Clinical negligence involving Gentamicin Toxicity
Gentamicin is commonly used in the treatment of life-threatening infections and is one of a group of antibiotics known as aminoglycoside.
It can, however, lead to serious side effects if the dose is too high or given for too long, and it is therefore vital that Gentamicin is prescribed with the utmost care. The BNF Nice guidelines state that its use should not exceed seven days unless there is a specific reason for continuing the antibiotic. Even then there should be careful monitoring and ongoing risk assessment of the need for gentamicin given it carries an increased risk of toxicity.
If Gentamicin is used either inappropriately or for a prolonged period of time, a patient can experience a condition known as Gentamicin toxicity, which can cause any of the following:
- Kidney damage
- Nerve damage
- Ototoxicity
- Balance problems
- Problems with memory / concentration.
These possible side effects are directly related to the blood Gentamicin level, which calls for regular monitoring and appropriate adjustment of the dose to ensure that toxic levels do not occur.
If medical practitioners do not take reasonable steps to prevent Gentamicin toxicity, this could give rise to a claim for clinical negligence. Most commonly, a claim can involve the following issues:
- Failing to inform the patient as to the side effects of Gentamicin
- Failing to undertake ongoing risk assessments as to the continuing need for Gentamicin
- Prescribing Gentamicin where it is contraindicated e.g. where a patient has impaired renal function
- Failing to administer Gentamicin safely
- Not calculating a suitable dosage
- Failing to measure the Gentamicin blood levels appropriately and not adjusting the dose if the blood levels exceed safe levels
- Failing to recognise and treat Gentamicin toxicity in the early stages.
Amy Milner, a Senior Associate in the clinical negligence team has managed a number of cases where the inappropriate use of Gentamicin has led to a patient sustaining a significant and life changing injury.
If you have experienced issues following treatment with Gentamicin, Amy would be happy to have a free, no obligation discussion to assess your options and advise on the merits of bringing a claim for damages.
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