Cholesteatoma in a child with congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma

Otological problems in ichthyosis: A literature review

BACKGROUND

Ichthyoses are a rare group of keratinization disorders characterized by scaling of the skin due to an impaired barrier function. Few studies have addressed ear involvement in patients with ichthyosis, although it is a probably underestimated aspect of the disease.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to provide an overview of the otological manifestations in ichthyosis and propose specific treatment options.

METHODS

Articles were collected using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. A total of 53 articles were included in this literature review.

RESULTS

The most common ear problem in patients with ichthyosis is scale accumulation in the ear canals, which can lead to conductive hearing loss and increases the risk of ear infections. Furthermore, some types of ichthyosis are associated with outer ear malformations. Lastly, sensorineural hearing loss is common in syndromic forms of ichthyosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Otological problems are present in all types of ichthyoses and their treatment is challenging. The involvement of ear, nose, and throat specialists in the routine care of ichthyosis patients is essential for early identification and treatment of these manifestations. More research is needed to provide more insight into the otological problems in ichthyosis and to ameliorate treatment options.

Otologic Manifestations of Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis in Children

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated ear involvement in nonsyndromic autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI).

OBJECTIVES

To assess the type and frequency of otologic manifestations of ARCI in patients under follow-up at the pediatric dermatology department of our hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively studied the presence of ear pain, ear itching, tinnitus, otitis, cerumen impaction, accumulation of epithelial debris, and hearing loss. Daily hygiene measures, topical treatments, medical-surgical interventions, and frequency of visits to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist were noted in the patients' medical records. Ear examination and hearing tests were performed in all cases.

RESULTS

Ten patients were studied: 2 had a self-healing collodion baby phenotype and 8 had ichthyosis. There was mention of otologic manifestations in the records of all 8 patients with ichthyosis (100%); 6 of these patients (75%) had abnormalities in the external auditory canal examination and 2 (25%) had conductive hearing loss. Our findings are limited by the small number of patients studied, all of whom were younger than 19 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The involvement of both dermatologists and ENT specialists in the management of patients with ichthyosis is crucial to ensure the application of the best therapeutic and preventive measures. More studies are needed to assess the prevalence and impact on quality of life of ear involvement in patients with ichthyosis and to determine the optimal interval between ENT visits for these patients.

Frequency of ear symptoms and hearing loss in ichthyosis: a pilot survey study

Ichthyoses comprise a heterogeneous array of skin conditions resulting from impairment of cornification. Although ear structures can be affected, ear-related symptoms have never been investigated in patients with ichthyosis. In this pilot survey study, our aim was to determine the frequency of ear symptoms, hearing loss, and related medical interventions in patients with ichthyosis. Our secondary aim was to compare the frequency of these items according to age group. An online survey using Redcap was developed and posted online on the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types website for 6 months. Patients or parents of patients with ichthyosis were asked to complete the survey. Data analysis excluded patients with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome and surveys that had fewer than two completed items. One hundred thirty-five unique surveys were used for data analysis. Of all participants, 80% reported ear pruritus, 66% reported trouble hearing, 29% reported frequent ear pain, 28% had abnormal hearing test results, and 16% had used hearing aids. Of the 88 participants who reported trouble hearing, 24 (27.3%) had never been to a hearing specialist. Significantly more participants older than 18 years of age (74%, 57/77) reported trouble hearing than participants age 18 years and younger (53%, 31/58; p = 0.02). The frequencies of other ear symptoms and hearing loss were not statistically significantly different between the age groups. Ear pruritus, ear pain, and hearing loss are important concerns in patients with all forms of ichthyosis in all age groups. Early diagnosis and intervention may improve the quality of life of patients with ichthyosis.