Audiologic phenotype and progression in GJB2 (Connexin 26) hearing loss.
OBJECTIVE
To document the audiologic phenotype of children with biallelic GJB2 (connexin 26) mutations, and to correlate it with the genotype.


METHODS
Prospective, observational study.


METHODS
Tertiary care children's hospital.


METHODS
Infants and children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).


METHODS
Sequencing of the GJB2 (connexin 26) gene.


METHODS
Degree and progression of SNHL.


RESULTS
From December 1, 1998, through November 30, 2006, 126 children with biallelic GJB2 mutations were identified. Of the 30 different mutations identified, 13 (43%) were truncating and 17 (57%) were nontruncating; 62 patients had 2 truncating, 30 had 1 truncating and 1 nontruncating, and 17 had 2 nontruncating mutations. Eighty-four patients (67%) initially had measurable hearing in the mild to severe range in at least 1 of 4 frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, or 4000 Hz). Of these 84 patients with residual hearing, 47 (56%) had some degree of progressive hearing loss. Patients with 2 truncating mutations had significantly worse hearing compared with all other groups. Patients who had 1 or 2 copies of either an M34T or a V37I allele had the mildest hearing loss.


CONCLUSIONS
Hearing loss owing to GJB2 mutations ranges from mild to profound and is usually congenital. More than 50% of patients will experience some hearing loss progression, generally gradually but occasionally precipitously. Hearing loss severity may be influenced by genetic factors, such as the degree of preserved protein function in nontruncating mutations, whereas hearing loss progression may be dependent on factors other than the connexin 26 protein. Genetic counseling for patients with GJB2 mutations should include the variable audiologic phenotype and the possibility of progression.
Kenna
Margaret A
MA
Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Ave, LO-367, Boston, MA 02115, USA. margaret.kenna@childrens.harvard.edu
Feldman
Henry A
HA
Neault
Marilyn W
MW
Frangulov
Anna
A
Wu
Bai-Lin
BL
Fligor
Brian
B
Rehm
Heidi L
HL
D000293:Adolescent; D000483:Alleles; D001299:Audiometry; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000072259:Connexin 26; D017630:Connexins / Q000235:genetics*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005838:Genotype; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D017630:Connexins; C000607042:GJB2 protein, human; D000072259:Connexin 26