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Outcomes of transtympanic dexamethasone perfusion using the MicroWickTM in patients with Ménière's disease: A
Christine S Kim1, Ulyseius Martinez2, Elizabeth Mulvey2
1Ear Research Foundation, 1901 Floyd Street, Sarasota, Florida 34239, United States; First Physicians Group Silverstein Institute, 1901 Floyd Street, Sarasota, Florida 34239, United States.
Purpose:
To assess the efficacy of a 4-week transtympanic dexamethasone perfusion using the Silverstein MicroWickTM in patients with Ménière's disease.
Materials And Methods:
A self-reported questionnaire was designed and sent to patients who underwent transtympanic dexamethasone perfusion using the Silverstein MicroWickTM from January 2017 to December 2020. A retrospective chart review was conducted to gather demographic and audiological data of those who responded.
Results:
Forty respondents were separated into Group 1 (n = 34), who required no further procedure, and Group 2 (n = 6), who required additional procedure for Ménière's disease. In Group 1, 50% reported subjective improvement in tinnitus, 59% in aural fullness, 79% in vertigo, and 21% in hearing loss after the MicroWickTM treatment. A statistical analysis of the scores revealed that the improvement in aural fullness and vertigo met significance (p = 0.03 and p = 0.002, respectively). In Group 2, no significant change was seen in their symptoms. Audiological data showed no significant change in the pure tone average or the word recognition score after the treatment.
Conclusion:
Transtympanic dexamethasone perfusion using the Silverstein MicroWickTM is a well-tolerated treatment option for patients with Ménière's disease. Our survey data suggest its significant efficacy in reducing aural fullness and vertigo attacks in these patients. Prospective studies will be conducted to further establish its potential role in successfully managing patients with Ménière's disease.
Insights
Transtympanic dexamethasone perfusion with the Silverstein MicroWick™ offers a well-tolerated treatment for Ménière
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ménière's disease is a chronic inner ear disorder characterized by vertigo, tinnitus, aural fullness, and hearing loss.
- Current management strategies for Ménière's disease aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Transtympanic dexamethasone perfusion is an emerging therapeutic option for managing Ménière's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a 4-week transtympanic dexamethasone perfusion using the Silverstein MicroWick™ in patients diagnosed with Ménière's disease.
- To assess the treatment's impact on subjective and audiological symptoms associated with Ménière's disease.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study involving patients who received transtympanic dexamethasone perfusion via Silverstein MicroWick™ between January 2017 and December 2020.
- Data collection included a self-reported questionnaire assessing symptom improvement and a retrospective chart review for demographic and audiological data.
- Respondents were categorized into two groups based on the need for further procedures.
Main Results:
- Of the 40 respondents, 34 required no further procedures (Group 1) and 6 required additional intervention (Group 2).
- In Group 1, significant improvements were reported for aural fullness (p=0.03) and vertigo (p=0.002). Subjective improvements in tinnitus (50%) and hearing loss (21%) were also noted.
- No significant changes in pure tone average or word recognition scores were observed post-treatment. Group 2 showed no significant symptom improvement.
Conclusions:
- Transtympanic dexamethasone perfusion with the Silverstein MicroWick™ is a well-tolerated treatment for Ménière's disease.
- The treatment demonstrates significant efficacy in reducing aural fullness and vertigo attacks.
- Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm its role in Ménière's disease management.
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