Morquio Syndrome; the Ins and Outs
A research paper by Cole Negen
What in the world is Morquio Syndrome?
Morquio syndrome (MS) is a syndrome in which a body does't have enough enzymes (a protein that directs changes in the body? There are 2 types of MS; type A is where the body doesn't have any enzymes, and type B is where the body can not produce enough enzymes. People with MS experience a harder time with everyday activities that you and I find easy. Walking, its one of the most simplest things people with MS face. Usually, people with MS have to walk with crutches. They can not support their own body weight with their bendy legs. They also have trouble with eating. Their muscles are not as strong, and it can lead to choking. MS is only caused by genetics, so don't worry about catching it like a cold. Living with MS is like living with broken bones, all over your body with the strength of a 1st grader, for your entire life. MS makes life harder, more reliant on other people, and makes you more of a liability. Researches continue to make break throughs and discover new treatments for kids who have been diagnosed with Morquio Syndrome, and hopefully one day, this world will be Morquio Syndrome free!
What if I have Morquio Syndrome?
MS symptoms only appear at the age of 1-3, so if you don't have it now, you wont get it. The signs though are; short stature with short torso, abnormal spine growth, bell shaped chest with ribs that flare out at the bottom, joints that are very easy to move in weird positions, knees that point inward, large head, widely spaced teeth, possible heart problems. Like I said above, the disease is genetic (it can only be passed down from your parents). A parent also does not have to have MS to pass it to an offspring. Parents can be tested to see if having a child can cause the syndrome. http://www.healthaim.com/go-signal-may-given-first-ever-drug-morquio-syndrome/27861
What do People with the Syndrome look like?
Zane and Lucas Braun
Sam
One of many kids who have Morquio Syndrome
Kevin from Freak the Mighty
Had Morquio Syndrome and needed Max for help walking
There are many, many, many more people that struggle from the affects of Morquio Syndrome
If I think I have Morquio Syndrome, is there... needles involved?
There are many tests that doctors do to determine if a child has Morquio Syndrome. Those include; blood culture test, which is a test that checks for bacteria in the blood, genetic testing, which I explained in What if I have Morquio Syndrome?, a hearing test, and, of course, X-rays. There are many more, but those are the simplest to explain. Like I said, also, above, symptoms usually appear from the ages 1-3, so, again, if you don't have it now, you won't ever get it. You'd think it is easy to diagnose, but if an infant is being tested, it can be hard to tell because of the lack of development.
Morquio - a patient story