Morquio Syndrome

Last reviewed by Dr.Mary on October 2nd, 2017.

Morqui syndrome (MPS IV) is one type of mucopolysaccharidosis which is a metabolic disorder. There is insufficient or not enough enzyme, glycosaminoglycans (mucoploysaccharides), needed to synthesize long chains of sugar molecules. Excessive mucopolysaccharides accumulates on the bone marrow, blood, respiratory system, cardiac system and other organs in the body causing progressive damage to the cells, tissues and organs. This is an autosomal recessive inheritance with distinct skeletal deformities in childhood and physical presentation of a short spine dwarfism. It is associated with the infiltration of keratin sulfate on the tissues and excretion of abnormal amounts of this substance through urination.


Morquio Syndrome Types

There are two type of MPS IV:

Type A – does not have enough N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase, this is the more common form of Morqui’s syndrome
Type B – does not produce enough beta-galactosidase, fewer symptoms and milder

Morquio Syndrome Symptoms

Morqui’s syndrome is usually unnoticeable until the time the child starts to walk. The following are the characteristics of MPS IV:

  • Waddling gait during ambulation
  • Spinal deformity (sharp kyphosis at the lower back often mistaken as a gibbus deformity)
  • Atlantoaxial instability (the ligaments holding the first two cervical vertebrae on the neck are very lax)
  • Abnormally short neck
  • Below average normal height for a specific age
  • Short forearm and leg bones (ulna and fibula)
  • Knocked knees or bowlegged knees
  • Flared ribs
  • Stubby fingers and toes
  • Large head
  • Widely spaced teeth
  • Early degenerative joint disease
  • Corneal clouding
  • Cardiomegaly and mild hepatosplenomegaly
  • Heart murmur
  • Inguinal hernia

Morquio Syndrome Treatment

Since this is a hereditary disorder, genetic counseling is suggested for parents who have familial history of Morqui Syndrome. Enzyme replacement therapy is still under investigation for effectiveness. As of the present, there is still no specific treatment. Physical presentations are treated specifically. Osteotomies are done to correct the alignment of legs to improve gait. Spinal fusion is also considered to prevent progression of spinal deformities, spinal cord damage and death. Proper handling and positioning of the child must be taught to prevent contractures, improve breathing and prevent subluxations. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is advisable to check the stability of the neck. Support groups are helpful to better understand the course of the disease and attitudes toward a child or family with Morqui’s syndrome

Morquio Syndrome Facts

This is a rare genetic condition which affects both males and females equally. A family history of Morqui Syndrome increases the probability of having one. There is one in every 200,000 births to have this condition. The child is normal at birth and skeletal deformities become evident when the child grows. Since the symptom is noticeable during the first year of life several laboratory and diagnostic tests are made. Urine test is the primary laboratory test used to determine the presence of mucopolysaccharides but cannot exclusively determine the exact type of MPS. Genetic test, x-ray of the spine and long bones and ECG and ultrasound can also help determine MPS IV.

Person with Morqui syndrome has normal or little mental impairment. One of the important concern is the atlantoaxial instability which will lead to spinal cord damage causing paralysis or sensory and motor impairment. Cardiorespiratory complications such as heart problems, murmurs and difficulty in breathing may hinder the child to perform activities independently.

Morquio Syndrome Life Expectancy

Most of the patients with Morqui Syndrome die from complications of spinal cord compression and cardiorespiratory failures. Individuals with Morqui Syndrome have a life expectancy of approximately 30 years. Some dies as early as age of 2 or 3 years old and some survive up to sixty years old. Early detection and intervention can prolong and enhance life.

Morquio Syndrome Pictures

  1. This is a very well put together piece of work. It helped a lot! THANKS!

    ( I know I spelled my name wrong 🙂

  2. i feel bad for those children in the pictures. 🙁 great website by the way! helped a lot!

  3. I just finished reading the book Freak the Mighty. One of the main characters suffered from this condition. This helped me to better understand the symptoms and characteristics of this disease. Thanks:)

  4. I also recently read the book Freak the Mighty, and Kevin suffered from this. So, thanks for helping my understand what this was!(:

  5. Hello,I always wanted to know more about Morquio syndrome and the reason this topic is interesting is because my older sister and younger brother were born with this syndrome …they both had different challenges but were able to live a comfortable life. My brother lived up to the age of 26 and my sis to the age of 40 ..it is amazing how their features resemble… everyone always thought they were twins .As hard as it is for me to accept their deaths I thank God for giving me two beautiful people who I love with all my heart 🙂 thanks for the info!

  6. Melissa Clayton

    It is very sad what these people have to live with.

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