A Case of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children Improved with Defibrinogenation Therapy Using Batroxobin

Abstract

Large-scale and detailed studies of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in children, which is extremely rare, remain scarce. Therefore, the pathophysiology, treatment, prognosis, and other aspects of this condition remain unclear. Moreover, no clinical practice guideline has been established. Over the past decade, we encountered two cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in children. Both cases were started on systemic steroid treatment, however, the hearing loss only progressed. Defibrinogenation therapy using batroxobin was adopted in combination with systemic steroids, which led to improvement of hearing in both cases. In fact, both cases showed complete recovery of their hearing in the low to middle range, although hearing in the high range remained impaired. Continued progression of the hearing loss under systemic steroid therapy alone, but recovery with the start of defibrinogenation therapy suggested that the pathophysiology involved insufficiency of blood circulation in the inner ear. We demonstrated the effectiveness of batroxobin in children presenting with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Thus, defibrinogenation therapy with batroxobin may be an effective treatment option.