Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II Screening, Diagnosis, and Management: A Literature Review and Practical Recommendations for Newborn Screening Programs and Health Care Providers to Support Families and Improve Outcomes

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II; also known as Hunter syndrome), is a rare X-linked lysosomal disease that leads to progressive tissue and organ damage. Early treatment is essential as most symptoms of MPS II are not reversible. Consequently, MPS II has been added to many newborn screening (NBS) programs. This narrative literature review provides practical recommendations from a multidisciplinary expert panel on the US-based NBS for MPS II and its diagnosis and clinical management. Recommendations for NBS programs include aiming for universal access to NBS within their jurisdiction, implementing tiered testing to support diagnostic accuracy, and providing infrastructure for confirmatory testing and post-screening support for families. Recommendations for health care providers (HCPs) include communicating test results empathetically and alongside verbal and written information, allowing families to express their feelings, and consulting an MPS II specialist to support treatment recommendations. The NBS programs and HCPs should work together to ensure positive screening results are communicated effectively and to provide equitable access to treatment and long-term care. Such a coordinated and appropriately resourced effort involving NBS programs, HCPs, and patient advocates will ensure better support for families and the best possible outcomes for individuals with MPS II.