À propos d’un cas de syndrome de Usher suivi en psychiatrie : intérêt du diagnostic somatique pour la prise en charge psychiatrique

[Usher syndrome: about a case]

Le syndrome d'Usher est une maladie génétique comportant une double atteinte sensorielle (auditive et visuelle) appelée surdicécité. Nous rapportons l'observation d'un patient de 50 ans, issue d'un mariage consanguin présentant une surdité congénitale avec une fonction vestibulaire normale et une rétinopathie pigmentaire responsable d'une baisse bilatérale de l'acuité visuelle apparue vers l'âge de 16 ans. Cette association compose le type 2 du syndrome d'Usher, affection rare de transmission autosomique récessive. La chirurgie de la cataracte a permis une amélioration de l'acuité visuelle chez ce patient.

Usher syndrome: Hearing loss, retinal degeneration and associated abnormalities

Usher syndrome (USH), clinically and genetically heterogeneous, is the leading genetic cause of combined hearing and vision loss. USH is classified into three types, based on the hearing and vestibular symptoms observed in patients. Sixteen loci have been reported to be involved in the occurrence of USH and atypical USH. Among them, twelve have been identified as causative genes and one as a modifier gene. Studies on the proteins encoded by these USH genes suggest that USH proteins interact among one another and function in multiprotein complexes in vivo. Although their exact functions remain enigmatic in the retina, USH proteins are required for the development, maintenance and function of hair bundles, which are the primary mechanosensitive structure of inner ear hair cells. Despite the unavailability of a cure, progress has been made to develop effective treatments for this disease. In this review, we focus on the most recent discoveries in the field with an emphasis on USH genes, protein complexes and functions in various tissues as well as progress toward therapeutic development for USH.

Deafblindness: a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Deafblindness or dual sensory loss is a rare condition among young people, but more frequent among older people. Deafblindness is a heterogeneous condition that varies with regard to time of onset and degree of vision and hearing impairment, as well as communication mode, medical aetiology, and number and severity of co-morbidity.

METHOD

We conducted a comprehensive review of public health issues related to deafblindness.

RESULTS

Deafblindness often lead to barriers in language and communication, access to information and social interaction, which can lead to a number of health-related difficulties. Some of the reported consequences are a higher risk of depression, cognitive decline, developmental disorder in children and psychological distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Deafblindness is associated with a number of health-related issues and more knowledge is needed about the impact of dual sensory loss to be able to offer the best support.

Children with Usher syndrome: mental and behavioral disorders

Background

Mental and behavioral disorders among adults with Usher syndrome have been discussed and reported in some case studies but no research has been reported on children with Usher syndrome.

Methods

This article investigates the prevalence and characteristics of mental and behavioral disorders among 26 children, 3-17 years of age, with Usher syndrome.

Results

Six of the 26 children were diagnosed with a mental or behavioral disorder (1 with schizophrenia and mild mental retardation, 1 with atypical autism and severe mental retardation, 1 with atypical autism and mild mental retardation, 1 with mild mental retardation, and 2 with conduct disorder). Another 3 children had had a mental or behavioral disorder previously in their childhood.

Conclusion

Even though vision impairment first manifests in late childhood, some children with Usher syndrome seem to develop mental and behavioral disorders during childhood. The aetiology and treatment of mental and behavioral disorders among children with Usher syndrome are discussed. Children with Usher syndrome and their parents may need clinical support during early childhood to prevent development of mental and behavioral disorders.