Morquio syndrome is an uncommon congenital medical problem that manifests itself when the child is aged 1 to 3 years old. The signs and symptoms of this disorder are progressive and may get worse as the child grows. It belongs to a group of diseases known as mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). Morquio is also known as MPS IV.
In this medical condition, the body cannot digest glycosaminoglycans, which are sugars that help build bone, cartilage, eye corneas, skin and connective tissue such as tendons, and ligaments. This is due to a lack of enzymes. As a result, there is a build-up of glycosaminoglycans in cells, blood and connective tissue, further causing organ failure later on.
