Research Overview

Margaret Kenna's research has encompassed several problems in otolaryngology. Recently, she has investigated the genetics of sensioneural hearing loss (SNHL), which is present in approximately 40% of children with childhood deafness. She and colleagues have developed a test for mutations in the GJB2 gene, which encodes the connexion 26 protein. Such an assay should be useful in identifying additional gene mutations and lead to a better understanding of previously identified mutations.

About Margaret Kenna

Margaret Kenna received her MD degree from Boston University School of Medicine. She completed an internship and residency at University Hospital of Arkansas and a fellowship at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Key Publications

• Kenna MA. Neonatal hearing screening. Pediatric Clinics of North America 2003; 50: 301-313.
   
• Wu BL, Lindeman N, Lip V, Adams A, Amato RS, Cox G, Irons M, Kenna M, Korf B, Raisen J, Platt O. Effectiveness of sequencing connexin 26 (GJB2) in cases of familial or sporadic childhood deafness referred for molecular diagnostic testing. Genetics in Medicine 2002; 4: 279-288.
   
• Kenna MA. Otitis media: the otolaryngologist's perspective. Pediatric Annals 2000; 29: 630-636.