Mucopolysaccharidosis type I

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I is a spectrum of diseases in the mucopolysaccharidosis family. It results in the buildup of glycosaminoglycans (or GAGs, or mucopolysaccharides) due to a deficiency of alpha-L iduronidase, an enzyme responsible for the degradation of GAGs in lysosomes. Without this enzyme, a buildup of dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate occurs in the body.

MPS I may present with a wide spectrum of symptoms, depending on how much functional enzyme is produced. In severe forms, symptoms appear during childhood, and early death can occur due to organ damage. In mild cases, the patient may live into adulthood.