Prenatal diagnosis of the hurler syndrome: Report on 40 pregnancies at risk

Abstract
In 40 pregnancies at risk for the Hurler syndrome 13 affected fetuses were detected by the demonstration of an α‐L‐iduronidase deficiency and an increased level of 35S‐sulphate incorporation. The diagnoses were confirmed by the analysis of fetal tissues and/or cultured fetal skin fibroblasts. Microassays for α‐L‐iduronidase, using phenyl α‐L‐iduronide and more recently 4–methyl‐umbelliferyl α‐L‐iduronide, enabled a reliable diagnosis to be made within 15 to 18 days after amniocentesis. 35S‐sulphate incorporation has been a valuable adjunct in cases with a low (heterozygote) enzyme activity.

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