Clinical Analysis of Neonatal Microtia

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Neonatal microtia is an external ear deformity that takes various forms in degrees from minor deformity to aural atresia. Microtia causes not only simple deformity of the auricle but also the deformity of the middle ear or/and the internal ear leading to hearing loss. We intended to analyze the clinical manifestation of microtia in neonate period. METHODS: 17 neonates born with microtia who were admitted to Kyung Hee Hospital from January 1994 to June 2003 were evaluated for clinical characteristics including associated anomalies, outcomes, findings of temporal computer tomogram (CT) and auditory brainstem response test. RESULTS: The most common type of microtia was grade III (64.7%) followed by grade II (29.4%) and grade I (5.9%) according to the Marx classification. Temporal CT was carried out in 15 cases which showed external ear abnormalities in 7 cases, external and middle ear abnormalities in 5 cases, and external middle and internal ear abnormalities in 3 cases. 7/15 (46.7%) cases had partial hearing loss, followed by 4/15 (26.7%) cases of total hearing loss and 4/15 (26.7%) cases of normal hearing. Associated anomalies among 8/17 (47%) cases included congenital heart disease, celft palate and lip, microcephaly, micrognathia, CONCLUSION: Neonate born with microtia should be evaluated and followed closely for combined anomalies such as middle or internal ear deformities as these may lead to hearing loss affecting language and emotional development.