Abstract
Hearing loss and primary tooth defects have been separately associated with neurological impairment, but have not been systematically examined in the same population. To investigate the association of these defects and to explore their potential use as prenatal biological markers, 18 children presenting for hearing evaluation were examined. 11 had enamel defects. 5 had defects consistent with a systemic insult occurring in the 2nd trimester, 2 between 29-33 wks gestation, and 4 near term. Hearing loss was more severe in the 5 with enamel defects occurring in the mid-trimester x=70 dB), than in the 4 subjects with defects occurring around term x=23 dB) (t=3.1; p<.05). Of tne remaining two subjects, one had normal hearing and the other had a moderate loss. A correlation was found between the average degree of hearing loss (in dB) vs. the estimated time of systemic insult (in wks gestational age) as indicated by position of tooth defect (r=-.78; p<.01). Neurological profiles also differed. Developmental delay was more prevalent and more marked in the group with defects occurring in the mid-trimester vs. term; 4/5 children in the former group had visual/occulomotor defects compared to none in the latter group. These findings suggest a differential susceptibility for developing neurologic structures such that a given systemic insult occurring in the mid-trimester of pregnancy appears to have more serious ramifications regarding subsequent auditory and neurologic function, than those occurring late in gestation.
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Murray, G., Johnsen, D. & Hack, M. 1307 HEARING LOSS AND NEUROLOGIC IMPAIRMENT: TIMING OF SYSTEMIC INSULT AS INDICATED BY TOOTH DEFECTS. Pediatr Res 19, 328 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01331
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01331