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[Effect of acetazolamide on Menière's disease]
Abstract:
The effect of acetazolamide was assessed in 25 patients with Menière's disease. During the test session hearing threshold and plasmatic osmolality were monitored along with fluctuations in hearing loss, fullness, tinnitus and balance. A single, 250 mg dose of acetazolamide was administered to all patients via os early in the morning on an empty stomach. Hearing was tested prior to administration and every hour for five hours thereafter. Plasmatic osmolality was also assessed during the same session. In 52% of this group an improvement in the threshold was seen. The greatest shift was observed two hours after administration of acetazolamide at 250 Hz, whereas the smallest threshold shift corresponded to 2000 Hz. In all cases, plasmatic osmolality remained constant throughout. Of the patients 44% presented an improvement of all or one of the symptoms: hearing loss, tinnitus, fullness, balance. The data were compared with data obtained for a control group (9 patients) which received a placebo while following the same testing criteria. The results of this study suggest that acetazolamide can have a positive effect on endolymphatic hydrops. It should be stressed, therefore, that acetazolamide could be introduced in the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies applied in Menière's disease.
Insights
Acetazolamide shows promise for Meniere's disease, improving hearing and symptoms in over half of patients. This study suggests its potential role in managing endolymphatic hydrops.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
Background:
- Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear.
- Characterized by fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and aural fullness.
- Endolymphatic hydrops is a proposed underlying pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of acetazolamide in patients with Meniere's disease.
- To assess the impact of acetazolamide on hearing thresholds and Meniere's symptoms.
- To determine if acetazolamide influences plasmatic osmolality.
Main Methods:
- 25 patients with Meniere's disease received a single 250 mg dose of acetazolamide.
- Hearing thresholds, plasmatic osmolality, and Meniere's symptoms were monitored for 5 hours.
- A placebo control group of 9 patients was used for comparison.
Main Results:
- 52% of patients showed improved hearing thresholds, with the greatest shift at 250 Hz.
- 44% of patients reported improvement in one or more symptoms (hearing loss, tinnitus, fullness, balance).
- Plasmatic osmolality remained constant in all patients throughout the study.
Conclusions:
- Acetazolamide may positively affect endolymphatic hydrops.
- Acetazolamide demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for Meniere's disease.
- Consideration of acetazolamide in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for Meniere's disease is warranted.