These mucopolysaccharides build up in all tissues in the body causing progressive deterioration and eventual death. The disease was first described in 1919 in Germany by Dr. Gertrud Hurler. Hurler Syndrome babies usually develop normally during the first year, but as the mucopolysaccharides start to build up, the symptoms begin to appear in the second year of life. Early symptoms include frequent colds and ear infections. Other symptoms may include carpal tunnel syndrome, curvature of the spine, frequent runny nose, hernias, and hearing loss.
Most patients die between age five and ten years of age of heart failure.
Because Hurler Syndrome is genetic, it is difficult to cure. For Hurler Syndrome patients, a variety of treatments have been tried. The goal of treatment is to get the missing enzyme into the body. BMTs are used to place in the body bone marrow cells with the correct gene. These marrow cells are able to travel to the brain much easier.