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Sex Differences in Congenital Aural Atresia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Angelica M Walker1, Pranav A Patel1, Shaun A Nguyen1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Summary
Sex influences congenital aural atresia (CAA) presentation and management. Females show higher risks for bilateral and right-sided defects, while males more frequently undergo canalplasty surgery for CAA.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Congenital aural atresia (CAA) is a complex condition affecting ear development.
- Understanding sex-based variations in CAA is crucial for tailored clinical approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and delineate sex-specific differences in the diagnosis and management of congenital aural atresia.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed using data from PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library.
- Eleven studies comprising 345 patients with CAA were analyzed for sex-stratified outcomes.
Main Results:
- Males represented 56.2% of patients with CAA.
- Females had a higher risk of bilateral disease (RR=1.57) and right-sided unilateral defects (RR=1.2).
- Males were more likely to undergo canalplasty, while bone conduction hearing devices were the most common intervention overall.
Conclusions:
- Sex appears to impact CAA presentation and treatment strategies.
- Awareness of sex-specific patterns is vital for optimizing diagnosis, counseling, and treatment selection in CAA patients.