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Heparin therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Archives of Otolaryngology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|June 1, 1979
Summary
Intravenous heparin sodium treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss showed a 69.6% recovery rate, comparable to spontaneous recovery rates. This study evaluated heparin
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Hematology
Background:
- Sudden unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SU-SNHL) is an otologic emergency.
- Prompt treatment is crucial for hearing recovery.
- The efficacy of anticoagulant therapy, such as heparin, remains under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous heparin sodium in patients with SU-SNHL.
- To compare the recovery rates in patients treated with heparin versus historical spontaneous recovery rates.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 23 patients with SU-SNHL received intravenous heparin sodium within one week of symptom onset.
- Hearing recovery was assessed based on predefined criteria.
- Adverse events, including priapism, were recorded.
Main Results:
- Complete or good hearing recovery was observed in 69.6% of patients treated with heparin.
- This recovery rate is similar to the previously reported spontaneous recovery rate of 66%.
- One case of priapism was reported as a complication.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous heparin sodium may not offer a significant advantage over spontaneous recovery for SU-SNHL.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of anticoagulation in managing SU-SNHL.
- Close monitoring for potential complications like priapism is essential during heparin therapy.