| Abstract: | ![]()
The cause of sudden deafness is often unknown; however, its treatment represents a real medical emergency. Prompt recovery should be defined as that occurring in about 15 days or less. Delayed recovery should be defined as recovery after 30 days, and in such cases the factors involved are extremely variable. ACTH gel, 40 units per cc, given intramuscularly, and heparin, 10,000 units per cc, given subcutaneously gave prompt recovery in five out of. seven cases. These patients were treated two to three times weekly for about two weeks. If recovery is not present by that time, it would appear not to be worthwhile continuing therapy. ACTH and heparin are both excellent agents. In addition seroidogenesis lipolytic ACTH has many other functions. It stimulates the production of cyclic AMP from ATP. This leaves a decrease in ADP. Cyclic AMP causes a decrease in aggregation of platelets. It also exerts a beneficial effect of beta (vasodilator) versus alpha (vaso-constrictor) catecholamines. Heparin, in addition to its anticoagulant effect, is one of the best binders of histamine in the body and, therefore, limits its cytodestructive effect. It is also an excellent antigen-antibody reaction. Both drugs would thereby tend to inhibit or ameliorate vasculitis, inhibit hypercoagulation and decrease hyperlipidemia. These effects encompass the rationale of its use in sudden deafness. |
