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Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
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Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

What Is Hurler Syndrome (MPS I)?

Inborn Error of Energy Metabolism

Hurler syndrome is an inherited condition caused by a faulty gene.

Children with Hurler syndrome lack an enzyme that the body needs to digest sugar. Undigested sugar molecules build up in the body, causing progressive damage to the brain, heart, and other organs.

Symptoms most often begin to appear between ages 3 and 8.

Children with Hurler syndrome may have:

  • Unusually large heads.
  • Joint stiffness.
  • Hearing and vision loss.
  • Impaired growth.

The medical name for Hurler syndrome is mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I).

Your Child's MPS I Consult and Care: What to Expect

If a doctor diagnosed your child with MPS 1, we want you to know you're not alone. The Center for Rare Disease Therapy (CRDT) at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is here to help.

To make an appointment for your child or refer a patient for MPS 1 care, contact us by:

Here’s what you can expect when you come to us for a consult.

What should I expect at my child’s first visit for MPS I care?

Your first visit will take from 4 to 6 hours.

Your child will have a thorough exam by our experts of the UPMC Children’s Center for NeuroGenomics (CCNG). The doctor will make or confirm a MPS I diagnosis and find out how much the disease has progressed.

Because we work as a team at the center, other doctors and staff might see your child during your visit.

These include specialists in:

  • Genetic diseases.
  • Brain diseases.
  • Child development.
  • Hearing.
  • Physical therapy.

What are the next steps after my child's MPS I visit?

Members of your child's care team will talk with you about:

  • Likely next steps for your child.
  • MPS I treatment options.
  • Ways to help your child's quality of life at home.

By the end of your visit, you'll have a MPS I care plan tailored to your child's needs. We'll also schedule a follow-up visit.

You'll meet our nurse practitioner. You can contact them by phone or video conference with any concerns before your next visit.

Before you leave, please ask us about your child's MPS I, treatment, or anything else on your mind.

How long will I need to wait for my child's MPS I test results?

We'll call within 2 weeks to review the test results and the next steps for your child's MPS I care.

You can also find your child's test results if you have a MyCHP account — Children's patient portal.

MyCHP lets you manage your child's health online. It's free for kids getting treatment at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and their loved ones.

Partners in Your Child's MPS I Care

A child with a rare disease like MPS I affects the whole family. We see each family member as our partner at the CRDT.

The best care happens when we merge our MPS I expertise with your knowledge of your child's needs.

Center for Rare Disease Therapy patient storiesMeet Our Rare Disease Center Patients

Learn how others are finding help and hope for their child’s rare disease through the expertise at UPMC Children’s.

View Center for Rare Disease Therapy patient stories »

Contact Us About Your Child’s MPS 1

At the CRDT, every child diagnosed with a rare disease receives a tailored treatment plan and family-centered care.

For an appointment, consult, or referral, contact us:

We’ll be in touch within 2 business days.