Anmeldung zur Tagung
Registration
Grußwort
Invitation
Themen
Topics
Allgemeiner Ablauf
General overview
Wissenschaftliches Programm
Scientific program
Kurse
Courses
Symposien
Symposiums
Frühstück mit Spezialisten
Breakfast with specialists
Arzthelferinnen-Fortbildung
Rahmenprogramm
Social program
DOG Information
DOG Information
Allgemeine Informationen
General Information
Autorenindex
Index of Authors
Ausstellerliste
Exhibitors
Sponsoren
Sponsors
Teilnahmegebühren
Registration fees
Impressum
Prevalence and geographical distribution of Usher syndrome in Germany
1Spandau U., 2Rohrschneider K.
1Universitätsaugenklinik Mannheim, 2Universitätsaugenklinik Heidelberg
Background: Usher syndrome, a combination of retinitis pigmentosa
and deafness (USH1) or sensorineural hearing loss (USH2) is the main reason
for deafblindness worldwide. In contrast to other countries, the prevalence
and geographic distribution of Usher syndrome is unknown in Germany.
Patients and methods: The databases of the Low Vision Department
of the University of Heidelberg and the patient organisation Pro Retina
were used to calculate the number of USH1 and USH2 patients and their
geographic distribution. The prevalence was estimated by the amount of
patients in the area of Heidelberg and Mannheim.
Results: The database of the University of Heidelberg comprises
238 Usher syndrome patients and herein 59 USH1 and 179 USH2. The database
of Pro Retina contains 246 patients with 21 USH1 and 225 USH2. The total
number of Usher syndrome patients is 246 with 72 USH1 and 341 USH2. The
prevalence of Usher syndrome in Germany is estimated to be 5-6 per 100000
inhabitants or about 5000 affected. Except of a geographic dominace in
the southwest of Germany, the distribution was evenly distributed throughout
the country within both subtypes.
Conclusion: The high number of
more than 5000 Usher syndrome patients and the even distribution all over
Germany ought to increase the awareness of opthalmologists and ENT specialists
towards this disease so that an adequate follow-up and support with low
vision aids can be ensured in patients with Retinitis pigmentosa.