So near and yet so far9 Oct 2025 13:54
Yesterday Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust published this:
"We're trialling a ground-breaking genetic test that could prevent critically ill newborn babies going deaf if treated with some commonly used antibiotics.
Our 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 Maryβs Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) MFT Research and Innovation and The University of Manchester, in collaboration with Manchester-based firm Genedrive Diagnostics Ltd, the rapid bedside test could save the NHS Β£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.
Genedrive System_Left shadowUsing 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."