[Ototoxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics].

In gram-negative infections aminoglycosides still remain to present a first-line antibiotic. Their use is limited by the high risk for side effects and especially nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. The more recently developed members of this group, although purporting to be less ototoxic, are also capable of producing inner ear damage in sufficiently high doses. This paper reviews the morphological, histochemical, and electrophysiological evidence concerning the mode of action of aminoglycosides on the auditory and vestibular systems and discusses the available methods for the detection of possible clinical ototoxicity. With recent advances in aminoglycoside monitoring techniques, the risk of toxicity has been greatly reduced. Guidelines are proposed about the prevention of ototoxicity and the management of patients with established auditory or vestibular dysfunction.