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[Audiological evaluation of ototoxicity in gentamycin-treated children (author's transl)]
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|September 1, 1978
Insights
Gentamycin treatment for severe infections in children rarely causes hearing loss. A study found only one child out of 36 experienced slight, high-frequency hearing impairment years after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ototoxicology
- Pediatric Audiology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Severe urinary tract and bronchopulmonary infections in children often require potent antibiotics.
- Gentamicin is a powerful aminoglycoside antibiotic used for serious bacterial infections.
- Long-term effects of gentamicin on pediatric hearing require investigation.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the audiological outcomes in children treated with gentamicin for severe infections.
- To determine the incidence and severity of hearing loss associated with gentamicin therapy in a pediatric cohort.
Summary:
- Audiological evaluations were conducted on 36 children previously treated for severe urinary tract and/or bronchopulmonary infections with gentamicin.
- A mean of three years passed between gentamicin treatment and audiological testing.
- Only one child (2.8%) exhibited mild, symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss in the high-frequency range.
Impact:
- This study suggests a low risk of significant hearing impairment following gentamicin treatment in children.
- Findings contribute to understanding the ototoxicity profile of gentamicin in pediatric populations.
- Provides data for clinical decision-making regarding gentamicin use in children.
Abstract:
Audiological evaluation was performed on 36 children who had been treated with gentamycin for severe infections of the urinary tract and/or of the bronchopulmonary system. An average of three years had elapsed between medication and audiological testings. Only one child showed a slight degree of symmetrical sensoneural hearing loss in the high frequency range.