Early detection of changes to hearing status attributed to treatment regimen with ototoxicity in the state of Qatar

Abstract

Background Ototoxicity resulting from cisplatin chemotherapy constitutes a significant clinical problem and challenge. Therefore, an early and effective detection of hearing loss in pediatric oncology patients receiving ototoxic medication and early intervention are critical to help these patients in achieving these developmental milestones and improving their quality of life. Materials and methods This prospective, observational study was designed as an initial pilot study to collect and analyze data from January 2014 to January 2015 on a variety of parameters. All pediatric patients, aged less than 14 years, referred from the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic to the new Ototoxic Clinic were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the above data, and associations between two or more qualitative variables were assessed using the χ2-test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Results A total of 20 patients were included in the study. Diagnostic otoacoustic emission findings were found to be normal in 14 patients (80%); four patients (20%) had abnormal findings, and in two cases this test was not carried out. High-frequency audiometry test indicated that nine (52.9%) patients had normal findings, whereas five (29.4%) had abnormal results. High-frequency audiometry could not be carried out for six (30%) patients because of their ages. Hearing loss involving the speech frequencies affected only two patients (10%; 95% confidence interval 1.7–29.3); they were diagnosed to have β-thalassemia and retinoblastoma and are currently using xjade and cisplatin. Conclusion Early and effective identification of ototoxicity is vital in children receiving cancer treatments because of the impact acquired hearing loss has on social and educational outcomes in children. This study highlights the role of early detection of hearing loss in pediatric patient receiving ototoxic medication and of possible potential interventions to enhance their quality of life during and after treatment.