[Analysis of clinical phenotypes and GJB2 gene mutations in families affected with hearing loss from southern Zhejiang].

The proportion of carriers for GJB2 gene mutations in patients with hearing loss from southern Zhejiang has reached 21.5%. The c.235delC, c.176del16, and compound c.299-300delAT and c.109G>A mutations can cause moderate to severe hearing loss. In most affected families, Heterozygous mutations may be identified by sequencing the whole coding region of the GJB2 gene. Genetic analysis and prenatal diagnosis can prevent birth of further affected children.