Aminoglycoside ototoxicity in Nicaraguan children: patient risk factors and mitochondrial DNA results.
OBJECTIVE
Aminoglycoside ototoxicity remains a major problem in developing countries and accounts for 3 percent to 30 percent of hearing loss. This high prevalence rate may be related to genetic susceptibility from mitochondrial mutations in the 12S rRNA gene, comorbidity factors, or unregulated use of the medication. This study investigates the risk factors and prevalence of mtDNA mutations in serum from rural Nicaragua children with aminoglycoside-related hearing loss.


METHODS
Cross sectional study.


METHODS
Deaf children from rural Nicaragua.


METHODS
Mitochondrial DNA isolated from serum collected from 31 deaf children with childhood or in utero exposure to gentamicin was amplified, sequenced, and analyzed for mutations in the 12S rRNA gene.


RESULTS
No known pathologic mutations of the 12S rRNA gene were identified in this subpopulation of deaf children. In addition, patients with gentamicin exposure were often likely to have other comorbidity factors.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that genetic susceptibility is not a major factor in the high rate of gentamicin ototoxicity in this population sample. The high prevalence of gentamicin ototoxicty in this population is presumed to be due to unrestricted access to the drug.
Saunders
James E
JE
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA. James.Saunders@Hitchcock.org
Greinwald
John H
JH
Vaz
Sharon
S
Guo
Yinshi
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000617:Aminoglycosides / Q000633:toxicity*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000187:drug effects*; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000633:toxicity; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000633:toxicity; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation; D009527:Nicaragua; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D000617:Aminoglycosides; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D005839:Gentamicins; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal; C075526:RNA, ribosomal, 12S