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Is low-dose intratympanic gentamicin an effective treatment for Ménière's disease: the Birmingham experience

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2015

G J Watson ,
C Nelson  and
R M Irving
G J Watson*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
C Nelson
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham Medical School, Birmingham, UK
R M Irving
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr G J Watson, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK E-mail: glen_watson74@yahoo.co.uk
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Abstract

Background:

Since the development of intratympanic aminoglycoside in the 1950s, otologists have been able to chemically ablate the vestibule. We present the results of using low-dose intratympanic gentamicin to treat Ménière's disease.

Method:

A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent low-dose intratympanic gentamicin therapy over seven years. Data on gender, age, number of procedures, pure tone audiometry and symptom control were analysed.

Results:

In all, 38 patients underwent low-dose intratympanic gentamicin therapy. These comprised 25 females and 13 males, with an average age of 58.4 years. Hearing was preserved in 87.5 per cent of patients, with no significant difference before and after treatment (p = 0.744). In all, 85.7 per cent of patients had complete or substantial symptom control (classes A and B, respectively).

Conclusion:

Low-dose intratympanic gentamicin therapy was effective in controlling the symptoms of Ménière's disease patients, while preserving hearing.

Keywords

Ear, InnerVertigoHearingGentamicinMénière's DiseaseTreatment

Information

Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 129 , Issue 10 , October 2015 , pp. 970 - 973
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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