Hurler syndrome

noun

Hur·​ler syndrome ˈhər-lər-, ˈhu̇r- How to pronounce Hurler syndrome (audio)
variants or Hurler's syndrome also Hurler disease or Hurler's disease
: a rare genetic disorder that is caused by an enzyme deficiency in the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans and is characterized by deformities of the skeleton and features, hepatosplenomegaly, restricted joint flexibility, clouding of the cornea, intellectual disability, deafness, and death usually in childhood or early adolescence

Note: Hurler syndrome is a mucopolysaccharidosis that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait requiring that both parents pass on a copy of the defective gene on a chromosome other than a sex chromosome.

… was diagnosed earlier this month with Hurler syndrome, a degenerative enzyme-deficiency disease in which the body cannot break down sugar molecules. The build-up progressively damages cells and organs, including the lungs and heart.Emily Bregel
Cord blood can also be used to treat fatal inherited enzyme deficiencies such as Hurler's syndrome, which results in progressive neurological degeneration and death.Ronald M. Kline

Dictionary Entries Near Hurler syndrome

Cite this Entry

“Hurler syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/Hurler%20syndrome. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!