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Published on: December 20, 2017
[Hearing loss in patients with Fabry disease]
A Limberger1, M Beck, S Delgado-Sanchez
1Klinik für HNO und Kommunikationsstörungen, Universitätsklinik Mainz, Mainz. limberger@kommunikation.klinik.uni-mainz.de
HNO
|September 28, 2006
Summary
Fabry disease, a genetic disorder, causes hearing loss in both males and females. While hearing impairment is common, it appears less severe in women with Fabry disease.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Context:
- Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder.
- Deficient alpha-galactosidase A activity is the underlying cause.
- Known complications include pain, renal insufficiency, cardiomyopathy, and stroke.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of hearing impairment in patients with Fabry disease.
- To compare hearing loss between genders.
- To explore the relationship between disease severity and hearing loss.
Summary:
- Hearing loss, particularly at high frequencies, is a characteristic feature of Fabry disease.
- A significant proportion of both female (22/43) and male (15/29) patients exhibited hearing loss.
- More severe Fabry disease symptoms correlated with more pronounced hearing deficits.
Impact:
- Confirms that hearing impairment affects both genders in Fabry disease.
- Suggests a potentially milder presentation of hearing loss in female patients compared to males.
- Highlights early onset of tinnitus in children with Fabry disease.
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