Mucopolysaccharides are long chains of sugar molecule used in the building of connective tissues in the body.

• “saccharide” is a general term for a sugar molecule (think of saccharin).
• “poly” means many
• “muco” refers to the thick jelly-like consistency of the molecules

There is a continuous process in the body of replacing used materials and breaking them down for disposal.

Children with MPS VII are missing an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which is essential in cutting up the used mucopolysaccharides, called heparan sulfate, chondroitin 4-, 6-sulfates, and dermatan sulfate.

The incomplete broken down mucopolysaccharides remain stored in cells in the body causing progressive damage. Babies may show little sign of the disease, but as more and more cells become damaged, symptoms start to appear.

MPS VII is extremely rare, affecting only about one in 250,000 births. Fewer than 100 cases have been reported in the United States. Males and females are affected in equal numbers.

We all have genes inherited from our parents which control whether we are tall, short, fair, etc. Some genes we inherit are “recessive,” that is to say we carry the gene but it does not have any effect on our development.

MPS VII is caused by a recessive gene. If the adult carrying the abnormal gene marries another carrier there will be a one in four chance with every pregnancy that the child will inherit the defective gene from each parent and will be affected with the disease.

There is a two in three chance that unaffected brothers and sisters of Sly patients will be carriers. They can be reassured, however, that as the disease is so rare, the chance of marrying another carrier is very slight provided they do not marry a cousin or other close family member.

MEPSEVII is a an enzyme replacement therapy for individualsor the treatment of Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (Sly syndrome.) It received FDA approval in the USA in November, 2017.

For more information, visit www.mepsevii.com.

There is no cure.

All families of affected children should seek further information from their doctor or a Genetic Counselor.