Prevalence and aetiology of congenitally deafblind people in Denmark.
A study of prevalence and aetiology was performed on 63 children and 127 adults in Denmark with congenital deafblindness. Using a Scandinavian definition of deafblindness, the prevalence of congenital deafblindness was found to be 1:29 000. Thirty-five different aetiological causes of deafblindness were found. Causes of congenital deafblindness were different among adults compared to causes among children. Rubella syndrome (28%, n = 36) and Down syndrome (8%. n = 10) were the largest groups among people above 18 years of age. Among children CHARGE syndrome (16%, n = 13) was the largest group. Ethnicity was also evaluated. Among children 72% were Danish, but among the adults 98% were Danish. Implications of difference in aetiology and ethnicity are discussed in relation to the Scandinavian traditions of clinical practice and identification of congenital deafblindness.
Dammeyer
Jesper
J
University of Copenhagen, Department of Psychology, and The Danish Resource Centre on Congenital Deafblindness, Aalborg, Denmark. jesper.dammeyer@psy.ku.dk
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D054062:Deaf-Blind Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology*; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012410:Rubella Syndrome, Congenital / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D055815:Young Adult