LOW DOSE INTRATYMPANIC GENTAMICIN FOR THE TREATMENT OF MENIERE’S DISEASE- A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Intratympanic gentamicin therapy is an effective modality for control of vertigo in Meniere’s disease (MD) and when given in low concentration (<30 mg/mL), once weekly minimizes its side effects like chronic vestibular insufficiency or hearing loss.
Objective: We studied the efficacy of low dose interval intratympanic gentamicin therapy in control of intractable vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss. Other symptoms also evaluated.
Methods: Our study included 44 patients with Meniere’s disease (MD). Maximum 4-6 doses of weekly intratympanic gentamicin injections of 0.5 ml of gentamicin. In three age group, all pre and post treatment follow up of symptoms were evaluated. Follow up period was evaluated on 4th week, 8th week and 12th week.
Results: Out of 44 patients, 32 (72.72%) subjects had vertigo on 4th week, 09 (20.45%) subjects had vertigo on 12th week. Hearing loss was observed in 35 (85.36%) subjects on 4th week and 10 (24.39%) subjects on 12th week. The fullness and tinnitus became significantly less intense after the therapy. Tinnitus was observed in 32 (80.0%) subjects on 4th week, 12 (30.0%) subjects had Tinnitus on 12th week. 25 (69.44%) subjects had headache on 4th week, 8 (22.22%) subjects had headache on 12th week. Conclusion: Low dose interval intratympanic gentamicin is a simple cost-effective office procedure for managing vertigo; tinnitus and hearing loss in patients with MD was statistically significant. Further studies needed with large number patients and control trials for definite conclusion.
Keywords: Gentamicin, Hearing loss, Intratympanic, Meniere’s disease, Vertigo.