MPS VII management and symptoms

Overall management of disease and symptoms

MPS VII is a multisystemic, progressive disorder that causes multi-organ dysfunction1-3

  • Because MPS VII is heterogeneous, a multidisciplinary team is required to help manage and treat the underlying condition1,4
  • Patients with MPS VII can have varying degrees of disease severity in different areas of the body. Specialists need to be aware of how the disease affects their particular area of expertise1
  • As people with MPS VII age, their signs and symptoms may worsen. In some cases, people with MPS VII may develop new signs and symptoms, which may also progress1-3

Symptomatic management

Supportive care and treating ongoing complications should always continue.

Patients with MPS VII can have respiratory and cardiovascular complications, skeletal manifestations, loss of hearing and vision, and gastrointestinal symptoms.3

Symptomatic management may include1,3

  • Oxygen for respiratory insufficiency
  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
  • Tracheotomy for severe airway obstruction
  • Physical therapy for joint stiffness
  • Cardiac valve replacement therapy

Anesthesia, surgical interventions, and emergencies

Patients with MPS VII may have cervical cord compression, cervical instability, and compressed airways. Giving an anesthetic to such patients requires skill and should always be undertaken by an experienced anesthetist.1-3

If the patient must go to a different hospital in the event of an emergency, be sure to inform the anesthetist that there may be problems with intubation. Also work with the MPS VII patient and their family to help inform their school, work, and any other caregivers of these concerns.1-3

Physical therapy/exercise3

Joint stiffness and limitation of motion are common features of MPS VII and can cause significant loss of function.

Range-of-motion exercises (passive stretching and bending of the limbs) may offer some benefits in preserving joint function, and should be started early.


Next: See MPS VII resources for you and your patients

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References: 1. Montaño AM, Lock-Hock N, Steiner RD, et al. Clinical course of sly syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type VII). J Med Genet. 2016;53(6):403-418.
2. Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII. MedlinePlus website. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/mucopolysaccharidosis-type-vii. Accessed May 17, 2022. 3. National MPS Society. A Guide to Understanding MPS. Durham, NC: National MPS Society. https://mpssociety.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/MPS_VII_2008.pdf. Accessed May 17, 2022. 4. Mitchell J, Berger KI, Borgo A, et al. Unique medical issues in adult patients with mucopolysaccharidoses. Eur J Intern Med. 2016;34:2-10.