A new test has been developed that can determine whether a critically ill baby has a gene change that could result in permanent hearing loss if they are treated with the antibiotic gentamicin. The test involves a gentle cheek swab and provides a quick result, allowing doctors to make informed decisions about treatment options.
Dr. Jodie Nguyen, a neonatal registrar at the hospital, explained that they admit approximately 450 newborn babies each year, many of whom are unwell and require antibiotics. For babies who carry this genetic variation, even a single dose of gentamicin can lead to severe and irreversible hearing loss.
In the past, doctors were unable to test for this gene prior to administering antibiotics because genetic testing typically takes a few days. However, antibiotics need to be given within one hour in order to be most effective against infection. This created a challenge for medical professionals in making the best treatment decisions for newborns.
With the development of this new test, doctors can now quickly determine if a baby has the gene change before starting antibiotic treatment. This allows them to avoid using gentamicin for babies who are at risk of hearing loss and choose alternative antibiotics instead.
The test involves a simple cheek swab, which can be easily performed on newborns. The results are available within a short period of time, enabling doctors to make timely decisions about treatment options.
This new test is a significant advancement in neonatal care, as it allows for more personalized and tailored treatment plans for babies. By avoiding the use of gentamicin in babies at risk of hearing loss, doctors can prevent potential long-term consequences and improve the overall health outcomes for these newborns.