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Am J Perinatol 2025; 42(01): 126-129
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788335
Short Communication

Assessment of Aminoglycoside-Induced Hearing Loss Risk in the Perinatal Period

Whitney S. Thompson 
1   Department of Clinical Genomics, Division of Neonatal Medicine, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
,
Leslie Saba 
2   Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
,
Linda Hasadsri
3   Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
,
Sylvie Girard
4   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
,
Lisa A. Schimmenti
5   Department of Clinical Genomics, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
,
Ellen M. Bendel-Stenzel
6   Division of Neonatal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
,
Myra J. Wick
7   Department of Clinical Genomics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
,
Jane E. Brumbaugh 
6   Division of Neonatal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
› Author Affiliations Funding This study was funded by the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic and Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic.
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Abstract

Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence and heteroplasmy level(s) of MT-RNR1 variants m.1555A > G and m.1494C > T, which are associated with aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss, in a general perinatal population. This study also aimed to characterize the association of these variants and their heteroplasmy levels with hearing loss outcomes with and without aminoglycoside exposure.

Study Design Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction was performed on 479 maternal DNA samples from a general perinatal biobank at our institution to detect the presence and heteroplasmy levels of MT-RNR1 variants m.1555A > G and m.1494C > T. Testing of paired neonatal specimen(s) was planned for positive maternal tests. A retrospective chart review was performed to characterize the population, identify aminoglycoside exposures, and determine hearing outcomes.

Results All maternal samples tested negative for MT-RNR1 variants m.1555A > G and m.1494C > T. Maternal and neonatal subjects had high rates of aminoglycoside exposure (15.9 and 13.9%, respectively). No subjects with sensorineural or mixed hearing loss had documented aminoglycoside exposure.

Conclusion This study demonstrated that a larger sample size is needed to establish the prevalence of these variants as no subjects tested positive. Determination of variant prevalence in the neonatal population, association of variant heteroplasmy levels with hearing outcomes, and reliability of maternal testing as a surrogate for neonatal testing are important next steps toward universal prenatal or newborn screening.

Key Points

  • MT-RNR1 variants are associated with aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss.

  • Prevalence of MT-RNR1 variants is uncertain.

  • Universal screening for MT-RNR1 variants may be indicated.

Keywords

mitochondrial genetics - hearing loss - aminoglycoside antibiotics - newborn screening


Publication History

Received: 15 May 2024

Accepted: 24 June 2024

Article published online:
15 July 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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