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Auditory Brainstem Response in Children with Thalassemia Major under Chelating Therapy
Kaushlendra Kumar1, Mathew Thomas Ettiyathara1, Mohan Kumar Kalaiah1
1Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
Children with thalassemia major undergoing regular treatment show normal auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave latencies and amplitudes, indicating no hearing pathway abnormalities. This study assessed auditory function in pediatric thalassemia patients compared to healthy peers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Hematology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Thalassemia major requires lifelong treatment, including blood transfusions and chelation therapy.
- Potential effects of chronic illness and treatment on auditory pathways are not fully understood.
- Previous research indicates a need for comprehensive auditory assessments in children with thalassemia major.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) characteristics in children with thalassemia major and typically developing children.
- To investigate potential auditory pathway differences in pediatric patients with thalassemia major.
- To assess hearing sensitivity and ABR parameters in children with thalassemia major under regular treatment.
Main Methods:
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) was recorded monaurally using click stimuli in both ears.
- Study included 16 children: 8 with thalassemia major (Group I) and 8 age/gender-matched typically developing children (Group II).
- All participants had hearing sensitivity within normal limits.
Main Results:
- Mean latencies of ABR peaks were similar between children with thalassemia major and typically developing children.
- Mean peak amplitudes of ABR peaks I and V showed non-significant differences between the groups.
- No statistically significant abnormalities in ABR latency or amplitude were observed in children with thalassemia major.
Conclusions:
- Children with thalassemia major receiving regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy exhibit normal Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) characteristics.
- The findings suggest that thalassemia major, with normal hearing sensitivity, does not adversely affect the auditory nerve and brainstem pathways.
- Regular audiological monitoring using ABR is valuable for children with thalassemia major to ensure auditory health.
