Objective: Wolfram syndrome (WFS) is a rare, autosomal recessive inherited disease characterized by various clinical manifestations. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical characteristics of WFS.
Methods: One case of WFS was reported. Combined with the clinical data of 8 cases of WFS which had been reported in China between 1994 and 2007, the clinical characteristics of WFS were reviewed.
Results: Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus as the earliest manifestation was found in all of the 9 patients, with a median onset age of 5.0 years. Optic atrophy occurred in 8 patients (onset age: 8.5 years), diabetes insipidus in 7 patients (onset age: 8.5 years) and deafness in 7 patients (onset age: 9.8 years). Short stature was found in 6 patients and hydroureteronephrosis in 4 patients.
Conclusions: Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was the first presentation in children with WFS. Optic atrophy, diabetes insipidus and deafness were common complications, with a various onset age.