Disease Information for Usher's syndrome

A hereditary disorder characterized by deaf-mutism, retinitis pigmentosa, and occasional mental retardation. Early cases were reported mainly in Jews in Germany but later observations came from Finland, Norway, France, England, Israel, Louisiana. (the Acadian type affecting 4.4 per 100,000), and other parts. Several types are recognized: Type I. Synonyms: Usher syndrome type I (US1, USH1) Usher syndrome type IA (US1A, USH1A) Usher syndrome, French type Type IB Synonyms: Usher syndrome type IB (US1B, USH1B) Usher syndrome, non-Acadian variety Type IC Synonyms: Usher syndrome type IC (US1C, USH1C) Usher syndrome, Acadian variety Profound congenital deafness with onset of retinitis pigmentosa by the age of 10 years. Type II Synonyms: Usher syndrome type II (US2, USH2) Type IIB Synonyms: Usher syndrome IIB (US2B, USH2B) Type III Synonyms: Usher syndrome type III (US3, USH3) Retinitis pigmentosa first noted at puberty with progressive hearing loss. Schizophrenia reported in some cases. Type IV Synonyms: Usher syndrome type IV (US4, USH4) Retinitis pigmentosa and deafness possibly transmitted as an X-linked trait---------------------------------------------

Usher Syndrome ; AKA Hereditary Deafness-Retinitis Pigmentosa ; Retinitis Pigmentosa and Congenital Deafness; Disorder Subdivisions Usher Type I; Usher Type II; Usher Type III ; and

Usher Type IV ; Usher syndrome is a rare inherited disorder primarily characterized by deafness due to an impaired ability of the auditory nerves to transmit sensory input to the brain (sensorineual hearing loss) accompanied by retinitis pigmentosa, a disorder that causes progressive loss of vision. Researchers have identified three types of Usher syndrome and debated the existence of a fourth type. The age at which the disorder appears along with the severity of symptoms distinguishes the different types of Usher syndrome. Usher syndrome is inherited as an autosomal recessive genetic trait. The possible fourth type of Usher syndrome may be inherited as an X-linked genetic trait.

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Consanguinity often present in early cases. Usually retinitis pigmentosa occurs long after deafness which is usually congenital sensorineural.Retinitis with clumps of pigment begin in young adults with peripheral retinal degeneration, Tunnel vision, night blindness and less common macular degeneration appear and are progressive. This is a terrible blow for families/patients living with one deafness handicap to get a relentlessly progressive second one.

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