Acid-base equilibrium in Menière's disease

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear.
• The relationship between metabolic disturbances and Meniere's disease is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of metabolic disturbances in Meniere's disease patients.
• To explore the potential role of metabolic alkalosis in Meniere's disease pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Examined 57 patients with Meniere's disease and 31 controls.
• Assessed acid-base equilibrium and electrolytes.
• Conducted provocation tests with sodium bicarbonate.
• Administered acidifying drugs to patients with metabolic alkalosis.

Main Results:

• Metabolic alkalosis was found in 39 of 57 Meniere's disease patients.
• Electrolytes remained normal.
• Acidifying drug treatment effectively prevented cochleo-vestibular crises and improved fluctuating symptoms.
• Symptoms reappeared upon treatment interruption.

Conclusions:

• Metabolic alkalosis may be a predisposing factor in Meniere's disease and endolymphatic hydrops.
• Further research is needed to clarify the physiological-pathological significance of metabolic alkalosis in Meniere's disease.