Glucocorticoid influence on prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

IntroductionIdiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSHL) is defined when a loss of at least 30 dB occurs in over 3 continuous frequencies, in up to 72 hours, of which etiology is not established, despite adequate investigation. Different types of treatment regimens have been proposed, but only glucocorticoids have shown some evidence of benefit in the literature.ObjectiveTo analyze whether the type of treatment or time of treatment with glucocorticoids have any influence on hearing recovery in ISSHL.MethodsObservational retrospective cohort study. One hundred twenty-seven patients with ISSHL, treated at outpatient clinics between the years 2000 and 2010, were studied. We evaluated the prognostic correlation of the type of treatment and time to treatment with glucocorticoids and ISSHL.ResultsThe absolute hearing gain and the relative hearing gain was as follows: 23.6 dB and 37.2%. Complete recovery was observed in 15.7% of patients, significant recovery in 27.6% and recovery in 57.5%.ConclusionIn this study, there was no difference between the use and nonuse of glucocorticoids in hearing improvement. However, when started within seven days after onset, the use of glucocorticoids was a factor of better prognosis.     

The effect of initial treatment on hearing prognosis in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a nationwide survey in Japan

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the hearing prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) treated with different initial therapies.

Methods: Subjects consisted of patients diagnosed with idiopathic SSNHL within 7 days from onset and showing severe hearing loss (≥60?dB), who were registered in a Japanese multicenter database between April 2014 and March 2016. Subjects were divided into four groups according to initial therapy: (1) steroids, (2) steroids?+?Prostaglandins (PGs), (3) intratympanic steroids (ITS), and (4) no steroids. Hearing outcomes were compared among the groups.

Results: In total, 1305 patients were enrolled. The final hearing level and hearing gain of patients treated with steroids?+?PGs were significantly higher than those of patients treated with steroids alone or no steroids. The ratio of good prognosis (complete recovery or marked improvement) in patients treated with steroids?+?PGs was higher than that in patients treated with steroids alone or no steroids. There was no difference in the prognosis of patients treated with steroids alone or no steroids.

Conclusion: A large number of patients with idiopathic SSNHL were registered in a multicenter database. PG use in combination with steroid administration was associated with a good hearing prognosis in patients with severe hearing loss.     

The pathology of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Summary We examined the temporal bone pathologies in 12 ears with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and found that the lesions present in these specimens and in 10 others reported in the literature are similar to lesions occurring in known cases of viral cochleitis. These lesions are unlike those resulting from known vascular causes.Supported by grant no. 5 R01 NS05881 from the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke     

The pathology of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

We examined the temporal bone pathologies in 12 ears with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and found that the lesions present in these specimens and in 10 others reported in the literature are similar to lesions occurring in known cases of viral cochleitis. These lesions are unlike those resulting from known vascular causes.     

Treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

CONCLUSION: The therapeutic role of corticosteroids and/or corticosteroids with antiviral agents for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has yet to be fully elucidated; however, in cases where deafness is profound and of recent onset, a therapeutic trial is indicated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate treatment regimens and their efficacies, as well as evaluating the potential prognostic correlates and allowing comparison between local and national standards of care for SSNHL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective evidence-based case series of 143 patients seen at the University of Rochester, Department of Otolaryngology between 1999 and 2002 was investigated. Treatment modalities included (1) observation, (2) steroids, and (3) steroids with antivirals. RESULTS: The study demonstrates that steroid treatment, alone or in combination with antivirals, results in a significant improvement rate compared with observation. Results indicate that the more expediently a patient with SSNHL is seen by an otolaryngologist, the better their prognosis.     

Intratympanic steroids for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

OBJECTIVES: We undertook to evaluate the effectiveness of intratympanic (IT) steroid injections for treating idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) by performing a retrospective case series study in a private otology practice. METHODS: A total of 21 eligible patients with ISSHL were included. We defined ISSHL as a hearing loss of 20 dB or more at at least 3 consecutive audiometric frequencies that develops within 72 hours or less and cannot be attributed to any commonly identifiable cause of sudden hearing loss. Three IT injections of 0.4 mL of 62.5 mg/mL methylprednisolone solution were administered 1 week apart. The end point for the study was a clinically significant change in audiometric values, with a positive response determined to be a 10-dB or greater improvement in the 4-tone pure tone average and/ or a 15% or greater improvement in the word discrimination score. Audiometric data were recorded just before therapy and 1 week after the last IT treatment. The potentially confounding variables recorded included age, sex, "prompt treatment" (defined as treatment within 14 days from onset), concurrent or prior treatment with oral steroids, and severity of hearing loss. RESULTS: The overall response rate to the IT steroid protocol was 67% (14 of 21 patients), with a 95% confidence interval of 43% to 85%. Backward stepwise logistic regression identified "prompt treatment" as the only variable that significantly affected the outcome. The response rate of the "prompt treatment" cohort was 91% (10 of 11 patients), with a 95% confidence interval of 59% to 100%. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the use of IT steroids as an early intervention in the treatment of ISSHL.     

Intratympanic steroids as primary initial treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness, dosage, safety and comfort of intratympanic steroids as primary initial treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). Prospective nonrandomized clinical practice study was performed in Tertiary referral center university hospital. A total of 35 consecutive patients suffering from newly diagnosed sudden sensorineural hearing loss with mean pure-tone average thresholds of 81 ± 21 dB were treated. No previous therapy had been undertaken. Intratympanic steroid injection as primary initial treatment was administered during 2 weeks on a twice a week schedule, between 2010 and 2011. Treatment was started on average within 2 days of symptoms onset. Pre and post-treatment audiometric evaluations were analyzed on follow-up as well as tolerance of the procedure and possible adverse effects. 66–85 % of patients achieved successful treatment according to the different outcome criteria used to evaluate hearing improvement (Furuhashi criteria/improvement of ≥10 dB in pure-tone average). Mean post-treatment improvement regarding pure-tone average was 34 ± 21 dB. A 48 ± 43 % improvement in speech discrimination score was observed. Patients received an average of 18 mg of methylprednisolone per injection and a total dose of 72 mg per treatment cycle. No serious adverse effects were noted. Intratympanic steroid injection is an effective, safe and well-tolerated office based-procedure for the treatment of ISSHL as primary initial treatment that can avoid the potential adverse effects of systemic steroids. A higher dose, schedule of administration as well as standardization of hearing recovery criteria still need to be established.     

Otoacoustic emissions value in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the prognostic value of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients.MethodsThe study included 30 subjects with unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Each patient was evaluated four times: at baseline and after one week, one month, and three months of treatment. During each visit, each patient was subjected to full audiological history, otoscopic examination, basic audiological evaluations, and transiently evoked and distortion product otoacoustic emission (TEOAEs & DEOAEs).ResultsThe hearing thresholds (frequency range 250–8000 Hz) and word recognition scores of patients with detectable TEOAEs and DPOAEs improved significantly, whereas no significant improvements were observed in those with no response.ConclusionHearing improvement is better in patients with detectable TEOAEs and DPOAEs. As a result, TEOAEs and DPOAEs are recommended as routine tests in all SSNHL patients to predict outcomes and monitor treatment as TEOAEs and DPOAEs reflect the cochlear OHCs activity.     

妊娠期突发性聋的临床特点及预后

目的分析妊娠期突发性聋的临床特点及预后,并探讨其治疗方案,提高临床医师对该病的认识。方法收集2013年1月~2017年1月在南华大学附属第一医院诊断并住院治疗的16例妊娠期突发性聋患者的一般临床资料。16例患者均为单侧发病,左侧8耳,右侧8耳;3例妊娠早期发病,7例妊娠中期发病,6例妊娠晚期发病;10例伴有耳鸣,4例伴有眩晕,患者入院平均听阈为（64.45±27.83 ）dBHL,所有患者入院后均予低分子右旋糖酐静脉滴注及鼓室内注射地塞米松治疗。结果治疗后平均听阈为（46.48±29.81）dBHL,平均听阈改善值为（17.34±15.70） dBHL,与治疗前比较差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。痊愈5耳,显效2耳,有效6耳,无效3耳。结论妊娠期突发性聋常发病于妊娠中晚期,听力损失较重且常伴有耳鸣,听力曲线以全聋型和平坦型为主;给予鼓室内注射地塞米松联合低分子右旋糖酐静脉滴注治疗安全有效。     

Modified intratympanic treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Steroids are the only proven drugs in the treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. In the recent studies, it has been suggested that, steroids delivered through the intratympanic route obtained higher perilymph levels, resulting in better hearing outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare the hearing outcomes of the two routes of steroid treatment: intratympanic route and systemic route. In this prospective study, 60 consecutive patients with idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss treated between January 2005 and September 2008 were enrolled: 29 were in the intratympanic steroid group (ITSG) and 31 were in the systemic steroid group (SSG). In the ITSG, 5 intratympanic injections of dexamethasone were performed with the dose of 4 mg/ml, consecutively. Oral methylprednisolone was given at the dose of 1 mg/kg, tapered every 2 days and stopped at 10 days, in the SSG. The pure tone averages (PTA), speech discrimination scores (SDS) and the percentage of the patients who made an improvement more than 10 dB were analyzed on the tenth day and 2 months after the treatment statistically. The improvement in PTA on tenth day and second month after treatment was 31.38 and 37.55 dB, in the ITSG and 19.35 and 20.68 dB in the SSG, respectively. The improvement in SDS in the same time period was 35.24 and 37.52% in the ITSG and 20.13 and 19.61% in the SSG, respectively. Also, 25 of the 29 patients (86.2%) in the ITSG and 16 of the 31 patients (51.6%) in the SSG made an improvement more than 10 dB on PTA in the second month control. Intratympanic steroids gave better hearing results than systemic steroids with no systemic side effects. Studies with more sample sizes will identify the best steroid for injection, application time, frequency and dose.     

突发性聋临床分析

目的探讨突发性聋的治疗方法及预后因素。方法96例突发性聋病例采用川芎嗪、皮质类固醇激素、抗病毒药物为主的综合治疗,其中43例辅以高压氧治疗,分析患者年龄、初诊听力损失程度、听力曲线类型、治疗早晚、有无眩晕与预后的关系。结果痊愈25例,显效46例,痊愈率为26.04%,痊愈、显效率为73.96%;重度听力损失组,高压氧治疗组痊愈、显效率高于非高压氧治疗组(P<0.05);年龄18～40岁组,发病后10天内就诊组,轻、中度听力损失组,初诊听力曲线为平坦型和上升型组,无眩晕组疗效分别好于对照组(P<0.05)。结论年龄18～40岁,发病后10天内就诊,轻、中度听力损失组,初诊听力曲线为平坦型和上升型,无眩晕者预后好。     

Intratympanic corticosteroids for sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether instillation of intratympanic steroids is effective in the treatment of sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent intratympanic steroid treatment (methylprednisolone and/or dexamethasone) between 1996 and 2002 at a tertiary care university otology clinic. Thirty-three patients were identified, of which 26 met inclusion criteria for having an idiopathic hearing loss. Pretreatment and posttreatment pure-tone audiograms and speech discrimination scores were compared. RESULTS: Overall, there was a 27.2 +/- 5.7 dB improvement in the pure-tone thresholds and a 25.4 +/- 6.2% improvement in speech discrimination scores. Those treated within 10 days of onset had a statistically significant better outcome than those treated after 10 days. No adverse reactions or complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Instillation of intratympanic steroids represents a safe and potentially effective treatment of sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss.     

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of elderly patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore clinical characteristics and prognosis of elderly cases with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods: Fifty-five elderly cases with sudden sensorineural hearing loss and 55 younger cases with sudden sensorineural hearing loss were enrolled in the study. Recovery rates of hearing between elderly group and younger group were compared. In elderly group, the recovery rate of hearing in the patients with normal hearing of the contralateral ear was compared to those with hearing loss of the contralateral ear.

Results: The overall recovery rate in the elderly group was 50.9%, significantly lower than 74.5% in the younger group (p?<?.01). Among the elderly group, the patients with normal hearing of the contralateral ear recovered better than those with hearing loss of the contralateral ear (recovery rates, 76.7% versus 20.0%). Among the elderly group, the recovery rate of cases with treatment onset ≤14 days was 64.7%, while the recovery rate of those with treatment onset longer than 14 days was only 28.6%, with significant difference (p?<?.01).

Conclusion: Elderly cases with sudden sensorineural hearing loss had poor prognosis. Prognosis of elderly cases with sudden sensorineural hearing loss was associated with hearing of the contralateral ear and treatment onset.     

前庭诱发肌源性电位预测突聋患者疗效的临床价值

目的 分析单侧突发性耳聋患者的疗效,探讨前庭功能与预后的关系。 方法 回顾性分析59例(59耳)突发性耳聋患者的临床资料,观察临床疗效,根据前庭功能结果探讨对预后的影响。 结果 59例突发性耳聋患者在治疗前共进行了183项前庭功能检查,眼性前庭诱发肌源性电位(oVEMP)和颈性前庭诱发肌源性电位(cVEMP)异常的突聋患者显示出更低的治疗总有效率;oVEMP和cVEMP正常的突聋患者受损频率听力提高更明显。冷热试验(Caloric Test)和视频头脉冲试验(vHIT)的正常与否对突聋患者的总有效率和受损听力的提高无影响。cVEMP和oVEMP都异常的患者治疗无效率比仅其中一项异常的患者高,受损听力恢复程度也比仅其中一项异常的患者差。 结论 oVEMP和cVEMP异常的突聋患者疗效较差,oVEMP和cVEMP正常的突聋患者有更好的听力恢复。oVEMP和cVEMP功能可能是预测突发性聋患者预后的有效指标。前庭功能异常提示突发性聋患者的内耳病变范围较大、程度较重。     

Alpha-interferon for the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

We have employed alpha-interferon (IFN-α), an anti-viral agent, in the treatment of severe idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). Forty-two patients were studied and had an average hearing ability of ≥ 70 dB before treatment. We also examined 2′-5′ oligoadenylate synthetase (2,5A-S) activity, one of the parameters indicating anti-viral activity of IFN, to investigate the relationship between the suppression of viral proliferation and prognosis and explain the pathogenesis of ISSHL. Complete recovery was found in 27 patients (64.3%) after IFN therapy. Increased 2,5A-S activity was observed on the 3rd day of IFN therapy in 24 of the 27 patients who completely recovered. No severe adverse events were reported after IFN therapy. Findings suggest that IFN therapy may be effective and safe in the treatment of ISSHL and calls for further investigation.     

Red blood cell distribution width predicts prognosis in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Conclusion: Red cell distribution width (RDW) can predict outcome in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Further studies are required to clarify the potential pathophysiological explanations for these findings.

Objectives: RDW is one of the parameters reported in a complete blood count, and is elevated in direct proportion to variation in red cell size (anisocytosis). High RDW values are strongly associated with poor clinical outcomes in various diseases, including inflammatory and thrombotic diseases. To identify a prognostic biomarker that better predicts outcomes after ISSNHL, the association between RDW values at hospitalization and prognosis in patients with ISSNHL was assessed.

Method: This study measured RDW and performed hearing assessments in 89 consecutive patients with ISSNHL. Patients were then divided into two groups (‘recovered’ and ‘unrecovered’), according to their response to the treatment, and further analysis undertaken.

Results: Mean RDW was significantly higher in the unrecovered group (13.2%?±?1.0% compared with 12.7%?±?0.7% in the recovered group, p?=?0.031). After adjusting for potentially confounding factors in a binary logistic regression model, only RDW was associated with recovery from ISSNHL (odds ratio =?2.33, 95% confidence interval =?1.20–4.51, p?=?0.012).