Heparin cofactor II thrombin complex as a biomarker for mucopolysaccharidosis: Indian experience.

BACKGROUND Serum heparin cofactor II-thrombin complex (HCII-T) is an emerging biomarker for mucopolysaccharidosis disease (MPS I and MPS II). METHODS Seventeen cases (6 MPS I and 11 MPS II) and sixty healthy controls were enrolled in study, conducted from September 2008 to December 2012. The mean ± SD age of MPS1 (n=6, 5 males) and MPS II was 7.02 ± 3.25 and 5.2 ± 2.15 years, respectively. Disease status was confirmed by clinical features and enzyme assay. Urinary glycosaminoglycans were measured in spot urine samples and expressed in relation to creatinine content. HCIIT measurement was done using sandwich ELISA at enrolment and after 12 and 24 months of recruitment. RESULTS Urinary glycosaminoglycans and HCIIT were elevated in all patients compared to their healthy controls. Both markers could not discriminate between the type of mucopolysaccharidosis. CONCLUSIONS Heparin Cofactor II Thrombin Complex is a good biomarker for mucopolysaccharidosis I and II.