Use of amikacin in neonates and related ototoxicity

Abstract

Neonates frequently receive aminoglycosides as empiric therapy for severe infections caused by suspected Gram-negative bacteria. Amikacin is classified as an aminoglycoside. Optimum dosing of aminoglycosides is required because of the inter-individual variability in the pharmacokinetics of aminoglycosides in the neonatal population. Aminoglycosides have the ability to produce nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. This is a major limitation and concern regarding the use of this class of antibiotics. The ototoxic effects of AG treatment are dose-dependent. Preterm infants are especially susceptible to the ototoxic effects of aminoglycoside drugs, because of the anatomical and functional maturation development of the inner-ear system. Identification of AG ototoxicity is important to minimise long-term damage.