Hearing outcomes in children of diabetic pregnancies. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Joshua A.; Mehta, Charmee H.; Nguyen, Shaun A.; Meyer, Ted A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology. Volume 132(2020:May)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Diabetes mellitus -- Gestational -- Health of newborn infants -- Premature infants -- Congenital heart defect -- Infant of diabetic mother -- Hearing loss; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Oto-rhino-laryngologie -- Périodiques; Pédiatrie -- Périodiques; 618.9209751
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.109925
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-5876

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Children of diabetic pregnancies (CDPs) face numerous risk factors for hearing loss (HL). The objective of this study was to investigate the hearing outcomes of CDPs on a population scale. Methods: Using the Audiological and Genetic Database, the prevalence, severity, and progression of HL in CDPs was compared against children of non-diabetic pregnancies (CNDPs) who served as controls. Results: Among 311 CDPs, 71.1% demonstrated evidence of HL compared to 45.5% in CNDPs (p < 0.001). The mean age at which CDPs received audiograms was 3.6 years compared to 5.4 years for CNDPs (p < 0.001). Compared to CNDPs, CDPs were similarly affected by common otologic conditions such as acute otitis media (25.7%), chronic otitis media (38.3%), and Eustachian tube dysfunction (41.8%) (all p > 0.05). CDPs were more likely to have bilateral HL (81%) and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) (8%) relative to CNDPs (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). Rates of conductive HL and mixed HL were not significantly different between groups (p = 0.952 and p = 0.058, respectively). CDPs were at significant risk for the development of HL (aOR 1.66 [1.28–2.17], SNHL (aOR 1.63 [1.01–2.52], and high-frequency HL (aOR 1.32 [1.03–1.68]). Of the comorbidities evaluated, CDPs with hyperbilirubinemia (aOR 1.85 [1.18–2.84]), perinatal asphyxia (aOR 1.90 [1.06–3.16]), or congenital heart disease (aOR 1.21 [1.07–1.37]) demonstrated higher risk of SNHL. Conclusion: Children of diabetic pregnancies face increased risks of developing HL, particularly bilateral and sensorineural hearing loss. Given these findings, we recommend close audiologic follow-up for these children, especially those with complicated birth histories or additional medical problems.