Use of Gentamicin in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

The use of gentamicin was studied in 80 patients with cystic fibrosis complicated by severe chronic pulmonary infection due to Pseudomonas. Gentamicin was administered intramuscularly or intravenously in a dose of 7 mg/kg per 24 hr not exceeding a total daily dose of 180 mg. In some cases, 16–20 mg four times a day was administered by aerosol. Clinical, bacteriologic, hematologic, renal, hepatic, and pulmonary evaluations were carried out. Gentamicin was well tolerated and appears to be a relatively nontoxic drug when used at this dose. It was clinically effective in controlling severe pseudomonas pulmonary infection in patients with cystic fibrosis.