To evaluate the adverse effects of an aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin in the treatment of premature neonates with sepsis during the first postnatal week and their relationship to pharmacokinetics and clinical characteristics of neonates. Acute renal dysfunction is relatively modest and transient in most of premature neonates trated in the intensive care unit.
Pharmacotherapy with Ge results, among other effects, in the increase of calcium exceretion in urine. This hypercalciuric adverse effect contributes to other risk factors for nephrocalcinosis.
Long-term follow-up of kidney function seems warranted because chronic renal dysfunction can develop in a minority of children.