High incidence of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in paediatric patients in the Western Cape, South Africa

Mukovhe Phanguphangu, Lebogang Ramma
2018 South African Journal of Oncology  
Fourteen million new cancer cases are reported annually, and up to 10% of those involve children below 15 years. Cisplatin, a commonly used anti-cancer drug for its high success rate, is associated with ototoxicity. Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity is characterised by permanent bilateral severe-to-profound hearing loss. Hearing loss, when occurring during childhood, can impact negatively communication development, scholastic performance and quality of life.Aim: To determine the incidence of
more » ... in-induced ototoxicity in paediatric oncology.Setting: A retrospective records review of paediatric oncology patients who underwent cisplatin-based chemotherapy and had ototoxicity monitoring from January 2015 to December 2017 at a children's hospital.Method: Data collected included demographic, cisplatin treatment and audiometric information. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: A total of 49 records meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Ototoxic hearing loss was found in 39 (80%) of the patients whose records were reviewed and the majority (56%) presented with a bilateral moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions were absent in 32 (67%) patients. Cumulative dose (> 200 mg/m2) was associated with higher incidences of ototoxicity (odds ratio [OR]: 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67–17.34; p = 0.044). Younger patients (< 10 years) had higher odds of developing ototoxicity, but this was not statistically significant (OR: 4.00; 95% CI: 0.82–19.46; p = 0.085).Conclusion: This study found a high incidence of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in paediatric oncology patients. This is concerning because hearing loss during this age can have long-term negative impact on a child's development and overall quality of life. Early identification of ototoxicity-induced hearing loss and appropriate intervention are highly recommended in this patient group.
doi:10.4102/sajo.v2i0.41 fatcat:m3h6fracrnamtnoffxc56m5vaa