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Effects of long-term azithromycin therapy on auditory functions in children with chronic respiratory diseases
Hakan Yazan1, Ayse Ayzit Kilinc2, Remzi Dogan3
1Bezmilalem Vakif University, Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Long-term azithromycin (AZT) use in children with chronic respiratory issues did not impair auditory functions. Comprehensive hearing tests showed no significant differences compared to healthy controls, indicating AZT is safe for pediatric hearing.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Background:
- Long-term azithromycin (AZT) use is increasing in pediatric patients with chronic respiratory conditions.
- Concerns exist regarding potential side effects of AZT on auditory function in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively assess auditory functions in children undergoing long-term azithromycin therapy.
- To determine if prolonged azithromycin use has any adverse effects on hearing in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 43 pediatric patients on long-term AZT and 27 healthy controls were evaluated.
- Auditory functions were assessed using pure tone audiometry, speech recognition, otoacoustic emissions, and acoustic reflex tests.
- Statistical comparisons were made between the AZT treatment group and the control group.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in audiogram tests (normal and high frequencies) between the groups.
- Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) showed no significant variations.
- Speech recognition threshold (SRT), speech discrimination score (SDS), and uncomfortable loudness level (UCL) tests also yielded comparable results.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first comprehensive auditory assessment in pediatric patients receiving long-term AZT.
- Long-term azithromycin therapy demonstrated no deleterious impact on the auditory functions evaluated in this cohort.
- The findings suggest azithromycin is safe concerning auditory health in pediatric patients with chronic respiratory issues.
Background And Objectives:
In recent years, long-term azithromycin (AZT) use has been increased in pediatric patients with chronic respiratory tract problems. In this study, we aimed to assess auditory functions in children on long-term AZT therapy.
Method:
The study included 43 patients who received long-term AZT treatment and 27 age-matched, healthy controls. In the study and control groups, ear-nose-throat examination, pure tone audiometry, speech recognition threshold (SRT), speech discrimination score (SDS), uncomfortable loudness level (UCL), acoustic reflex tests, and otoacoustic emission tests were performed. The test results were statistically compared between groups.
Results:
Mean age was 11.3 ± 0.56 years in the study group and 9.3 ± 3.07 years in the control group. The medain hearing examination was 8 months after end of AZT treatment (Ranged: 1-12 months). No significant difference was found in normal- and high-frequency audiogram tests at any frequency between study and control groups. Also, no significant difference was found in distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) tests between groups. Also, there was no significant difference in acoustic reflex, SRT, SDS, and UCL test results between study and control groups.
Conclusion:
This is the first study assessing auditory functions comprehensively in pediatric patients who received long-term AZT therapy. In this study, it was shown that long-term AZT use had no deleterious effect on auditory function tests.
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