Analysis of prognostic factors in patients with refractory sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

Objective:To explore the relationships between glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity and the prognosis of refractory sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), and to analyze the related factors being affected the prognosis of SSNHL. Method:Ninety-one refractory SSNHL patients were enrolled in the present investigation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the refractory SSNHL were extracted to conduct GC proliferation dexamethasone (DEX) inhibition experiments. All patients accepted comprehensive treatment with methylprednisolone. Result:Total effective rate was 40.66% in refractory SSNHL patients. Gender, number of affected ear, age, accompanying with vertigo, tinnitus or not and the procedure of methylprednisolone treatment were irrelevant to the efficacy. Only the inhibitory rate of DEX and the time from onset to visit were related to GC treatment effect, especially for inhibitory rate of DEX. The DEX inhibition rate of the effective group was higher than that of the ineffective group. Conclusion:DEX inhibition rate can predict GC sensitivity and prognosis of SSNHL. GC sensitivity and the time from onset to treatment are two important factors affecting the prognosis of refractory SSNHL patients..