Search

Objective and importance The objective of this study was to describe long-term outcomes after cochlear implantation in keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome, often caused by GJB2 mutations, in the context of other reported cases. Clinical presentation and intervention The authors conducted correlative clinical and molecular genetic analysis on two implanted patients with KID syndrome, and tabulated their clinical outcomes. Both children had initially successful surgery. In one case, due to skin-related problems, despite extensive salvage surgery cochlear explantation was required. This patient now communicates with sign language and lip-reading. This contrasts with the outcome for the other patient whereby at post-operative year 10 he is able to easily converse by telephone. Both patients each carry a de novo 148G > A GJB2 mutation. Conclusion Patients with KID syndrome appear to be good candidates for cochlear implantation but may face significant skin-related problems which could disrupt successful post-operative habilitation. Consultation with dermatological colleagues regarding any new therapies may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three children with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome received cochlear implants at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. KID syndrome is a rare genodermatosis associated with mutation of the connexin-26 gene with characteristics affecting skin, hair, vision and hearing. Ichthyotic involvement of the ear canal epithelium and associated non-erosive keratosis obturans complicate hearing assessment and aid fitting. The tendency to eczematous dermatitis and otitis media is an additional problem with cochlear implantation. All cases have required additional medical management, however the outcomes show that the cochlear implant can be effective in these patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]