Abstract

ObjectiveNational Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance for the management of neonatal sepsis recommends a first-line antibiotic regimen containing an aminoglycoside (gentamicin). Aminoglycoside exposure causes sensorineural hearing loss in individuals with a specific mitochondrial genetic variant (m.1555A>G). This variant can be detected promptly (in <30 min) by a point of care test. NICE does allow for variation in antibiotic regimes depending on local microbiology guidance. As practices can vary, this survey aimed to determine the current use of first-line antibiotic agents within neonatal units and postnatal wards across the UK.Design and settingA telephone survey was conducted across all neonatal units in the United Kingdom. Responses were requested from a member of the neonatal team experienced in neonatal septic screening processes. One response was recorded per unit.ResultsOf the 187 neonatal units, 186 (99%) responded to the survey. One unit declined to participate. The survey results show most neonatal units (93%) and postnatal wards (74%) across the United Kingdom use aminoglycosides as first-line antibiotic agents. Antibiotic regimes varied between different units and between different locations within the same hospital (NICU vs. postnatal wards). In cases where there was a contraindication to aminoglycosides, the most common alternative antibiotic was cefotaxime.ConclusionsMost neonatal units in the UK use an aminoglycoside antibiotic as first-line agent for suspected sepsis. This places infants with the m.1555A>G genetic variant at risk of iatrogenic hearing loss. There needs to be integration of point-of-care genetic testing within the neonatal septic screening pathway.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.