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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
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Sudden Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss Associated with HLA A1-B8-DR3 Haplotype
G Psillas1, M Daniilidis, A Gerofotis
11st Academic ENT Department, Ahepa University Hospital, Aristotle University, 54006 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Case Reports in Otolaryngology
|October 10, 2013
Summary
Autoimmune inner ear disease can cause sudden hearing loss. A case study showed that Cyclosporine-A, alongside steroids, aided hearing recovery, suggesting it as a potential treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) can be a symptom of systemic autoimmune diseases or a primary disorder, known as autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED).
- Currently, AIED diagnosis relies on clinical features, as specific diagnostic tests are unavailable.
- AIED presents with symptoms like hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and nausea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of bilateral sudden hearing loss suggestive of autoimmune inner ear disease.
- To evaluate the efficacy of immunosuppressive treatment in a patient with suspected AIED.
- To explore Cyclosporine-A as a potential therapeutic option for AIED.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case presentation of a female patient with bilateral sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and nausea.
- Laboratory investigations including circulating immune complexes, antithyroglobulin antibodies, and HLA typing.
- Treatment with corticosteroids and Cyclosporine-A.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with bilateral sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and nausea.
- Elevated levels of circulating immune complexes, antithyroglobulin antibodies, and the HLA A1-B8-DR3 haplotype were observed.
- Progressive hearing recovery and normalization of hearing function occurred after a five-month treatment with steroids and Cyclosporine-A.
Conclusions:
- The clinical presentation and immunological markers supported a diagnosis of autoimmune inner ear disease.
- Cyclosporine-A in conjunction with steroids facilitated hearing recovery in this patient.
- Cyclosporine-A may be a viable therapeutic option for AIED, potentially allowing for the reduction of corticosteroid dosage and associated adverse events.
