Neonatal sensorineural hearing loss associated with furosemide: a case-control study.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Audiology
• Pediatric neurology

Background:

• Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a significant concern in neonates.
• Early identification through screening programs like Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) is crucial for high-risk infants.
• Understanding risk factors associated with SNHL is essential for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the prevalence of SNHL in neonates.
• To investigate potential risk factors associated with SNHL in this population.
• To determine the significance of specific neonatal exposures and medical conditions on hearing outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 35 neonates with SNHL and 70 matched controls with normal BAERs.
• BAER testing was conducted before hospital discharge and confirmed post-discharge for infants with SNHL.
• Multivariate analysis was employed to assess the association between various factors and SNHL.

Main Results:

• The overall prevalence of non-hereditary hearing loss was estimated at 0.93 per 1000 live births.
• In neonates weighing less than 2000g, the prevalence was significantly higher at 15.54 per 1000 live births.
• While seizures, anticonvulsant drugs, and kanamycin were associated with SNHL, only furosemide exposure remained a significant independent risk factor after multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal screening using BAER is effective in identifying SNHL.
• Exposure to furosemide is a significant risk factor for SNHL in neonates.
• Further research into preventative measures regarding furosemide use in high-risk neonates is warranted to mitigate hearing loss.