Intratympanic Research Articles

A comparison of systemic and local dexamethasone administration: From perilymph/cochlea concentration to cochlear distribution

Different types of inner ear diseases can damage different cochlear subsites by different mechanisms. Steroids administered by different methods are commonly used for treating inner ear diseases. There is reason to believe that dexamethasone (Dex) may reach cochlear subsite targets via different pathways after administration by different methods: Intratympanic (IT), postaural (PA), and intraperitoneal (IP). The purpose of this study was to explore the cochlear concentration and distribution of Dex after administration by different methods. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence technology were employed to measure and compare the Dex concentration in the perilymph and cochlear tissue and the cochlear distribution of Dex. IT administration resulted in higher Dex concentrations in the perilymph and cochlear tissues than those with the other administration methods. Intratympanic and postaural administration could result in higher Dex concentrations in the organ of Corti than systemic administration, but systemic administration could result in higher Dex concentrations in the stria vascularis than the other administration methods. A decreasing basal-apical gradient of Dex uptake was present in the cochlea after IT but not IP or PA administration. These results indicate that different administration methods result in different Dex distributions, which can be attributed to features of the cochlear vascular system and intracochlear diffusion. Our results provide clinicians with an experimental basis for the use of different steroid injection routes to optimize the effects on inner ear diseases with different target organs.

Intratympanic Dexamethasone Injection in Chronic Tinnitus Associated with SNHL

AbstractBackground: Tinnitus is a common distressing complain characterized by perceived sensation of sound without an external stimulus. Intra-tympanic (IT) dexamethasone injection is used for the treatment of tinnitus associated with sensory neural hearing loss (SNHL) by introducing dexamethasone through the tympanic membrane, leading to decreasing sys-temic toxicity and a higher perilymph steroid level.Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to express our experience in evaluation the effect of IT dexamethasone injection for controlling idiopathic chronic tinnitus of cochlear origin associated with SNHL.Patients and Methods: A prospective interventional study of eighty patients with subjective idiopathic tinnitus associated with SNHL for at least 1 year were treated by IT injection of dexamethasone, once per week for 4 weeks. Improvement in tinnitus was assessed using pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tinnitus matching test, and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory by comparing the results before and after therapy. Follow-up after the end of the four injections, 1 and 3 months later.Results: Pure-tone audiometry did not show significant improvement. However, there was a significant improvement in speech audiometry, tinnitus loudness, and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory after the end of the four injections and in the subsequent evaluations 1 and 3 months later.Conclusion: IT dexamethasone injection could be a simple and effective method for controlling subjective idiopathic chronic tinnitus. The tinnitus may not disappear, but could be markedly decreased and easily tolerated.

MR imaging of endolymphatic hydrops in Ménière's disease: not all that glitters is gold.

SUMMARYMénière’s disease (MD) is a chronic condition characterised by fluctuating hearing loss, intermittent vertigo, tinnitus and aural fullness. Its anatomical and pathological counterpart is represented by endolymphatic hydrops (EH). Recent development and progress in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques has enabled visualisation of EH in living human subjects using a 3 Tesla (T) scanner and gadolinium-based contrast-agent (GBCA) via intravenous (IV) or intra-tympanic (IT) administration. Data emerging from the literature about MR imaging of EH in MD patients are limited, and we therefore reviewed the most common MR imaging findings in the study of the endolymphatic space in both MD and non-MD patients.

The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen as Salvage Therapy for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

We sought to evaluate hearing outcomes after salvage therapy with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) for the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Matched control retrospective case series. Tertiary neurotology referral center. Thirty-six patients (>18 years) diagnosed with SSNHL. Patients received initial therapy with oral and/or intratympanic (IT) steroids with an incomplete response. Eighteen patients underwent salvage therapy with IT steroids and HBO2 (group 1). Eighteen matched controls underwent salvage therapy with IT steroids alone (group 2). The main outcome measure was improvement in pure tone average (PTA) and word recognition score (WRS). Complications as a result of therapy were also monitored. There were no significant differences in age, gender, or hearing between the 2 groups ( P > .05). There was no significant difference in mean post-treatment PTA between group 1 (60.3 dB) and group 2 (53.2 dB). There were no significant difference in mean post-treatment WRS between group 1 (42%) and group 2 (51%). Serviceable hearing was defined as a minimum WRS of 50%. Thirty-three percent in group 1 and 42% in group 2 went from nonserviceable hearing to serviceable hearing ( P > .05). PTA and WRS change scores were not significantly affected by age, gender, form of initial treatment, or pre-treatment PTA and WRS. The present study demonstrated no significant difference in hearing outcomes between patients receiving salvage therapy with HBO2 and IT steroids compared to patients receiving IT steroids alone. Larger, prospective randomized trials are needed to better define the role of HBO2 as salvage therapy for SSNHL.

Systemic Versus Intratympanic Corticosteroid Therapy for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss; A Meta-analytical Study

Background: idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is one of the most controversial issues in otology. There have been countless publications and debates concerning ISSHL over the last decades. ISSHL can be defined as a sensorineural hearing loss of sudden onset or one that happens in minutes, hours or even in a few days. The hearing impairment varies as far as intensity and sound frequency are concerned, some specifically say it is a 30dB hearing loss minimum, in at least three continuous frequencies with all known causes have to be ruled out previously. Aim of the Work: the aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of ITS treatment and SST based on meta-analysis, and to provide an alternative modality for clinical practice. Materials and Methods: the current meta-analysis assessed the therapeutic effectiveness of intra-tympanic (IT) steroid protocol as first and single drug method compared to a systemic steroid protocol. In the current meta-analysis study we applied 2 parameters to compare between ITS group and SST group which were : recovery rate and hearing improvement. Results: the results of this study showed that regarding both; recovery rate and hearing improvement, there was no significant difference between intra-tympanic steroid (ITS) and systemic steroid therapy (SST). Second both SST and ITS alone were an effective treatment in ISSNHL patients as they significantly improved PTA and also the recovery rate. Third, if patient has any systemic condition that make the use of systemic steroid risky or lead to side effect, then the option of intra-tympanic steroid was, not only justified but mandatory. Conclusion: the conclusion from our meta-analysis was shown as follows: first, according to the current study, ITS treatment produced no significant difference in both aspects PTA improvements and recovery rate than SST in ISSHL patients. Second both SST and ITS alone were an effective treatments in ISSNHL patients as they significantly improved PTA and also the recovery rate.

Systemic Versus Intratympanic Corticosteroid Therapy for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss; A Meta-analytical Study

Background: idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is one of the most controversial issues in otology. There have been countless publications and debates concerning ISSHL over the last decades. ISSHL can be defined as a sensorineural hearing loss of sudden onset or one that happens in minutes, hours or even in a few days. The hearing impairment varies as far as intensity and sound frequency are concerned, some specifically say it is a 30dB hearing loss minimum, in at least three continuous frequencies with all known causes have to be ruled out previously. Aim of the Work: the aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of ITS treatment and SST based on meta-analysis, and to provide an alternative modality for clinical practice. Materials and Methods: the current meta-analysis assessed the therapeutic effectiveness of intra-tympanic (IT) steroid protocol as first and single drug method compared to a systemic steroid protocol. In the current meta-analysis study we applied 2 parameters to compare between ITS group and SST group which were : recovery rate and hearing improvement. Results: the results of this study showed that regarding both; recovery rate and hearing improvement, there was no significant difference between intra-tympanic steroid (ITS) and systemic steroid therapy (SST). Second both SST and ITS alone were an effective treatment in ISSNHL patients as they significantly improved PTA and also the recovery rate. Third, if patient has any systemic condition that make the use of systemic steroid risky or lead to side effect, then the option of intra-tympanic steroid was, not only justified but mandatory. Conclusion: the conclusion from our meta-analysis was shown as follows: first, according to the current study, ITS treatment produced no significant difference in both aspects PTA improvements and recovery rate than SST in ISSHL patients. Second both SST and ITS alone were an effective treatments in ISSNHL patients as they significantly improved PTA and also the recovery rate.

Analysis of related factors of coins foreign bodies crossing the esophagus in 204 cases of children

Objective:To evaluate the effect of systemic and intratympanic dexamethasone combination therapy on sudden deafness.Method:A total of 98 patients randomly divided into three groups: an intravenous corticosteroid (systemic corticosteroid monotherapy group); an intratympanic corticosteroid (IT monotherapy group); and a combination therapy group (IT plus systemic combination group). All patients were treated additionally with ginkgo-damole and mecobalamine and proton pomp inhibitor. An audiometry was performed before and after the therapies in all patients. Result:Of the total of 98 patients, 39 were receiving systemic corticosteroids, 28 received intratympanic(IT) corticosteroids, and 31 were receiving a combination of the two. A total of 65 patients (66.3%) responded positively to corticosteroid therapy. No significant differences were observed between the three groups (systemic group, IT and combination therapy group) in their overall response to treatment (P=0.61). Patients who suffered from concomitant tinnitus and dizziness responded less positively to the treatment (P=0.00）. Positive family history of SSNHL seems to be negative prognostic factors in the response to treatment (P=0.02).The response to treatment was not related to the initial severity of hearing loss (P=0.68) and pattern (P=0.28). Conclusion:This study did not find any difference in the rate of hearing improvement between systemic, intratympanic, and combined corticosteroid therapy for sudden hearing loss.

Oral and intratympanic steroid therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of intratympanic (IT) therapy in the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).MethodsThis study was a retrospective review. Patients were treated for ISSNHL from January 1, 2011 to April 12, 2015 with the following: pre/posttreatment audios, treatment initiated ≤90 days and idiopathic etiology. Fifty‐three ISSNHL patients were analyzed in the following subgroups: oral steroids (n = 8), combination oral+IT (n = 39), and IT (n = 6). Main outcomes measured were pre/posttreatment pure tone average (PTA) scores.ResultsThe PTA changes for all treatment groups improved by 8.0 ± 19.5 dB (P = .004); for 31 patients treated ≤2 weeks after onset, PTA improved by 13.8 ± 16.6 dB (P < .001). Multivariable generalized linear model for repeated measures was conducted to investigate the association between PTA changes for treatment groups adjusted for age, gender, time‐to‐treatment, and vertigo. Earlier time‐to‐treatment and older age were statistically correlated towards improved outcomes. As time‐to‐treatment increased by each day, change in PTA decreased by 0.324 (95% CI [0.12, 0.52], P = .002). As age increased by each year, PTA changes increased by 0.802 (95% CI [0.36, 1.24], P < .001). For the oral+IT group, PTA changes for concurrent oral+IT (n = 20, 7.10 dB) and delayed/salvage oral+IT (n = 19, 5.43 dB) were not statistically different (P = .79); earlier time‐to‐treatment (P = .001), and older age (P = .006) remained statistically correlated towards improved outcomes.ConclusionResults suggest outcomes can be improved with early identification and oral steroid therapy by primary care providers. Poorer prognosis for younger patients potentially suggests a need for more aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic management for this subgroup.Level of Evidence3b.

The Role of High Dose Intratympanic Dexamethasone as Salvage Therapy for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a single high dose intratympanic (IT) dexamethasone (DEX) as salvage therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) after unsuccessful treatment with oral corticosteroid (CS). This was a prospective open-label study of 59 patients treated with IT DEX after systemic CS therapy has failed. All patients received high dose (24 mg/mL) IT DEX in a single injection through myringotomy. Of the 59 patients, 40.7% showed improvement in their mean pure tone average (PTA) with IT DEX (p=0.005). The difference in the mean PTA after oral CS treatment only from baseline was not statistically significant (p=0.074). The time from onset of hearing loss to the start of therapy was significantly associated with the outcome (p=0.03). We determined that high dose IT DEX as salvage therapy was beneficial when the primary treatment with oral CS had failed. An early start of the treatment significantly influenced the improvement of hearing.

Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Average Time Elapsed Before Presentation to the Otolaryngologist and Effectiveness of Oral and/or Intratympanic Steroids in Late Presentations.

ObjectivesTo determine how long after symptom onset that the average patient with an idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) presents to the otolaryngology clinic. In late presentations, to determine the time to presentation cutoff after which intervention may not be effective. To evaluate the effectiveness of oral steroids versus a combination of oral and intratympanic steroid therapy in late presentations of ISSNHL. Methods and proceduresSixty-four patients met inclusion criteria after chart review of 2,037 patients seen at Metro Health Hospital from 2006 to 2016 for sensorineural hearing loss. All sixty-four patients were used to calculate the average time to presentation, but only 40 were included to evaluate treatment efficacy because 24 were lost to follow-up or declined treatment. Audiograms were analyzed for baseline status and response to treatment. Therapy was either oral steroids or intratympanic (IT) steroids. Thirty-nine of the 40 treated patients received oral steroid therapy. Eighteen of these 39 patients received both oral and IT steroids. One patient received IT steroids only. ResultsFor all 64 patients in the study, the average time to presentation was 55 days, ranging from one day to 240 days. Data for 32 of the 40 treated patients were analyzed. These patients were further divided into smaller groups: Group 1 (N = 11) - treatment within seven days of symptom onset, Group 2 (N = 17) - time to treatment greater than seven days but less than 90 days of symptom onset, and Group 3 (N = 4) - greater than 90 days of symptom onset. In Group 2, there was a significant improvement in pure tone average (P-value: 0.005). Forty-seven percent of patients in this group had objective treatment response utilizing Wilson’s criteria. Two patients had a complete recovery and six had a partial recovery. Hearing gains ranged from 10 dB (decibels) to 23 dB. Sixty-three percent of patients with objective improvement also had subjective improvement. In Group 3, none of the patients met Wilson’s criteria for recovery. There was no statistically significant difference in response between patients treated with oral steroids only versus a combination of oral and IT steroids.ConclusionPatients with ISSNHL present to an otolaryngologist on average 55 days after symptom onset. There is statistically and clinically significant response to treatment in late presenters. Improvement can be seen up to three months from symptom onset. Oral steroid therapy is effective. IT steroid therapy may have an added benefit.

Prestin as an Otologic Biomarker of Cisplatin Ototoxicity in a Guinea Pig Model.

Objective To evaluate (1) whether changes in serum prestin aid in early detection of cisplatin ototoxicity, (2) the role of diltiazem as an otoprotectant, and (3) whether prestin levels are sensitive to effects of diltiazem. Study Design Experimental animal study. Setting Translational research laboratory. Subjects Twenty female guinea pigs. Methods Two groups of 10 guinea pigs were used. The relationship between serum prestin levels and auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds was compared between the groups. All animals had baseline blood draws and ABR thresholds recorded prior to cisplatin administration. Intraperitoneal cisplatin bolus (8 mg/kg) was administered followed by 5 consecutive days of intratympanic (IT) diltiazem (2 mg/kg) or sham IT-saline injection. Serum prestin levels and ABR thresholds were measured at days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14 postcisplatin. Results In sham, IT-saline-treated animals, mean prestin levels were elevated above baseline on days 1 to 7. The prestin levels were significantly elevated from baseline on day 1 ( P < .001), while significant ABR threshold elevations did not occur until day 2 ( P = .028) for click-evoked ABRs and day 3 ( P = .041) for tones. In diltiazem-treated animals, prestin levels were not elevated above baseline but ABR thresholds were elevated on days 1 to 3. However, the thresholds returned toward baseline on days 7 and 14. Conclusion Changes in serum prestin levels were detectable prior to shifts in ABR thresholds in a guinea pig cisplatin ototoxicity model. These changes did not occur in diltiazem-treated animals. Prestin may serve as a biomarker of cochlear injury that is sensitive to therapeutic interventions in cisplatin ototoxicity.

Necessity of admission to improve the hearing-recovery rate in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic potential of admission of a patient for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).Study design: Retrospective clinical study.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 301 patients with ISSNHL. The patients were divided into a study (57 patients at out-patients department (OPD) based treatment, using systemic steroids and intra-tympanic (IT) steroid injection) and a control groups (301 patients at admission, using systemic steroids and IT steroid injection). We compared the success rate (15 dB cut off), Siegel’s criteria and hearing gain decibels between two groups.Results: The overall recovery rate of the OPD based treatment group (29.8%) was poor than that of the admission group (52.9%) (p = .002). The odd ratio of OPD based treatment factor was 2.035 when the OPD based treatment and poor prognostic factors were analyzed at logistic regression test (Duration of delayed treatment, 1.073; average hearing loss level, 0.972) (p = .041).Conclusion: Admission must be strongly recommended when the patients with ISSNHL asked about the necessity of admission. We hypothesized that resting, getting out of their social stress, and relief of anxiety might be helpful to their hearing recoveries.

A Study of Intratympanic Dexamethasone Injection in Meniere's Disease : Continuation Study

Background: Meniere's disease is a condition that is thought to arise from abnormal fluid and ion homeostasis in the inner ear. The disease is named for Prospere Meniere, a French physician who was first known victim of this disease and reported that the inner ear could be the source of a syndrome manifesting episodic vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss. The origin of Meniere's disease is presently controversial. While, in the past, it was felt that endolymphatic hydrops (excess fluid) in the inner ear were responsible for the disease, the most current opinion is that hydrops are just a marker for the Meniere's disease, rather than absolutely being responsible for the symptoms. Aim of the work: this study aimed to follow up (2 and 2.5 years) the effect intratympanic (IT) dexamethasone in the prognosis of Meniere's disease (MD) with two different concentrations (4 and 10 mg/ml). Patients and methods: twenty patients with unilateral Meniere's disease received intra tympanic dexamethasone injection were included in this study .The studied subgroups were categorized according to the concentration of dexamethasone (4 and 10 mg/ml) used into two subgroups. Detailed history was taken from all patients. They were exposed to Dizziness Handicap Inventory scale, basic audiological evaluation and cervical-vestibular evoked myogenic potential assessment. The presence or absence of spontaneous, post-head-shaking, and positional nystagmus was evaluated using a video-nystagmography system. The patients in the two groups were followed -up for 2 and 2.5 years. Results: the dosage of 10mg/ml dexamethasone showed more stability in signs and symptoms of Meniere's disease than the dose of 4 mg/ml dexamethasone in follow up study. The long term study of intratympanic (IT) dexamethasone injection in both subgroups shows nearly no improvement as regard pure tone average, speech reception thresholds, word discrimination scores, subjective hearing loss, tinnitus, aural fullness, vertigo interruption with daily activities and vertigo associated symptoms compared to the previous study thesis. Conclusion: the long-term study of intratympanic (IT) Dexamethasone injection in both subgroups showed nearly no improvement in most assessments performed.

The Effects of Experimental Intratympanic Steroid Administration on Organ of Corti Type 1 Spiral Ganglion.

Introduction It is unclear how effective is the intratympanic (IT) steroid treatment on organ of Corti type 1 spiral ganglion, its optimal dosage and frequency of administration. The effect of dexamethasone on cochlear functions in individuals with a normal hearing ability is also unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate, at the electrophysiological and ultrastructural levels, the effect of IT dexamethasone administration in guinea pigs with normal hearing on organ of Corti type 1 spiral ganglion. Methods A total of 20 guinea pigs ( n = 40 ears) whose hearing was detected to be normal by electrophysiological tests were included in the study and randomly divided into 6 groups. Four groups were considered study groups, while 2 groups were considered control groups. Dexamethasone was administered intratympanically in doses of 2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL in the guinea pigs in the study groups. The animals in the control groups received physiological saline in equal doses as the study groups. All interventions were performed under general anesthesia, and the electrophysiological tests were repeated following the IT injections. Results No statistically significant differences were found among the groups when the IT injections were evaluated in terms of the electrophysiological measurements ( p > 0.05). The ultrastructural evaluation showed a cellular mitochondrial increase in the spiral ganglions of the cochlea in the groups in which dexamethasone was administered in a dose of 4 mg/mL. Conclusion According to the findings of this study, it can be suggested that the IT injection of dexamethasone is safe, and when applied in a dose of 4 mg/mL, it increases metabolic activity at the cellular level.

Intratympanic methylprednisolone acetate versus intratympanic lidocaine in the treatment of idiopathic subjective unilateral tinnitus of less than 1-year duration: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial

BackgroundTinnitus, which can persist for many years, usually affects the quality of life. Tinnitus is challenging to manage with a variety of options including psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment. Intratympanic (IT) injections of steroids or lidocaine (LD) are two of the pharmacological treatment options used in the treatment of idiopathic tinnitus.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IT-methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) versus IT-LD in the treatment of idiopathic subjective unilateral tinnitus of less than 1-year duration.Participants and methodsIn this randomized, double-blind, clinical study, 46 people who had been diagnosed with idiopathic subjective unilateral tinnitus were randomly divided into two groups and treated with IT-MPA acetate or IT-LD, accordingly. Improvement was evaluated in both groups 3 months after the injections and then again after 1 year. Safety was evaluated by recording the side effects of the injections.ResultsAt 3 months after the injections, the mean improvement rates (using visual analog scale) were 56.5% in the MPA group and 47.8% in the LD group. After 1 year, this declined to 30.4 and 26.1%, respectively. The difference in improvement was not statistically significant. The side effects were all minor, and were primarily reported after LD injection.ConclusionIT injections of MPA and LD result in moderate improvement in tinnitus, but no statistically significant differences between these treatments were found.

Intratympanic steroid delivery by an indwelling catheter in refractory severe sudden sensorineural hearing loss

ObjectiveMany studies over the last decade showed favorable outcomes with intratympanic (IT) steroid treatment, alone as salvage treatment or in combination with conventional systemic therapy (ST). However, in severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss resistant to ST, the optimal infusion mode, the type and concentration of the solution, the preferable drug, its total amount, and the duration and fractionation of the treatment are still debated. Aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility and the outcomes of a direct and constant IT delivery of dexamethasone (DEX) by means of a new indwelling catheter. MethodsA prospective case-control study in a tertiary referral university hospital. Ninety-nine subjects treated with ST only and 28 with additional IT DEX have been included in the study. A 4 Fr catheter inserted in a sub-annular fashion with a minimal postero-inferior tympanotomy through and endocanalar approach under local anesthesia. DEX 4mg/ml delivered daily, up to 7 days. Daily bone and air-conducted pure tone and speech audiometry were performed with a follow-up at 1, 3, 6 months after treatment. ResultsTwenty-one out of 28 patients (75%) refractory to ST gained on average 24.0dB±20.5dB HL after IT-DEX, compared to 35.4% (average 6.7dB±16.6dB HL) of those receiving only medical ST (p<0.001). No significant side effects were noted. ConclusionIn severe to profound sudden deafness refractory to conventional ST, the daily perfusion of 4mg/ml DEX through an intratympanic catheter is an easy, well accepted procedure that enables patients to receive a drug in the middle ear in a repeatable or sustained form, with minimal discomfort and a partial rescue (67.86%) and a speech recognition gain of 39%.

Intratympanic (IT) Therapies for Menière's Disease: Some Consensus Among the Confusion.

Aminoglycosides and corticosteroids are commonly used to treat Menière's disease. Intratympanic (IT) administration of these medications allows high inner ear concentrations without significant adverse systemic effects. As a direct result, IT therapy has grown in popularity. Recent studies have compared patient outcomes between IT aminoglycosides and corticosteroids. This review summarizes these findings. Trials comparing IT corticosteroids to IT placebo or oral therapy have had conflicting results. Most recently, Lambert et al. investigated the effect of IT dexamethasone in a sustained-release formulation compared to placebo. Their findings demonstrated improvement in some secondary measures of vertigo with the sustained-release formulation.IT gentamicin is known to be effective in controlling vertigo in Menière's disease. In a recent study from 2016, Patel et al compared IT gentamicin and IT methylprednisolone in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial and identified no significant differences between the two in vertigo control. IT injections of aminoglycosides and corticosteroids can improve vertigo control. Hearing and vestibular loss however may result with IT aminoglycosides. Corticosteroids demonstrate limited hearing loss but may not have the same efficacy in controlling vertigo. Further investigation in the etiology of Menière's disease is needed to tailor the proposed treatment to suit the disease mechanism.

Intratympanic Injection of Dexamethasone and Electrocochleographic Data in Cases of Definite One Sided Refractory Meniere's Disease.

Meniere's disease (MD) is a disease of the inner ear that presents itself with repeated episodes of vertigo (96.2%), tinnitus (91.1%), and sensorineural hearing loss (87.7 %). In this article we sought to assess the effects of intratympanic (IT) injections of dexamethasone on definite cases of MD using electrocochleography (ECOG). In this hospital-based case series in 36 patients, we measured audiometric values and ECOG in all patients before, 1 month and 6 months after 4-mg/mL IT injections of dexamethasone. Four patients (11%) had improved hearing following the intervention. No difference in pure tone audiometry (PTA) was observed following IT injections (P=0.492), while speech discrimination score (SDS) was significantly improved (P=0.008). There was a significant improvement in vertigo 1 month after IT injections (P<0.001), although this effect did not last for 6 months. No significant change in ECOG was observed between before and after treatment (P=0.052). IT dexamethasone injections can improve vertigo in definite cases of MD, although it seems that the effect is only temporary.

Prognostic Factors for Recovery from Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Retrospective Study.

Background and ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate prognostic factors in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).Subjects and MethodsFrom January 2007 to December 2011, a retrospective chart review identified 494 consecutive patients with ISSNHL. Demographic, audiometric, and clinical data were analyzed using a logistic regression test.ResultsHearing recovery from ISSNHL was significantly associated with factors such as age, duration from onset of symptoms to commencement of treatment, severity of the initial pure tone threshold, and the treatment method. Intratympanic (IT) steroid administration alone showed a comparable efficiency to oral steroid administration with or without IT steroid injection. In patients who received IT steroid injection, the duration from onset to treatment, severity of initial hearing loss, and sequential IT steroid injection following systemic steroid administration were statistically associated with hearing improvement.ConclusionsAge, severity of initial pure tone threshold, duration from onset to treatment, initial speech discrimination, and initial pure tone threshold are statistically significant prognostic factors related to hearing improvement in ISSNHL. IT steroid injection as an initial single treatment is comparable to systemic oral steroid administration.

Steroid intracochlear distribution differs by administration method: Systemic versus intratympanic injection

Steroids have been widely used to treat inner-ear diseases such as sudden sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and Meniere's disease. They can be given via either systemic or intratympanic (IT) injection. The purpose of the present study was to explore differences in intracochlear steroid distribution by the administration method employed (systemic vs. IT injection). Animal study. Twenty-three Sprague-Dawley rats were given fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dexamethasone (FITC-DEX) three times (on successive days) via intraperitoneal (IP) or IT injection. Cochlear uptake of FITC-DEX was evaluated via immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry at 6 hours, and 3 and 7 days after the final injection. FITC-DEX uptake was evident in spiral ganglion cells (SGs), the organ of Corti (OC), and the lateral walls (LWs), the basal turns of which were stained relatively prominently in both groups. Animals receiving IP injections exhibited higher FITC-DEX uptakes by the SGs and OC, whereas IT injection triggered higher-level FITC-DEX accumulation by the OC and LWs. Flow cytometry revealed that intracochlear FITC-DEX uptake by IT-injected animals was higher and more prolonged than in animals subjected to IP injections. We thus describe differences in cochlear steroid distributions after systemic and IT injections. This finding could help our understanding of the pharmacokinetics of steroids in the cochlea. NA. Laryngoscope, 128:189-194, 2018.