Intratympanic dexamethasone for managing pregnant women with sudden hearing loss

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect and safety of intratympanic dexamethasone in pregnant women with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Methods We performed a prospective study on pregnant women who suffered from ISSNHL and were treated in our clinic during 2016. The patients received intratympanic treatment three to four times a week. A pure tone audiogram (PTA) was performed before treatment and patients were followed up until 2 months after treatment was finished. Results A total of six pregnant women were included. All of the patients tolerated intratympanic treatment well. The mean improvement in hearing was 48 ± 7.33 dB. There were no complications, including permanent perforation of the ear drum or middle ear infection. Each patient delivered a healthy newborn. Conclusion Intratympanic dexamethasone is effective and safe for treating pregnant women with ISSNHL. Further randomized, controlled studies on this treatment need to be performed.

Clinical management and progress in sudden sensorineural hearing loss during pregnancy

“…Furthermore, 38% (8/21) of patients reached severe or profound deafness, and most of them were in a low-mid frequency falling curve (n ¼ 6) and flat curve (n ¼ 7). However, in some recent studies, such as those by Xu et al 22 , Fu et al 23 , and Shi et al 24 , most pregnant patients suffered from severe or profound deafness.…”

“…However, in some recent studies, such as those by Xu et al 22 , Fu et al. 23 , and Shi et al. 24 , most pregnant patients suffered from severe or profound deafness.…”

“…Therefore, many other otolaryngologists advocate positive treatment. 22,23 The interval between the initial treatment and onset of hearing loss is less than 10 days in many pregnant patients (Table 1). Although SSNHL has the tendency of spontaneous self-cure in adult men and non-pregnant women, the natural course of SSNHL during pregnancy has not been established.…”

Ameliorative effects of ceftriaxone sodium combined with dexamethasone on infantile purulent meningitis and associated effects on brain‑derived neurotrophic factor levels

“…Later symptoms included seizures and coma. iii) diagnosed with PM with severity evaluated following cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and CT examination at the hospital using the diagnostic criteria of the 2015 PM Diagnostic Guidelines (14); iv) was receiving follow-up treatment in our hospital after diagnosis; v) cooperation with hospital staff; and vi) having complete set of medical records.…”

“…Although it has been demonstrated in a number of previous studies to be highly effective for the treatment of infant PM ( 10-12 ), the efficacy of ceftriaxone sodium in infantile PM is deteriorating due to a surge of bacterial resistance in the population ( 13 ). Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid which exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and that is considered safe in pregnant women and newborns ( 14 , 15 ). Previous studies have shown that the additive use of dexamethasone can greatly enhance the efficacy of antibiotics ( 16 , 17 ).…”