Message Boards for the CF Trust

Replies: 3 Pages: 1

Denise

Posts: 16
From: Bedfordshire
Registered: 08-Nov-2006

Gentamycin I.V.'s
Posted: 08-Dec-2006 21:48

Reply

Hi all

Just wanted a bit of advice really.

Lauren has just finished 2 weeks of I.V.'s, she has the same every 3 months, Gentamycin and Meropenam (she's allergic to Ceftazidine). This time, the Gent was stopped several times following blood tests which indicated that her Gent levels were too high. I understand that this was a precaution to prevent kidney failure, but don't really understand why this was happening and if this would happen again in 3 months?

I think this contributed to the fact that she came out after 2 weeks in a worse condition than when she went in, her lung function dropped from 42% to 39% and as a result - has been put on a short sharp dose of steroids for 5 days. This has also concerned me as she's never had steroids before. The community team are coming out to her on Monday to repeat the lung function, I guess if it's still lower than 42% she'll be re-admitted.

Can anyone explain a bit about the Gent levels and put my mind at rest about the steroids?

Thanks.

D.

Karen D

Posts: 6
From: Scotland
Registered: 06-Dec-2006

Re: Gentamycin I.V.'s
Posted: 08-Dec-2006 22:05

Reply

My son usualy gets the same combination of antibiotics, as he too is allergic to Ceftazidine. Usually if his levels are too high they lower the dose..but maybe your daughter's were too high for that...Sorry I can't help you.. The steroids should help reduce any inflamation and shouldn't be a problem for one week., but at least you will be able to have all your questions answered on Monday... I hope Lauren improves soon..

hugs

Kx

youngmummy

Posts: 10
From: Burnley
Registered: 06-Dec-2006

Re: Gentamycin I.V.'s
Posted: 08-Dec-2006 22:36

Reply

Hi,
When my little boy was in for psudeo they checked his gent levels every 3rd dose coz his levels were too low they had to keep upping it till he had he right dose i think when they have the right amount they dont need to keep checking it everytime they are admitted for ivs they said children absorb it far quicker that adults i dunno why that is tho.

Lots of love Lisa x

Jathy

Posts: 39
Registered: 07-Nov-2006

Re: Gentamycin I.V.'s
Posted: 08-Dec-2006 22:51

Reply

I would urge that Gent levels are very important, and if they were too high, then it is a good thing that they were stopped. Gentamycin can cause a lot of problems with the inner ears regarding hearing and balance.
The levels should be checked on every IV course.

I can't answer the rest of it, but wanted to mention the part regarding the gentamycin.
Take care.