Research discovers link in cystic fibrosis antibiotic treatment and hearing loss
Orange County, CA - February 27th 2017 - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an incurable, progressive, and genetic disease that induces persistent lung infections that gradually restricts respiratory functions. Thick mucus begins building up in the lungs, obstructing the airways and trapping bacteria leading to infections, lung damage, and ultimately respiratory failure. More than 70,000 people are living with the disease globally.
CF patients are often treated with aminoglycoside antibiotics, antibacterial therapeutic agents that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis. While often necessary to extirpate serious respiratory infections, the aminoglycosides have the side effects of weakening auditory function in the inner ear and kidney function. Previous research indicates an increased risk for hearing loss from these antibiotics, but a new study from the Oregon Hearing Research Center, published in the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, suggests it is essential to routinely monitor hearing in all patients being treated with aminoglycosides intravenously.
The study reviews the medical records of 81 CF patients from ages 15 to 63 years, with hearing thresholds measuring from 0.25 to 16.0 kHz. Participants were placed in one of two groups; normal hearing in both ears, defined as ≤25 dB HL for all frequency bands, or hearing loss, defined as >25 dB HL for any frequency band in either ear. The groups were then separated into four quartiles, determined by dosage of aminoglycoside antibiotics administered intravenously.
Researchers found that the two groups with the higher dosages were 4.79 times more likely to experience hearing loss than the two lower dosage groups. This evidence suggests that if patients are responsive to other classes of antibiotics, physicians should try newer medications being developed with reduced toxicity in the kidneys and ears while still adequately treating infections.
This new study is the first of its kind to factor in cumulative exposure over the lifetime of a patient while also weighting the daily dosing schedule. An excerpt from the study reads, “This information will allow both the patient and the physician to discuss possible modifications to the treatment regimen, particularly if an alternative approach is or becomes available.”
New treatments for cystic fibrosis have dramatically influenced the life expectancy of those affected by the disease. In the 1950’s, those diagnosed rarely made it out of childhood, but now the predicted median survival age has climbed to age 40. This longevity furthers the need to maintain this pace of research so these individuals may have the quality of life they deserve.
To read their study click here.
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Research discovers link in cystic fibrosis antibiotic treatment and hearing loss Orange County, CA – February 27th 2017 – Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an incurable, progressive, and genetic disease that induces persistent lung infections that gradually restricts respiratory functions. Thick mucus begins building up in the lungs, obstructing the airways and trapping bacteria leading to infections, […]