Prevalence of Mitochondrial 1555A→G Mutation in European Children

Abstract

To the Editor: Aminoglycoside antibiotics are used worldwide to treat gram-negative sepsis. Since these drugs are ototoxic and nephrotoxic, drug levels are closely monitored. However, their effect on patients with the mitochondrial DNA mutation m.1555A→G is dramatic. Carriers of this mutation have permanent, profound hearing loss after receiving aminoglycosides, even when drug levels are within the therapeutic range.1,2 A review of previous studies indicates that after aminoglycoside exposure, penetrance of deafness in this population is close to 100%.3 Estimates of the prevalence of the m.1555A→G mutation have been hampered because of the small numbers of patients in such studies, . . .