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Relationship between serum ferritin level and amikacin ototoxicity

Mohammad Shayaninasab1, Mohammadreza Fatololoomi, Fatollah Behnood

  • 1Assistance Professor, Otolaryngology Department, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Besat Hospital, Hamedan, Iran. Post Code: 65-148-45411.

Oman Medical Journal
|October 17, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Higher iron levels are linked to increased amikacin ototoxicity, causing greater hearing loss. Iron deficiency may protect against this serious side effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Ototoxicity research
  • Antibiotic side effect studies
  • Iron metabolism and health

Background:

  • Aminoglycosides are effective antibiotics but can cause ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
  • A leading theory suggests iron-aminoglycoside complexes generate free radicals, leading to ototoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between serum iron levels and amikacin-induced ototoxicity.
  • To determine if elevated iron levels correlate with increased risk or severity of ototoxicity.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study involving 181 patients prescribed amikacin.
  • Patients were categorized into two groups based on serum ferritin levels (<150 and >150).
  • Hearing thresholds and red blood cell indices were compared between groups using statistical tests.

Main Results:

  • Group 1 (higher ferritin) exhibited significantly higher hearing thresholds across all frequencies (p<0.001).
  • Maximum hearing threshold shifts at 8000Hz were significantly greater in Group 1 (>20 dB) compared to Group 2 (<10 dB) (p<0.001).
  • Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly higher in Group 1 (p=0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Serum iron levels are demonstrably related to aminoglycoside ototoxicity.
  • Elevated iron levels appear to exacerbate amikacin ototoxicity, while iron deficiency may offer protection.
  • Increased MCV may serve as an indicator of higher serum ferritin and heightened ototoxicity risk.
Keywords:
AntibioticsAudiologyHearing loss

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