Delayed Effect of Active Pressure Treatment on Endolymphatic Hydrops

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Ménière disease is characterized by endolymphatic hydrops.
• Current treatments aim to manage symptoms and hydrops.
• The role of low-pressure treatment in hydrops management is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between low-pressure treatment and endolymphatic hydrops in Ménière disease patients.
• To assess the efficacy of low-pressure therapy in alleviating Ménière disease symptoms and normalizing ECochG patterns.

Main Methods:

• A study group of Ménière disease patients with severe disability received a ventilation tube with or without 1-month low-pressure therapy.
• Electrocochleography (ECochG) and validated questionnaires (DHI, FSL) were used for assessment.
• Data collection occurred before treatment, post-treatment, and at 3 and 6 months.

Main Results:

• All subjects initially presented with ECochG patterns indicative of endolymphatic hydrops.
• 80% of subjects showed symptomatic improvement after low-pressure treatment, maintaining the hydropic ECochG pattern.
• The hydropic ECochG pattern normalized in all improved subjects by the 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Low-pressure treatment yielded positive symptomatic outcomes in Ménière disease patients.
• Normalization of endolymphatic hydrops, as indicated by ECochG, occurred with a delay after treatment completion.
• Endolymphatic hydrops may coexist with asymptomatic Ménière disease, and its resolution via low-pressure treatment may be time-delayed.