Jervell Lange-Nielsen Syndrome

Jervell Lange-Nielsen syndrome (JLNS) is an inherited disorder characterized by deafness present at birth and abnormalities of the electrical system of the heart. It is a form of long QT syndrome. This refers to the QT interval measurement seen on the electrocardiogram. The severity of cardiac symptoms seen in individuals varies from no apparent symptoms to increasing heartbeat (tachycardia), fainting, and cardiac arrest. There are two different types of JLNS type: 1, caused by mutations in the KCNQ1 gene, and type 2, caused by mutations in the KCNE1 gene. Both types are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The treatment of individuals with JLNS focuses on treating hearing loss utilizing devices such as cochlear implants and preventing other symptoms such as fainting and cardiac arrest.