[Hearing loss and airway problems in children with mucopolysaccharidoses]

Saturnino Santos1, Laura López, Luis González

  • 1Servicio de ORL, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, España. satursantos@gmail.com

Insights

Children with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) have higher risks of hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). OSAHS may recur more frequently after surgery in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Context:

  • Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are rare genetic disorders affecting multiple organ systems.
  • Early childhood onset leads to ENT issues like otitis media, hearing loss, and airway obstruction.

Purpose:

  • To describe audiological findings and airway pathology in 9 children diagnosed with MPS.
  • To evaluate ENT-related health issues in pediatric MPS patients.

Summary:

  • A retrospective review of 9 MPS patients (types I, II, IV, VI) revealed chronic middle ear effusions in all.
  • Moderate bilateral conductive hearing loss was common; sensorineural and mixed hearing loss occurred in some.
  • Four patients had obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) due to Waldeyer ring hyperplasia, with one case complicated by spinal cord compression.

Impact:

  • Children with MPS face increased risks of sensorineural hearing loss.
  • OSAHS is more prevalent in MPS patients, with higher recurrence rates post-surgery.
  • These children require careful airway management due to potential complications.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Lysosomal Hydrolases01:22

Lysosomal Hydrolases

Lysosomes are the site for the degradation of macromolecules and biological polymers released during membrane trafficking events such as secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The membrane-enclosed area of the lysosome, called the lumen, contains hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment. These acid hydrolases are functional at a pH between 4.5 and 5 and are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling, energy metabolism, restoration of the plasma membrane,...
Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview01:16

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Proteoglycans01:05

Proteoglycans

Glycans, a class of complex heterogeneous molecules, can be covalently attached to proteins to form glycosylated proteins that regulate various physiological and pathological processes. Glycosylated proteins or glycoproteins comprise N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides. O-glycosylation is the most common type of protein glycosylation. Here, glycans attach to the oxygen atom of the hydroxyl groups of Serine or Threonine residues. O-linked glycosylation occurs later in protein processing,...