Otologic Challenges in Turner Syndrome Pediatric Patients: A Nationwide Analysis

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

9:42 AM - 9:48 AM EDT

Location: 231-232

Disclosure(s):

Paula Valeria Guerra-Navarro, BS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Amanda G. Baanante, MS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: Turner Syndrome (TS) is a common genetic condition frequently encountered in otolaryngology due to its associated craniofacial malformations. However, there is limited data on the prevalence of specific otolaryngological issues associated with TS. This study analyzes national, multi-institutional data to answer: What are the prevalence and characteristics of otological disorders in female pediatric patients with Turner Syndrome compared to those without the condition.

Methods: Using the TriNetX database, we targeted female patients 17 or younger with TS who had an outpatient visit between 2010 and 2023. A propensity score-matched cohort was compared. Selected otolaryngological diagnoses were extracted using relevant ICD-10 and CPT codes to compare occurrence between the TS and non-TS cohorts.

Results: Of 3,209,910 identified children, 2,772 had TS with an equal number of unaffected girls in the matched cohort. Mean age was 4.1 years (SD=4.5). TS patients were more likely to be diagnosed with all types of hearing loss including conductive (13.7% vs. 2.1%; OR=7.5, 95% CI=5.6-9.9, p<.001), sensorineural (5.9% vs. 1.0%; OR=6.4, 95% CI=4.2-9.6, p<.001), and unspecified (14.8% vs. 3.6%; OR=4.6, 95% CI=3.7-5.8, p<.001).TS patients were also more likely to have cholesteatoma (1.2% vs. 0.4%; OR=3.4, 95% CI=1.7-7.0, p<.001). Otitis media (OM) incidence did not differ (p=.09), but among patients with OM, TS patients had more recurrences (t=5.3, p<.001). TS patients were more likely to receive ventilation tubes (VT) (10.5% vs. 2.4%; OR=4.8, 95% CI=3.7-6.3, p<.001) and had more instances of VT placement (t=2.8, df=356, p=.006).

Conclusions: TS patients are more likely to experience hearing loss, OM, and undergo VT placement. Understanding this allows us to create guidelines for early intervention efforts for TS patients.

Presenting Author(s)

PG

Paula Valeria Guerra-Navarro, BS

Medical Student
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Co-Author(s)

Amanda G. Baanante, MS

Medical Student
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
GV

Gaayathri Varavenkataraman, MA

Research Assistant
Department of Otolaryngology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
East Amherst, New York, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
LA

Lauren V. Arcinas, MPH

Medical Student
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Glen Ellyn, IL, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Senior Author(s)

MC

Michele M. Carr, DDS MD PhD

Professor
Department of Otolaryngology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
Williamsville, New York, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.