vHIT as a screening method for detection of vestibular hypofunction after perinatal, systemic gentamicin therapy – preliminary results

Introduction:

The vestibulotoxic effect of aminoglycosides, especially gentamicin, has already been identified. Nevertheless gentamicin is a guideline-appropriate and potent medication for perinatal sepsis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess a potential vestibulotoxic effect from perinatal gentamicin therapy in infants using the video head impulse test (vHIT).

Patients and methods:

Vestibular function was assessed using vHIT to evaluate horizontal semicircular canal function in 17 children who perinatally underwent a five-day intravenous therapy with gentamicin. Outcome measures included gain and the occurrence of refixational saccades.

Results:

All of the tested children revealed a normal gain in vHIT. Moreover, pathologic catch-up saccades could not be identified.

Conclusion:

Perinatal intravenous gentamicin therapy does not seem to cause a permanent vestibulotoxic effect in children. Nevertheless, further research in a larger cohort is needed to detect a possible vestibulotoxic effect.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)