How To Treat Hunter Syndrome

Hunter syndrome is an exceedingly rare genetic disorder caused by a malfunctioning or missing enzyme. Patients with Hunter syndrome don't have enough iduronate 2-sulfatase. Without an adequate amount of this enzyme, certain complex molecules build up in the body because they can't be broken down. As the substances build up, patients experience progressive, permanent damage that affects their physical abilities, organ function, mental development, and appearance. Hunter syndrome doesn't have a known cure, so treatments focus on the management of complications and symptoms. Different patients will experience different symptoms in a range of severity. Rather than being present at birth, the symptoms generally begin around the time patients are two to four years old and range in severity.