Speech and language development in siblings with Alport syndrome: A seven-year longitudinal retrospective case study

Abstract

Alport syndrome is a syndrome that results in nephritis, renal failure, sensorineural hearing loss, and various eye deficits. As a result of sensorineural hearing loss, these individuals are likely to experience difficulties in the area of speech and language. While many studies examine the speech and language characteristics of children with syndromic sensorineural hearing loss at a given time, we did not find any that followed these children over a long-term basis. This study addresses this limitation by observing two twin brothers with X-linked Alport syndrome over a seven-year period. Information regarding hearing function, as well as speech and language skills, renal function, and visual acuity are mentioned in order to provide a holistic view of the participants' health and to make functional comparisons between body systems. Over the seven years, Jacob and Tyler's health correlated to their diagnosis of Alport syndrome. Jacob's health remained relatively stable in each area, while Tyler's health fluctuated each year. The medical records support information regarding the functional relationship between the kidneys and the cochlea, though they appear to be independent of one another. It is likely that various body systems influence the function of others. Therefore, because syndromes affect many different areas of the body, interdisciplinary collaboration is vital between each medical specialist that is treating a patient with a syndrome in order to gain a holistic view of the person they are providing care for.