Topical otic antibiotics: clinical cochlear ototoxicity and cost consideration.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Determine the incidence of clinical cochlear ototoxicity in routine use of Cortisporin after ventilation tube placement. Cost differential between use of Cortisporin and fluoroquinolone agents was evaluated.

METHODS:

A retrospective review of 500 patients was performed. Cortisporin otic suspension was used for 5 days following ventilation tube insertion.

RESULTS:

Testing following surgery indicated a sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in 19 (2.1%) ears. The SNHL existed prior to the surgery and there was no deterioration in the hearing postoperatively. The total cost for our study group who used Cortisporin was $15,500. If Floxin had been prescribed the cost would have been $45,000. Had Ciprodex been prescribed, the cost would have been $49,500.

CONCLUSION:

Our study demonstrates no clinical cochlear ototoxicity in children who received Cortisporin following ventilation tube placement. The cost differential for prescribing fluoroquinolone drops is significant.

EBM RATING:

C-4.

• Authors: Leonard P Berenholz, John M Burkey, Tonia L Farmer, William H Lippy
• Journal: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg) Vol. 135 Issue 2 Pg. 291-4 (Aug 2006) ISSN: 0194-5998 [Print] England
• PMID: 16890085 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Drug Combinations
• Fluoroquinolones
• Suspensions
• hydrocortisone, neomycin, polymyxin B drug combination
• Neomycin
• Polymyxin B
• Hydrocortisone

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (adverse effects, economics)
• Child
• Cochlea (drug effects)
• Drug Combinations
• Fluoroquinolones (economics, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hydrocortisone (adverse effects, economics, therapeutic use)
• Middle Ear Ventilation
• Neomycin (adverse effects, economics, therapeutic use)
• Polymyxin B (adverse effects, economics, therapeutic use)
• Retrospective Studies
• Suspensions