Auditory findings and electrophysiologics in individuals with G/BBB syndrome

Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2011 Nov-Dec;77(6):768-74. doi: 10.1590/S1808-86942011000600014.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

The G/BBB syndrome is a rare condition characterized by hypertelorism, cleft lip and palate, and hypospadias. No studies were found on the hearing of individuals with this syndrome.

Aim: To investigate the auditory function in patients with G/BBB syndrome, such as the occurrence of hearing loss, and central and peripheral auditory nerve conduction.

Methods: Fourteen male patients aged 7-34 years with the G/BBB syndrome were assessed by otoscopy, audiometry, tympanometry and evoked auditory brainstem response (ABR).

Model: A retrospective clinical series study.

Results: Audiometric thresholds were normal in 12 (66.7%) of the sample and altered in two (33.3%), one with conductive and one with sensorineural loss. ABR results were: all patients had normal absolute wave I latencies; absolute wave III and V latencies were increased in two and six patients, respectively; interpeak latencies I-III, IV and V interpeak latencies were increased in four, three and eight patients respectively.

Conclusion: Hearing loss can occur in the G/BBB syndrome. There is evidence of central auditory pathway involvement in the brainstem. Imaging studies are needed to clarify the clinical findings.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Audiometry
  • Child
  • Esophagus / abnormalities
  • Esophagus / physiopathology
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / physiology
  • Female
  • Hearing Loss, Conductive / diagnosis
  • Hearing Loss, Conductive / etiology*
  • Hearing Loss, Conductive / physiopathology
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / diagnosis
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / etiology*
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hypertelorism / complications*
  • Hypertelorism / physiopathology
  • Hypospadias / complications*
  • Hypospadias / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Otoscopy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Young Adult

Supplementary concepts

  • Hypertelorism with esophageal abnormality and hypospadias