[Therapy of sudden deafness--naftidrofuryl (Dusodril) and pentoxifylline (Trental) compared]

In a prospectively randomized trial, conduced jointly by the University ENT Department, Göttingen, and the ENT Department of Zentralkrankenhaus St.-Juergen-Strasse, Bremen, the therapeutic efficiencies of naftidrofuryl and pentoxifyllin, both in combination with a basic medication (cortison, dextran), were compared in 151 patients with sudden deafness. Evaluation of the results revealed a decisive influence of cardiovascular risk factors (particularly vascular diseases) on the outcome of therapy. There was no difference between naftidrofuryl and pentoxifyllin with respect to therapeutic success. Since further improvement was evident 6 months later, long-term treatment is recommended for either substance. The therapeutic success rate of our own treatment schedule is not higher than that of other therapeutic schedules given in the literature.