NNUH joins research study trialling genetic test for risk of deafness in newborns
NNUH is now trialling a ground-breaking genetic test that could prevent critically ill newborn babies going deaf if treated with some commonly used antibiotics.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is one of 14 sites across the UK to take part in the PALOH-UK (Pharmacogenetics to Avoid Loss of Hearing) study which screens for a genetic variant which is associated with an increased risk of deafness if they receive a certain type of antibiotic, called aminoglycosides.
Developed by researchers at Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and The University of Manchester, in collaboration with Manchester-based firm Genedrive Diagnostics Ltd, the rapid bedside test could save the NHS £6 million every year by reducing the need for interventions, such as cochlear implants.
During the six-month trial period, every baby admitted to NICU will be offered a bedside test carried out by their nurse before they are given antibiotics.
Using a cheek swab, the test can identify in just 26 minutes whether a critically ill baby admitted to intensive care has a gene variant that could result in permanent hearing loss if they are treated with a commonly used antibiotic, gentamicin.
While gentamicin is an effective antibiotic used to safely treat approximately 100,000 babies a year, one in 500 babies carry a gene variant that can result in permanent hearing loss when given the drug.
Prof Paul Clarke, Consultant Neonatologist at NNUH and local Principal Investigator for the study, said: “Any babies who test positive will then be given an alternative antibiotic to gentamicin. Having a rapid result will therefore help avoid causing lifelong permanent hearing loss in the babies who carry this variant and who would otherwise have been put at increased risk of deafness by being given gentamicin. We are proud to be part of this ground-breaking trial that will hopefully produce the further evidence needed before the test can be rolled out into the wider NHS for the benefit of all babies who need antibiotics.”
About the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is a 1,100 bed teaching hospital with state-of-the-art facilities for modern patient care. We work closely with the University of East Anglia’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences to train health professionals and undertake clinical research.
Our staff of more than 8,000 care for and support patients who are referred to us by around 100 local GP practices and from other acute hospitals and from GPs around the country. We have a range of more specialist services such as cancer care and radiotherapy, orthopaedics, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, rheumatology, children’s medicine and surgery, and specialist care for sick and premature babies.
About Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is the largest NHS Trust in the country and a leading provider of specialist healthcare services. Its ten hospitals are home to 28,000 staff including world class clinicians and academic staff committed to finding patients the best care and treatments. Its 10 hospitals are Manchester Royal Infirmary, Saint Mary’s Managed Clinical Service, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, Trafford General Hospital, Altrincham Hospital, Wythenshawe Hospital, Withington Hospital and North Manchester General Hospital. More information is available at www.mft.nhs.uk