sulfate in their urine. See: Urine dermatan sulfate

Other tests may include:

Blood culture
Culture of skin fibroblasts
Echocardiogram
X-ray of the skeleton

Treatment

Enzyme replacement therapy for patients with a defect in the enzyme a-L-iduronidase is now possible. This includes individuals with Scheie syndrome, but also Hurler and Hurler-Scheie syndromes.

Early recognition and treatment of spinal cord compression can prevent permanent nerve damage. Treatment is also given for heart problems caused by leaky valves.

Support Groups

The National MPS Society -- www.mpssociety.org

Expectations (prognosis)

Scheie syndrome is compatible with an almost normal lifespan. However, some disabilities such as limitation of joints, blindness, or deafness are likely to occur later in life.

Complications

Vision problems
Hearing loss and deafness
Extremity deformities
Compression of the spinal cord, which can lead to loss of nerve function
Problems with the aortic valve

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have a family history of this disease or if you have symptoms suggestive of this disorder.

Prevention

Genetic counseling is recommended for prospective parents with a family history of Scheie syndrome.

Review Date:7/1/2007
Reviewed By:Brian Kirmse, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of HumanGenetics, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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