Audiometric characteristics of a dutch family with a new mutation in GATA3 causing HDR syndrome

Audiol Neurootol. 2014;19(2):106-14. doi: 10.1159/000356303. Epub 2014 Jan 10.

Abstract

We present the case of a Dutch family with a new mutation (c523_528dup) in GATA3 causing HDR syndrome. HDR syndrome is characterised by hypoparathyroidism, deafness and renal defects. In this study, we describe the audiometric characteristics of 5 patients from this family. Their hearing impairment was congenital, bilateral and symmetric. Audiograms showed mild-to-moderate hearing impairment with a flat audiogram configuration. Higher frequencies tended to be affected more strongly. Cross-sectional analyses showed no progression, and a mean audiogram was established. Psychophysical measurements in 3 HDR patients - including speech reception in noise, loudness scaling, gap detection and difference limen for frequency - were obtained to assess hearing function in greater detail. Overall, the results of the psychophysical measurements indicated characteristics of outer hair cell loss. CT scanning showed no anomalies in 3 of the HDR patients. Although 2 patients displayed vestibular symptoms, no anomalies in the vestibular system were found by vestibulo-ocular examination. Our results are in agreement with the theory that outer hair cell malfunctioning can play a major role in HDR syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Audiometry, Pure-Tone
  • Female
  • GATA3 Transcription Factor / genetics*
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / genetics*
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hypoparathyroidism / genetics*
  • Hypoparathyroidism / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Mutation*
  • Nephrosis / genetics*
  • Nephrosis / physiopathology
  • Netherlands
  • Pedigree
  • Phenotype
  • Speech Perception / physiology
  • Syndrome
  • Vestibular Function Tests

Substances

  • GATA3 Transcription Factor
  • GATA3 protein, human

Supplementary concepts

  • Barakat syndrome