Gentamicin - Progressive cochlear toxicity

Four patients with severe thermal burns showed Gentamicin cochlear toxicity. The hearing loss ranged from moderate to severe and was progressive in the three patients that were followed. These side effects were seen even with only topical application of Gentamicin to large surface burns of the body. All patients had an associated loss of bestibular function. None of the patients during treatment with Gentamicin was in renal failure. These finding are discussed in the light of current knowledge of Gentamicin toxicity, blood levels, and absorption from surface burns of the body.