Abstract
In this study, we reported the long term results of intratympanic gentamicin administration over 1 year after treatment for intractable Ménière's disease (MD) or delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH). Thirty-five patients (15 males and 20 females) were evaluated after 6.0 intratympanic gentamicin injections on average. The mean age was 44.5 years-old and the mean follow-up period was 68.2 months. The formula expressing the effect of treatment was based on AAOHNS criteria. Valid results of evaluation for more than twelve months in post-treatment were compared with those for six months in pre-treatment, expressed in percent. If the formula is 40% or less, the treatment is judged as effective. The efficacy rate of this treatment for definitive vertigo spells was 97%, and that for adjunct spells was 74%. The average hearing level of five frequencies before and after treatment was 68.5 dB and 74.0 dB, respectively. In eleven patients (31%), the hearing level deteriorated by 10 dB or more. Our results revealed that GM therapy was very effective in the long term for the treatment of vertigo. However, further refinement is needed to minimize adverse hearing deterioration. Methods to reduce adverse effects were discussed.
