Cisplatinum ototoxicity in children, long-term follow up

To assess the long-term ototoxicity effect of platinum chemotherapy in a series of pediatric patients.

A prospective cohort study.

Patients who received platinum chemotherapy were identified through review of the pharmacy records from 2000 to 2005. Audiograms pre- and post-treatment with cisplatin were noted. The patients were brought back long after treatment for a repeat audiogram and a questionnaire to assess the impact of ototoxicity on their quality of life.

Forty-nine patients received platinum chemotherapy. Patients' exclusion: two had no pre-chemo audiograms, one had retinoblastoma with congenital hearing loss, three were lost to follow up, five deceased, and seven refused participation. The total number of patients included was 31 with long-term follow up total of 21 patients. The follow up period ranged from 1.5 to 6.6 years (median of 3.4 years). Fourty-two percent (13/31) of the patients suffered from otoxicity (3 mild, 3 moderate, 7 severe-profound). Thirty-three (7/21) of audiograms worsened on long-term follow up. Questionnaire revealed 70% subjective hearing loss with 40% requiring hearing aids.

Ototoxicity after platinum chemotherapy can present or worsen years after completion of therapy. Therefore, we recommend long-term follow up.