Long-term follow-up of a girl with Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome after bone marrow transplantation.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI or Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder. We treated a 10-year-old girl with Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome successfully with bone marrow transplantation (BMT). METHODS: The patient had reconstitution with bone marrow from her HLA-matched brother. One month after BMT, arylsulfatase activity of the recipient's leukocytes became normal. No graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was observed. Arylsulfatase B activity was maintained and the urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) became normal. RESULTS: The clinical response of the patient was slow but persistent during 12 years after BMT. Improved motor function included walking alone for a long distance without aid, riding a bicycle, taking a bath by herself, etc. Besides, few infections occurred. Exertional dyspnea, severe snoring, and vertigo were much improved. CONCLUSIONS: Early intervention is recommended for BMT. Allogeneic BMT may provide a better life quality as illustrated in the present case.