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DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1071387
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
SANFILIPPO A DISEASE IN THE FETUS - COMPARISON WITH PRE- AND POSTNATAL CASES
Publication History
Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

Abstract
One fetus at risk for Sanfilippo A disease was found to be affected by assaying heparan
sulfate sulfamidase in cultured amniotic cells and, after abortion, in cultured skin
fibroblasts. Morphologically, cells from placenta, visceral organs and fibroblasts
contained large amounts of electron-lucent vacuoles. Limited amounts of inclusions
with lamellar profiles were found in the neurons. As no similar lesions were discovered
in control cases, their presence in this fetus was considered as significant, indicating
an early involvement of the central nervous system.
We compared our findings with those of other pre- and postnatal proven cases of Sanfilippo
disease (mucopolysaccharidosis III).
Key words
Mucopolysaccharidosis - Sanfilippo A disease - heparan sulfate sulfamidase - prenatal diagnosis - central nervous system