Frequency of mutations in the GJB2 and 125 rRNA genes in Egyptian patients with hereditary hearing loss

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of GJB2 and 12S rRNA mutations in Egyptian families with hereditary hearing loss. Twenty three families showing hereditary hearing loss analyzed. Seventeen of these families showed non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss while the rest 4 families were showing syndromic form of hearing loss. All subjected were examined by clinical evaluation and genetic analysis of their samples, including PCR, restriction assays, sequencing and SSCP. The 35 delG was found in 23.53% [4/17] of the families or in 24 of 242 [16.9%] investigated alleles. Four patients were heterozygous carriers and 10 patients were homozygous for the 35 delG mutations. No other mutations of GJB2 have been reported. No A155G mutation have been detected in the study group. These results emphasize the importance of genetic diagnosis and genetic counseling of deaf patients in Egypt

study on the effect of hearing protectors on newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] for prevention of acquired hearing disorders

To identify the effect of noise in the NICU on neonate's hearing status, and to assess the value of using hearing protectors [e.g. earplug and earmuff] to minimize the effect of noise on these neonates. '634' newborns were divided into two groups, the control group [n = 395] and the study [n = 239]. The noise level inside and outside incubators was measured by using sound level meter. Neonates in both groups were tested for hearing by transient evoked otocacoustic emissions [TEOAE] test on admission. The study group of neonates worn ear protectors from admission to discharge while the control group did not. Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission test was repeated for both groups on discharge. Any infant who didn't pass the test on discharge was reevaluated 2 months later and in case of new failure, the test was repeated at 4 months of the infant's age. Statistically significant differences were found between infants in both groups regarding TEOAE test results either at discharge or at the first follow with a higher percentage of failed tests among infants in the unprotected control group. Also, the prevalence of failed ear response was higher in neonates were exposed to noise 45 dB or more than those exposed to noise level < 45 dB. It was noticed that mean duration of hospital stays was shorter in the study group than in the control group [8.9 VS 13.7]. Environmental noise in the NICU has potential adverse effect on neonate's hearing status. Noise induced hearing loss in NICU is mostly transient and reversible. Using ear protectors were useful in reducing the hazardous effect of noise on hearing sense in neonates in NICU

Value of otoacoustic emission in monitoring hearing acuity in chronic renal failure patients

Evaluation of hearing acuity using the conventional pure-tone audiometry was performed in 48 patients less than 40 years of age as well as 15 age and sex matched healthy subjects as controls [group I]. Twenty-two patients were treated conservatively [group II] and twenty-six patients on regular hemodialysis HD [group III] who were further classified according to the duration of HD into fourteen patients dialyzed for l year [group IIIb]. The transient evoked otoacoustic emission [TEOAE] method was applied only for patients proved to have normal pure tone thresholds. The percentages of patients with sensorineural hearing loss [SNHL] in groups [II]and [III] were 22.7% and 15.3%, respectively, utilizing the pure-tone audiometry method. The results revealed that hearing acuity was found to be impaired in chronic renal failure patients whether conservatively treated or hemodialyzed. The transient evoked otoacoustic emission is better than the conventional pure-tone audiometry for evaluation of hearing acuity in this setting

Relevant factors in the identification of hearing loss in children of upper Egypt

This study was designed to examine factors which can affect early identification of hearing loss in children of Upper Egypt. The medical records of 252 children with significant hearing loss were studied. Information about each child's degree and type of hearing loss, cause of hearing loss, source of referral, additional handicaps, age of suspicion of loss, age of identification and time of hearing aid fitting were collected. Children with a greater degree of hearing loss, additional medical problem or additional handicap were identified earlier than those without these factors. In addition, children with positive family history of hearing loss were also detected earlier than those with negative family history. This study showed that hearing impaired children in Upper Egypt were identified and fitted with hearing aids at age older than that recommended for proper rehabilitation

Treatment of Taenia saginata infection by gastrografin Egyptian children

Taenia saginata infections are difficult to cure completely. Drugs such as niclosimide, aminosidine, atebrine and the introduction of a large volume of hot water with a cathartic through a duodenal tube can be useful in the treatment but does not always lead to expulsion of the tapeworm and can have serious toxic effects on the host. Gastrografin [an inert nontoxic radio-opaque substance] was used to show the number, shape and position of taenia saginata parasite. Unexpectedly, after intraduodenal injection of gastrografin, the parasite was expelled lower with its scolex through the anus. Fifteen children with taenia saginata infection diagnosed by stools examination for ova and visualisation of the motile segments of the parasite, were given gastrografin orally in two successive doses of 100 ml and 200 ml three hours apart. The whole parasite with its scolex was expelled intact through the anus after six hours in ten patients and within twenty-four hours in five cases. No dehydration or other serious adverse effects were observed in any of the cases. Gastrografin proved to be used safely in treatment of taenia saginata infection without complications