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Auditory function after continuous infusion of gentamicin to high-risk newborns
H Colding1, E A Andersen, S Prytz
1Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Acta Paediatrica Scandinavica
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Continuous intravenous gentamicin in neonatal intensive care showed a low incidence of hearing loss (3%) in survivors, similar to other administration methods. This suggests no increased risk of hearing impairment with this specific gentamicin delivery method.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Audiology
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care often requires antibiotics like gentamicin.
- Gentamicin is known to have potential ototoxic side effects.
- Continuous intravenous infusion is a method of gentamicin administration in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess hearing impairment in children who received continuous intravenous gentamicin during neonatal intensive care.
- To compare the ototoxicity risk of continuous intravenous gentamicin with other administration methods.
Main Methods:
- Audiometry at four years of age in 69 survivors of neonatal intensive care.
- Free field audiometry in 7 additional children.
- Questionnaires for hearing assessment in remaining children.
Main Results:
- A 20 dB hearing loss was detected in 2 of 69 children (3%).
- This incidence is comparable to other studies of neonatal intensive care survivors.
- No hearing loss suspicion was reported from additional audiometry or questionnaires.
Conclusions:
- Continuous 24-hour intravenous gentamicin infusion does not appear to cause more hearing impairment than intermittent or intramuscular administration.
- The ototoxic risk associated with gentamicin in neonates may be similar across different administration routes.