Kid Syndrome

Keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome is a rare disorder that causes skin abnormalities, eye problems, and hearing loss. Skin abnormalities include thick, hard skin on the underside of the hands and feet (palmoplantar keratoderma); thick, red patches of skin (erythrokeratoderma); and dry, scaly skin (ichthyosis). Eye problems are caused by keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) which can lead to pain; sensitivity to light; extra blood vessel growth; scarring; and eventual vision loss or blindness. KID syndrome is caused by mutations in the GJB2 gene. Most cases are sporadic but familial cases with autosomal dominant inheritance have been reported. Treatment focuses on the specific symptoms present.