Prospective controlled evaluation of auditory function in neonates given netilmicin or amikacin

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Audiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics are frequently used in neonatal intensive care units.
• Potential ototoxicity of aminoglycosides is a concern in infant populations.
• Neonatal intensive care unit infants often experience auditory abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term incidence of hearing impairment in infants treated with aminoglycosides.
• To compare hearing outcomes between treated and untreated infants in the neonatal intensive care unit.
• To identify the ototoxic potential of specific aminoglycosides like netilmicin and amikacin.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal assessment of infants requiring neonatal intensive care.
• Comparison of hearing impairment incidence between aminoglycoside-exposed and control infants.
• Age- and sex-matched control group selection for robust comparison.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in hearing impairment between aminoglycoside-treated and control infants.
• Bilateral sensorineural impairment occurred in 2% of infants (netilmicin, amikacin, and one control).
• High incidence of transient auditory abnormalities observed in the overall intensive care population.

Conclusions:

• Aminoglycoside use in neonatal intensive care does not appear to significantly elevate hearing impairment risk.
• Transient auditory abnormalities are prevalent in neonatal intensive care unit infants.
• Routine, long-term hearing evaluations are crucial for infants receiving neonatal intensive care.