Sara Parretta

Dr. Sara Parretta

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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24 July 2024 in Genes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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VCValeria Caragli
Valeria Caragli
EGelisabetta genovese
elisabetta genovese
SPSara Parretta
Sara Parretta
Michele PellegrinoMichele Pellegrino
Michele Pellegrino
Andrea CiorbaAndrea Ciorba
Andrea Ciorba
Takenouchi–Kosaki syndrome (TKS) is a rare congenital disease caused by a de novo mutation in the Cell Division Cycle 42 (CDC42) gene. Patients with TKS present facial and body dysmorphisms, hematologic and immune dysregulation, intellectual disability, neurodevelopmental delay and hearing loss. The aim of this study is to review the literature, focusing on hearing and language abilities in children with TKS. A systematic search on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed, including twelve studies for a total of 13 patients. Hearing loss (HL) occurs in a great percentage of patients (84.6%); nonetheless, auditory threshold, severity of HL and language abilities were reported in a few cases. In two studies, auditory rehabilitation strategies were described. Although several studies have investigated the hematological features of TKS, still only a few authors have focused on the audiological and language abilities of these children. Given the fact that HL has a significant impact on behaviors, communications skills, and quality of life, it is important to adequately assess and rehabilitate patients early with this syndrome. Further studies are needed to improve the knowledge about this topic and improve the quality of life of patients with TKS.

14 April 2026 in Genes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SPSara Parretta
Sara Parretta
Michele PellegrinoMichele Pellegrino
Michele Pellegrino
LLLuppi Laura
Luppi Laura
EBElena Braglia
Elena Braglia
EGelisabetta genovese
elisabetta genovese
DSDavide Soloperto
Davide Soloperto
Background: Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a rare congenital overgrowth disorder caused by genetic and epigenetic alterations on chromosome 11p15.5. While macroglossia, abdominal wall defects, and tumor predisposition are well recognized, hearing impairment has been sporadically reported. Objectives: The aim of this study is to review audiological features, surgical management, and rehabilitation in BWS, and we additionally present three cases with comprehensive longitudinal audiological follow-up. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed and Scopus was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, including studies reporting audiological findings in patients with confirmed BWS. Studies without audiological data or reporting only normal-hearing patients were excluded. Data on hearing loss type, severity, genetics, clinical features, imaging, surgical interventions, and outcomes were extracted. A narrative synthesis was conducted; no meta-analysis was performed due to the heterogeneity and limited number of available studies. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers who independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, with disagreements resolved by discussion. In addition, three original case reports from our institution were included to further illustrate the clinical and rehabilitative variability of hearing impairment in BWS. Results: We identified 40 patients from the review, but only 12 of them reported audiological data (e.g., hearing thresholds, type of hearing loss, or diagnostic tests). Ossicular chain anomalies, particularly stapes fixation, were frequently observed. Surgical management improved hearing in selected cases, while bone conduction devices (BCD) or conventional amplification were effective alternatives when surgery was contraindicated. Genetic analyses revealed CDKN1C mutations or imprinting defects in nine patients. Conclusions: Hearing impairment in BWS is clinically relevant and often conductive, likely related to middle-ear anomalies. Early, multidisciplinary audiological evaluation—including imaging when indicated—and individualized rehabilitation can optimize auditory and communicative outcomes. The evidence is limited by the small number of studies and heterogeneous reporting of audiological outcomes.