Cerebrospinal fluid shunts in the management of behavioural problems in Sanfilippo syndrome (MPS III)

Severe behavioural disturbance is a very common feature of Sanfilippo syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis III, MPSIII), and one of the more difficult aspects of the disease to treat. We describe a series of six patients with MPS III who had cerebrospinal shunts inserted in an attempt to ameliorate behaviour that had proved refractory to conventional treatment. Symptoms improved significantly in all six but removal of the shunt was necessitated in one patient due to shunt blockage and infection. Conclusion Our experience suggests cerebrospinal fluid shunting should be formally evaluated as an adjunct to conventional forms of treatment of extreme behavioural disturbance in MPS III. Received: 14 October 1997 / Accepted: 25 February 1998