Gentamicin and its ototoxicity

Abstract

Introduction. The use of gentamicin in the neonatal period is categorized as a risk factor for hearing loss. Gentamicin belongs to a group of aminoglycoside antibiotics that mainly act on Gram-negative bacteria. Due to its high efficacy, low drug resistance, and low production and treatment costs, aminoglycosides are widely used, especially in developing countries. This drug damages both the cochlear and vestibular parts of the inner ear. Hearing damage after gentamicin administration is irreversible. Aim. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate gentamicin ototoxicity in children based on comprehensive hearing tests. Material and methods. Between January 2019 and June 2020, 33 children were hospitalized in the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology at UCK WUM who were treated with gentamicin in the perinatal period. All children underwent comprehensive audiological diagnostics: acoustic otoemission, tympanometry and auditory brainstem evoked response (BERA).