The keratitis, ichthyosis, and deafness (KID) syndrome

Abstract

We describe here a patient with ichthyosis, keratitis, deafness, and recalcitrant cutaneous bacterial and fungal infections, who was previously described as having hereditary hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Similarly affected patients described in the literature have the following features in common: (1) a distinctive ichthyosis characterized by a fine dry scale, follicular hyperkeratotic spines, and a reticulated pattern of hyperkeratosis on the palms and soles; (2) a vascularizing keratitis that results in notable visual impairment; and (3) neurosensory deafness. One half of the affected patients also display frequent, severe cutaneous infections. We suggest that the name "the KID syndrome" to emphasize the characteristic features of the syndrome-keratitis, ichthyosis, and deafness.