Asociación del resultado auditivo final, en pacientes con hipoacusia súbita, a la respuesta a glucocorticoides in vitro / Association of the final hearing result, in patients with sudden hearing loss, to the response to glucocorticoids in vitro

Introducción: La hipoacusia súbita (HS) es poco frecuente y su etiopatogenia no está definida. La terapia con corticoides es de elección en base a recomendaciones de expertos por sus efectos teóricos y no en base a utilidad clínica demostrada. Objetivo: Evaluar si existe correlación entre el resultado auditivo final, de pacientes con HS tratados con corticoides, y la respuesta in vitro de sus leucocitos a corticoides, medida como diferencias en la expresión relativa de genes blanco del receptor de glucocorticoides. Material y Método: Estudio de casos (recuperación total) y controles (no recuperados) de pacientes con HS tratados con corticoides en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, durante 2017-2019. Se obtuvo DNA que fue almacenado en el Biobanco de Tejidos y Fluidos de la Universidad de Chile (BTUCH). Se purificaron y cultivaron leucocitos mononucleares de sangre periférica, expuestos in vitro a hidrocortisona. Se determinó la diferencia en la expresión relativa de genes blanco (IGFBP1, CAT, HSD17B12, APOA2), por Q-RTPCR, entre ambos grupos. Resultados: Se reclutaron 35 pacientes; se incluyeron para análisis 23: 11 casos y 12 controles, con edad promedio de 54,9 y 50,8 años respectivamente, distribución homogénea de sexo. No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la expresión relativa de los genes blanco, a la exposición in vitro a corticoides, entre ambos grupos. Conclusión: En nuestro estudio, modelo, y sistema de evaluación no se evidenciaron efectos de los corticoides. No podemos descartar que, con un número mayor de pacientes, otros genes blanco u otros protocolos de estudio podrían detectarse diferencias.

Introduction: Sudden hearing loss (SHL) is rare and its etiopathogenesis is still not clear. Corticosteroid therapy is of choice based on expert recommendations due to its theoretical effects and no based on proved clinical efficacy. Objectives: To assess whether there is a correlation between the final auditory outcome of patients with SHL treated with corticosteroids and the in vitro response of their leukocytes to corticosteroids, measured as differences in the relative expression of glucocorticoid receptor target genes. Material and Method: Case-control (total recovery and not recovered respectively) study of patients with SHL treated with corticosteroids at Clinical Hospital Universidad de Chile between 2017 and 2019. DNA was obtained and stored in the Biobanco de Tejidos y Fluidos de la Universidad de Chile (BTUCH). Peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes were purified and cultured and then exposed to hydrocortisone. The difference in the relative expression of target genes (GFBP1, CAT, HSD17B12, APOA2), by Q-RTPCR was determined. Results: Thirty-five patients were recruited, 24 were included for the analysis: 11 cases and 12 controls, with and average age of 54.9 and 50.,8 years respectively, homogeneous sex distribution. There was no statistically significant difference in the relative expression of the target genes, upon in vitro exposure to corticosteroids, between both groups. Conclusion: In our study, model and evaluation system, no effects of corticosteroids were evidenced. With a larger number of patients, other target genes or other study protocols, we cannot rule out that differences could be detected.

A case of sudden hearing loss combined with familial hyperlipidemia / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Hyperlipidemia is characterized by elevated levels of blood lipids. The clinical manifestations are mainly atherosclerosis caused by the deposition of lipids in the vascular endothelium. The link between abnormal lipid metabolism and sudden hearing loss remains unclear. This article presents a case study of sudden hearing loss accompanied by familial hyperlipidemia. Pure tone audiometry indicated intermediate frequency hearing loss in one ear. Laboratory tests showed abnormal lipid metabolism, and genetic examination identified a heterozygous mutation in theAPOA5 gene. Diagnosis: Sudden hearing loss; hypercholesterolemia. The patient responded well to pharmacological treatment. This paper aims to analyze and discuss thepotential connection between abnormal lipid metabolism and sudden hearing loss.

Long-term evaluation and physical and mental effects of residual tinnitus following treatment of sudden hearing loss / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To clarify the long-term characteristics of tinnitus following treatment of sudden deafness and its long-term physical and mental effects on patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 88 patients (46 males and 42 females; Age from 11 to 89 years) with sudden deafness treated in Department of Otoscope Surgery of Peoples's Libration Army General Hospital in Beijing from April 2020 to January 2021, and the occurrence of tinnitus and treatment effect of all patients were analyzed. Follow-up was conducted for patients with residual tinnitus after treatment for more than 1 year by the investigation and filling in the survey information collection form, Tinnitus Evaluation Questionnaire (TEQ) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Descriptive statistics and SPSS 22.0 software were used for statistical data analysis. Results: In this study, 93.2% (82/88) of patients with sudden deafness were accompanied by tinnitus at the onset, and the proportion of long-term tinnitus after treatment was 90.2% (74/82). After 1 year of treatment for sudden deafness, the improvement of tinnitus was significant in low-frequency sudden deafness compared with those of high-frequency, flat and total deafness sudden deafness (χ2 value was 6.801, 4.568 and 4.038, all P<0.05). In patients with residual tinnitus, 9 (12.2%) patients felt minimal loudness or even no loudness, 34 (46.0%) patients felt slight loudness, 28 (37.8%) patients felt tinnitus was relatively loud, and 3 (4.1%) patients felt tinnitus was loud or noisy. Nine (12.2%) patients's sleep was often affected, 41 (55.4%) patients's sleep was sometimes affected, 9 (12.2%) patients's sleep was rarely affected, 15 (20.3%) patients's sleep was almost not affected. Twenty-eight (37.8%) patients basically completely adapted to tinnitus and 46 (62.2%) patients did not completely adapted to residual tinnitus. Eight (10.8%) patients had no impact on life, 39 (52.7%) patients had slight impact, 22 (29.7%) patients had moderate impact, and the other 5 (6.8%) patients had greater impact. According to tinnitus evaluation questionnaire(TEQ), there were 12 cases (16.2%) of grade Ⅰ, 26 cases (35.1%) of grade Ⅱ, 28 cases (37.8%) of grade Ⅲ, 7 cases (9.5%) of grade Ⅳ and 1 case (1.4%) of grade Ⅴ. According to tinnitus handicap inventory(THI), tinnitus disability was classified into grade Ⅰ, 22 cases (29.7%), grade Ⅱ, 14 cases (18.9%), Grade Ⅲ, 27 cases (36.5%) and grade Ⅳ, 11 cases (14.9%). Conclusion: The rate of residual tinnitus following treatment of sudden deafness is high. Some of the patients can completely adapt residual tinnitus after one year, but some of them will be affected when sleep, work and study. Residual tinnitus can lead to tinnitus disability in different degrees.

Reclassification of flat type sudden deafness / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To reclassify the flat type sudden deafness according to the types of audiogram shape, and to explore the correlation between different pattern of hearing loss and prognosis. Methods: All of 1 024 patients with unilateral sudden deafness (492 males and 532 females, aged from 19 to 65 years, with an average age of 41.2 years old) admitted to 33 hospitals nationwide from August 2007 to October 2011 were divided into four types according to Chinese Guideline of Sudden Deafness(2015): low-frequency, high-frequency, flat and total deafness. Then, 402 patients with flat type sudden deafness were further divided into ascending type, descending type and consistent type according to the audiogram shapes. First, we compared the clinical characteristics and prognosis among these three subtypes of flat deafness, then compared the clinical characteristics and prognosis between ascending flat deafness and low-frequency deafness, descending flat deafness and high-frequency deafness, consistent flat deafness and total deafness, explored the factors related to the prognosis of flat deafness. SPSS 21.0 software, ANOVA, χ2 test, t-test and Logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The cure rates of flat ascending, flat descending and flat consistent sudden deafness groups were 70.7%, 17.1% and 34.0% respectively, with a statistically significant difference (χ2=33.984, P<0.001); However, there was no significant difference in age, sex and affected side (all P>0.05). The independent related factors for the recovery of flat type sudden deafness were as follows: whether there was dizziness [OR=0.459; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.271-0.777], the type of audiogram shape (OR=0.721; 95%CI: 0.530-0.981), and days from onset to therapy (OR=0.903, 95%CI: 0.835-0.978), all of which had P values<0.05. There was no significant difference in the cure rates between ascending flat sudden deafness and low-frequency descending sudden deafness, descending flat sudden deafness and high-frequency descending sudden deafness (all P>0.05). The pure tone average(PTA) of flat consistent sudden deafness and total deafness were (69.1±18.9) and (101.7±17.7) dB HL, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (t=20.890, P<0.001), and the cure rates were 34.0% and 14.5%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (χ2=29.012, P<0.001). Conclusion: According to the audiogram shape, the flat type sudden deafness can be further divided into ascending flat sudden deafness, descending flat sudden deafness and consistent flat sudden deafness, which can more effectively evaluate the prognosis. The cure rate of ascending flat sudden deafness is similar to that of low-frequency sudden deafness, and the prognosis is well; The cure rate of descending flat sudden deafness is similar to that of high-frequency descending sudden deafness, and the prognosis is poor. The cure rate of consistent flat sudden deafness is higher than that of total deafness. PTA plays an important role in the prognosis of consistent flat sudden deafness and total deafness. Total deafness can be regarded as a single type of sudden deafness.

Repeated transcranial acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture for flat descending sudden deafness: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of repeated transcranial acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture on flat descending sudden deafness.@*METHODS@#A total of 80 patients with flat descending sudden deafness were randomly divided into an acupuncture and medication group (39 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a western medication group (39 cases, 1 case dropped off). Patients in the western medication group were treated with glucocorticoid + batroxobin + ginkgo leaf preparation. On the basis of the western medication group, patients in the acupuncture and medication group were treated with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Ningshen, Yunting area, Mastoid 1 point, Mastoid 2 point, Fengchi (GB 20), Gongxue, Tinghui (GB 2), etc., repeated transcranial acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Ningshen and Yunting area; Mastoid 1 point and Mastoid 2 point, Fengchi (GB 20) and Gongxue of the affected side were connected to the electroacupuncture instrument, continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency. The needle was retained for 30 min, once a day, and rest for 1 d after 6 d of continuous treatment. All patients were treated for 3 weeks. The average hearing threshold, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) score, dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) score and speech discrimination test score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical effect was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the average hearing threshold, THI and DHI scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and above indexes in the acupuncture and medication group were lower than those in the western medication group (P<0.05). The speech discrimination test scores of the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the score in the acupuncture and medication group was higher than that in the western medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 87.2% (34/39) in the acupuncture and medication group, which was higher than 74.4% (29/39) in the western medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Repeated transcranial acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture can improve the hearing level of patients with flat descending sudden deafness, relieve tinnitus and vertigo symptoms.

Hipoacusia súbita asociada a depresión: síntoma inusual en adultos mayores infectados por Sars-CoV-2 / Sudden hearing loss associated with depression: an unusual symptom in older adults infected with Sars-CoV-2

Se comienza acumular información sobre las alteraciones en pacientes positivos a Covid-19, donde relacionan el virus con el daño del oído medio y oído interno, tanto en la porción vestibular como la auditiva en adultos mayores, generando episodios depresivos. Por tal razón, se propuso como objetivo evaluar la relación hipoacusia súbita asociada a depresión en adultos mayores infectados por Sars-CoV-2 atendidos en el Hospital Básico Pillaros, perteneciente al sector Ciudadela Ciudad Nueva, Ecuador 2020-2021. El estudio fue cuantitavo, descriptivo correlacional de corte transversal con una muestra de 87 pacientes >65 años positivos para Sars-CoV-2. Para la recolección de datos se aplicó el Test audiométrico y la escala de depresión geriátrica de Yesavage. El análisis de los datos fue con estadística descriptiva en base a frecuencias, porcentajes, IC 95% y X2 a través de SPSS. Como resultado 73,6% eran fememnino y 26,4% masculino, 54,0% tenían de 65-75 años, el tipo de presbiacusia más existente fue neural (31,2%) y coclear (31,0%). Así mismo, 81,6% presentaron signos de depresión, mientras que 18,4% no. En el test Vasayage 88,5% expresó no sentirse lleno de energía y 59,8% sienten temor a que algo malo suceda. Como conclusión, la presencia de trastornos auditivos constituye un problema para la comunicación de los adultos mayores que pudiese conllevar a estados depresivos, por ello, incentivar el desarrollo de investigaciones pudieran orientar hacia el desarrollo de alternativas de intervención temprana que favorezcan el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida de este grupo poblacional(AU)

Information is beginning to accumulate on the alterations in patients positive for Covid -19, where they relate the virus to damage to the middle ear and inner ear, both in the vestibular and auditory portions in older adults, generating depressive episodes. For this reason, the objective was to evaluate the relationship between sudden hearing loss associated with depression in older adults infected with Sars-CoV- treated at the Pillaros Basic Hospital, belonging to the Ciudadela Ciudad Nueva sector, Ecuador 2020-2021. The study was quantitative, descriptive correlational cross-sectional with a sample of 87 patients >65 years positive for Sars-CoV-2. For data collection, the audiometric test and the Yesavage geriatric depression scale were applied. The analysis of the data was with descriptive statistics based on frequencies, percentages, CI 95% and X2 through SPSS. As a result, 73.6% were female and 26.4% male, 54.0% were 65-75 years old, the most common type of presbycusis was neural (31.2%) and cochlear (31.0%). Likewise, 81.6% presented signs of depression, while 18.4% did not. In the Vasayage test, 88.5% expressed not feeling full of energy and 59.8% were afraid that something bad would happen. In conclusion, the presence of hearing disorders constitutes a problem for the communication of older adults that could lead to depressive states, therefore, encouraging the development of research could guide the development of early intervention alternatives that favor quality improvement. life of this population group(AU)

Profil clinique de la surdité de l'enfant à Yaoundé / Clinical profile of child deafness in Yaounde

In Cameroon, the prevalence of deafness in children is 3.6%. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical profile of these hearing impaired children at the time of diagnosis. Patients and methods.This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that took place between November 2020 and June 2021 and involved 127 hearing impaired children. Results.The mean age of these children was 9.2 ± 3.9 years, with extreme values of 1 and 15 years. The sex ratio was 1.3. The average number of children in the siblings was 3.5 ± 1.8 children and 30.7% occupied the 1st rank in their siblings. The average birth weight was 3269 ± 0.685g. The neonatal history was found in 11.81% of the cases while the postnatal history related to 32.28% of the cases. Maternal alcoholism and parental genital infections were found during pregnancy. Familial deafness was found in one of the mothers (0.4%) and in the siblings in 3.1% (n=4). At the time of diagnosis, the median age was between 0 and 24 months, the mode of onset was old and 96.9% of children had bilateral deafness. The absence of reaction to noise and the delay of language were the most found modes of revelation. Moderate and severe deafness were the most represented and were mostly sensory or mixed. Among these deaf children, 4%presented a handicap or an associated pathology. Conclusion.The causes of child deafness in Yaoundé are acquired in perinatal period. This deafness is diagnosed in the perilingual period and remains dominated by bilateral deafness, whether severe or profound

La surdité brusque résultats thérapeutique et facteurs pronostiques / Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: therapeutic outcome and prognostic factors

Objectifs: évaluer les résultats thérapeutiques et étudier les facteurs pronostiques de la surdité brusque.Patients et méthodes: Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective à propos de 61 patients (39 hommes et 22 femmes) pris en charge pour surdité brusque dans le service d'Otorhinolaryngologie et de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale de l'hôpital Bourguiba de Monastir durant une période de 16 ans (2001-2016). Une analyse statistique a été réalisée afin d'identifier les facteurs influençant le pronostic de la surdité brusque. Le seuil de significativité retenu était de 5%. Résultats:L'âge moyen était de 43 ans [16-80 ans]. Le taux global de récupération auditive était de 45%. Les facteurs pronostiques selon l'analyse uni variée étaient: un antécédent d'hypoacousie controlatérale, la présence d'un vertige associé, la sévérité de la perte auditive initiale, une courbe audiométrique de type E, l'absence du réflexe stapédien et le recours à l'oxygénothérapie hyperbare (OHB). En analyse multivariée, les seuls facteurs retenus étaient une perte auditive initiale supérieure ou égale à 70 dB, la présence d'un vertige et l'absence d'un épisode infectieux précédant la survenue de la surdité. Conclusion: Notre étude a permis de retenir comme facteurs de mauvais pronostic indépendants la perte auditive initiale supérieure ou égale à 70 dB, la présence d'un vertige et l'absence d'un épisode infectieux précédant la survenue de la surdité. Ceci nous incite à une réflexion quant au protocole thérapeutique adopté dans notre service et à indiquer l'OHB, qui est normalement prescrite en cas de non réponse, en première intention, afin d'optimiser la récupération auditive.

Predictor parameters for poor prognosis in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss: fibrinogen to albumin ratio vs C-reactive protein to albumin ratio / Parâmetros preditores de mau prognóstico em pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita: relação fibrinogênio/albumina vs. relação proteina C-reativa/albumina

Abstract Introduction Prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss may be predicted using several parameters of laboratory blood analysis. Objective To identify and investigate the most significant indicator parameters related to the poor prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Methods Eighty-eight patients were included, and three groups were constituted: non-recovery group with14 patients, recovery group with 33 patients and control group with 41 individuals. We compared fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio, C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, white blood cell and hemoglobin of the groups. Then, we investigated the most significant indicator parameters related to the poor prognosis of sudden hearing loss. Results The mean hemoglobin, mean platelet-lymphocyte ratio and median white blood cell values did not significantly differ among three groups (p = 0.36, p = 0.86 and p = 0.79, respectively). A significant difference of median fibrinogen-albumin ratio, C-reactive protein-albumin ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was evident among three groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively). Median fibrinogen-albumin ratio, C-reactive protein-albumin ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio values were significantly greater in the non-recovery group, compared with the controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.003 and p = 0.005, respectively). Median fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio, C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were significantly greater in the recovery group, compared with the controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.013 and p = 0.005, respectively). Moreover, the median fibrinogen-albumin ratio was significantly greater in the non-recovery group compared with the recovery group (p = 0.017). However, no statistically significant difference of median C-reactive protein-albumin ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte was evident between the non-recovery and recovery groups (p = 0.15). Conclusion Increased levels of fibrinogen-albumin ratio may be predictive for poor prognosis in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Resumo Introdução O prognóstico de perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita pode ser previsto com vários parâmetros da análise laboratorial do sangue. Objetivo Identificar e investigar os parâmetros indicadores mais significativos relacionados ao mau prognóstico da perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita. Método Foram incluídos 88 pacientes e três grupos foram constituídos: grupo não recuperado, com14 pacientes; grupo com recuperação, 33 pacientes, e grupo controle com 41 indivíduos. Foram comparadas a relação fibrinogênio/albumina, proteína C-reativa/albumina, relação neutrófilos/linfócitos, relação plaquetas/linfócitos, glóbulos brancos e hemoglobina dos grupos. Em seguida, investigamos os parâmetros indicadores mais significativos relacionados ao prognóstico ruim da perda súbita de audição. Resultados A média de hemoglobina, média da relação plaquetas/linfócitos e mediana dos valores de glóbulos brancos não diferiram significativamente entre os três grupos (p = 0,36, p = 0,86 e p = 0,79, respectivamente). Uma diferença significante da média da relação fibrinogênio/albumina, proteína C-reativa/albumina e neutrófilos/linfócitos foi evidente entre os três grupos (p < 0,001, p = 0,003 e p = 0,002, respectivamente). Os valores da mediana da relação fibrinogênio/albumina, proteína C-reativa/albumina e relação neutrófilos/linfócitos foram significantemente maiores no grupo sem recuperação, em comparação com os controles (p < 0,001, p = 0,003 e p = 0,005, respectivamente). As medianas da relação fibrinogênio/albumina, relação proteína C-reativa/albumina e relação neutrófilos/linfócitos foram significantemente maiores no grupo com recuperação, em comparação com os controles (p < 0,001, p = 0,013 e p = 0,005, respectivamente). Além disso, a mediana da relação fibrinogênio/albumina foi significantemente maior no grupo não recuperado comparado ao grupo com recuperação (p = 0,017). No entanto, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante da mediana da relação proteína-C reativa/albumina e relação neutrófilos/linfócitos entre os grupos sem recuperação e com recuperação (p = 0,15). Conclusão Níveis elevados de relação fibrinogênio/albumina podem ser preditores de mau prognóstico em pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita.

Effect of different electroacupuncture stimulation parameters on sudden hearing loss / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the efficacy of different electroacupuncture (EA) frequencies and wave patterns combined with medication and medication alone for sudden hearing loss (SHL), and to explore better electroacupuncture stimulation parameters.@*METHODS@#All of 118 patients with SHL were randomly divided into an acupuncture and medication group 1 (group 1, 30 cases, 1 case dropped off), an acupuncture and medication group 2 (group 2, 30 cases), an acupuncture and medication group 3 (group 3, 31 cases) and a medication group (27 cases, 1 case dropped off ). The patients in the medication group were treated with conventional medication. On the base of the medication group, the patients in the group 1, 2, and 3 were treated with acupuncture at Ermen (TE 21), Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2), Fengchi (GB 20), etc. on the affected side, and EA at Ermen (TE 21)-Yifeng (TE 17), Tinghui (GB 2)-Yifeng (TE 17) alternately. The 3 groups were given continuous wave with frequency of 2 Hz, continuous wave with frequency of 50 Hz, and disperse-dense wave with frequency of 2 Hz/50 Hz respectively. The treatment was given once a day, 10 days were as one course, with 2 courses in total. Before and after treatment, the pure tone hearing threshold test was performed, and the curative effect of pure tone hearing threshold test and the curative effect of tinnitus, ear fullness and dizziness were compared in the 3 groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the pure tone hearing threshold test values of each group were lower than those before treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of conventional medication treatment, the addition of electroacupuncture can effectively improve the hearing and ear stuffiness symptoms of patients with SHL, and the disperse-dense wave with frequency of 2 Hz/50 Hz is more effective.

3D-FLAIR MRI findings in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and the correlations with clinical features and prognosis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To explore the correlations of different appearances of labyrinthine 3D-FLAIR MRI with clinical features and prognosis in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Methods: Clinical data of patients with unilateral ISSNHL hospitalized from May 2017 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the results of 3D-FLAIR MRI, the patients were divided into three groups including hyperintense with absorption, hyperintense without absorption and normal. The differences and correlations among the three groups in clinical characteristics (gender, age, deafness side, duration, treatment days, dizziness/vertigo, basic diseases, vestibular function, deafness classification and typing) and prognosis were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 software. Results: Data were collected from 1 245 cases, including 739 (59.36%) with normal signal, 288 (23.13%) hyperintense without absorption, and 218 (17.51%) hyperintense with absorption. The side ratio, treatment days, dizziness/vertigo incidence, vestibular dysfunction, deafness classification and typing were different among the three groups (P<0.001). The incidence of right side was significantly higher in both the hyperintense with and without absorption groups than that in the normal. The vestibular dysfunction was more common in the hyperintense with absorption group than in the normal and hyperintense without absorption groups. It showed statistical differences in the dizziness/vertigo incidence, deafness classification, treatment days, and deafness typing compared between groups, which was the most significant in the hyperintense with absorption group, followed by the hyperintense without absorption group. There was no statistical difference in the total effective rate among the three groups (P=0.139), whereas a significant difference in the recovery rate (P<0.001). The prognosis was significantly correlated with duration, age, treatment days and dizziness/vertigo in the normal group (all P<0.001), correlated with duration and treatment days in the hyperintense with absorption group (both P<0.001), only correlated with the duration in the hyperintense without absorption group (P<0.001). Conclusion: 3D-FLAIR MRI manifestation is closely related to the clinical features and efficacy of ISSNHL. It is helpful to clarify the pathology of inner ear, which is expected to be a new imaging indicator for disease evaluation.

Gadolinium angiography of inner ear in patients with sudden deafness and its clinical analysis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To observe the gadolinium imaging findings of inner ear in patients with sudden deafness and to analyze its clinical features. Methods: From November 2017 to July 2020, 21 patients with sudden deafness in the People's Hospital of Dongsheng District, Ordos City were selected as the research objects, including 14 males and 7 females, aged 36-76 years, with a median age of 50 years. The course of disease was 1-19 days, with an average of 5.5 days. The patients received audiology tests, laboratory examination, and intravenous gadolinium angiography, each of whom was scanned twice by 3D-FLAIR sequence: once before intravenous gadolinium injection, and once again 4.5-6.0 h after intravenous gadolinium injection. The following corresponding clinical treatment was given. The imaging manifestations and clinical features were observed. Results: Among 21 cases of sudden deafness in acute stage, the signal intensity of 11 cases was significantly higher than that of the contralateral ear, and 2 cases had vestibular labyrinthine hydrops. In laboratory examination, only 2 cases of total deafness had increased WBC count and faster erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the rest had no abnormality. The hearing types of 21 patients with sudden deafness were: total deafness in 8 cases, flat decline in 10 cases, low frequency decline in 1 case, high frequency decline in 2 cases. The total effective rate was 57% (12/21). The hearing types of 11 patients with abnormal gadolinium angiography were total deafness in 5 cases, flat decline in 5 cases and high frequency decline in 1 case. The total effective rate was 64% (7/11). Conclusion: Gadolinium angiography is abnormal in some patients with sudden deafness, and the permeability of blood labyrinth barrier may be increased, which is worthy of further study.

Is the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio a prognostic and predictive factor in sudden hearing loss? / A relação proteína C-reativa/albumina é um fator prognóstico e preditivo na surdez súbita?

Abstract Introduction: Sudden hearing loss is a significant otologic emergency. Previous studies have revealed a coexistence of sudden hearing loss with chronic inflammation. The predictive importance of C-reactive protein/albumin values as a prognostic factor has been shown in various inflammatory and tumoral conditions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio in sudden hearing loss can be used for prognostic purposes and whether there is a relationship between the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio. Methods: A retrospective examination was made of 40 patients diagnosed with idiopathic sudden hearing loss and a control group of 45 healthy subjects. The pure tone averages of all the patients were determined on first presentation and repeated at 3 months after the treatment. The patients were separated into 2 groups according to the response to treatment. The neutrophil/lynphocyte ratio and the C-reactive protein/albumin ratios were calculated from the laboratory tests. Results: The patients included 16 females and 24 males with a mean age of 44.1 ± 14.2 years and the control group was composed of 23 females and 22 males with a mean age of 42.2 ± 13.8 years. The mean C-reactive protein/albumin ratio was 0.95 ± 0.47 in the patient group and 0.74 ± 0.13 in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.009). The mean C-reactive protein/albumin ratio was 0.79 ± 0.12 in the response to treatment group and 1.27 ± 0.72 in the non-response group, with no significant difference determined between the groups (p = 0.418). The mean neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was 3.52 ± 3.00 in the response to treatment group and 4.90 ± 4.60 in the non-response group, with no statistically significant difference determined between the groups (p = 0.261). Conclusion: C-reactive/albumin ratio was significantly higher in patients with sudden hearing loss than in the control group. Although C-reactive protein/albumin ratio was found to be lower in sudden hearing loss patients who responded to treatment compared to those who did not, the difference between two groups was not statistically significant.

Resumo Introdução: A perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita ou surdez súbita é uma emergência otológica significativa. Estudos anteriores revelaram uma coexistência dessa condição com inflamação crônica. A importância preditiva dos valores da relação proteína C-reativa/albumina como fator prognóstico tem sido demonstrada em várias condições inflamatórias e tumorais. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se a relação proteína C-reativa/albumina na perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita pode ser usada para fins prognósticos e se existe uma associação entre as relações neutrófilo/linfócito e proteína C-reativa/albumina. Método: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente 40 pacientes com diagnóstico de perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática e um grupo controle de 45 indivíduos saudáveis. As médias de tons puros de todos os pacientes foram determinadas na primeira consulta e repetidas 3 meses após o tratamento. Os pacientes foram separados em 2 grupos de acordo com a resposta ao tratamento. As relações neutrófilo/linfócito e proteína C-reativa/albumina foram calculadas a partir de testes laboratoriais. Resultados: Os pacientes incluíam 16 mulheres e 24 homens, com média de 44,1 ± 14,2 anos, e o grupo controle por 23 mulheres e 22 homens, com média de 42,2 ± 13,8 anos. A média da relação proteína C-reativa/albumina foi de 0,95 ± 0,47 no grupo de pacientes e de 0,74 ± 0,13 no grupo controle e a diferença foi estatisticamente significante (p = 0,009). A média da relação proteína C-reativa/albumina foi de 0,79 ± 0,12 do grupo com resposta ao tratamento e de 1,27 ± 0,72 no grupo sem resposta, sem diferença significante entre os grupos (p = 0,418). A média da relação neutrófilo/linfócito foi de 3,52 ± 3,00 no grupo com resposta ao tratamento e de 4,90 ± 4,60 no grupo sem resposta, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos (p = 0,261). Conclusão: A relação proteína C-reativa/albumina foi significantemente maior nos pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita do que no grupo controle. No entanto, embora a relação proteína C-reativa/albumina tenha sido menor nos pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita que responderam ao tratamento em comparação a aqueles que não apresentaram resposta, a diferença entre os dois grupos não foi estatisticamente significante.

Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in the prognosis of sudden hearing loss - a systematic review / O potencial evocado miogênico vestibular no prognóstico da surdez súbita - uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Introduction: Sudden hearing loss is an otorhinolaryngological emergency that often leads to severe damage to the auditory and vestibular function. The vestibular evoked myogenic potential is a test that allows a noninvasive evaluation of the otolithic system function and vestibulospinal and vestibulo-ocular pathways. Objective: To evaluate the importance of vestibular evoked myogenic potential in determining the prognosis of patients with sudden hearing loss. Methods: A search for articles published up to December 2018 was performed in the PubMed, Cochrane, VHL and LILACS databases using MeSH descriptors. Retrospective and prospective articles were included containing cervical or ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential in sudden hearing loss patients and information on associated vertigo and/or dizziness. Results: Sixteen of 62 initially selected articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Regarding the methodology of the evaluated studies, 8 studies were prospective, six were retrospective, one contained part of the data from a retrospective analysis and another part from a prospective analysis, and one study was cross-sectional. A total of 872 patients were evaluated (50.22% males and 49.77% females) with a mean age of 51.26 years. Four hundred and twenty-six patients (50.35%) had vertigo and/or dizziness associated with sudden hearing loss. The cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential was performed in all studies, but only seven assessed the ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential. The cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential showed alterations in 38.65% of 846 evaluated ears, whereas ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential showed alterations in 47.88% of 368 evaluated ears. The hearing recovery rate was analyzed by 8 articles, with 63.4% of 410 evaluated ears showing hearing recovery. Conclusions: The studies suggest that the assessment of the vestibular system using vestibular evoked myogenic potential seems to be important in the prognosis of sudden hearing loss. For better follow-up of patients with sudden hearing loss, the emphasis should not be limited to the cochlea, but also include the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular abnormalities, regardless of the presence of vertigo.

Resumo Introdução: A surdez súbita é uma emergência otorrinolaringológica que frequentemente cursa com graves danos à função auditiva e vestibular. O potencial evocado miogênico vestibular é um exame que permite a avaliação não invasiva da função do sistema otolítico e das vias vestíbulo-espinhal e vestíbulo-ocular. Objetivo: Avaliar a importância do potencial evocado miogênico vestibular na determinação do prognóstico dos pacientes com surdez súbita. Método: Uma busca de trabalhos publicados até dezembro de 2018 foi realizada nos bancos de dados PubMed, Cochrane, BVS e Lilacs com descritores cadastrados no MeSH. Foram incluídos artigos retrospectivos e prospectivos que contivessem o potencial evocado miogênico vestibular cervical ou ocular em pacientes com surdez súbita e informações sobre vertigem e/ou tontura associados. Resultados: Dezesseis de 62 artigos selecionados inicialmente preencheram os critérios de inclusão e foram analisados. Quanto à metodologia dos trabalhos avaliados, 8 estudos foram prospectivos, seis retrospectivos, um continha parte dos dados oriunda de uma análise retrospectiva e outra parte de uma análise prospectiva e um estudo foi transversal. Foram avaliados 872 pacientes (50,22% do gênero masculino e 49,77% feminino) com média de 51,26 anos. Do total de pacientes, 426 (50,35%) apresentavam vertigem e/ou tontura associada à surdez súbita. O potencial evocado miogênico vestibular cervical foi realizado em todos os estudos, porém o potencial evocado miogênico vestibular ocular em apenas sete. O potencial evocado miogênico vestibular cervical apresentou alteração em 38,65% de 846 orelhas avaliadas, enquanto o potencial evocado miogênico vestibular ocular estava alterado em 47,88% das 368 orelhas avaliadas. A taxa de recuperação auditiva foi analisada por 8 artigos, 63,4% de 410 orelhas avaliadas apresentavam recuperação auditiva. Conclusões: Os estudos demonstram que a avaliação do sistema vestibular com o uso do potencial evocado miogênico vestibular parece ter importância no prognóstico da surdez súbita. Para melhor acompanhamento do paciente com surdez súbita a ênfase não deve se restringir à cóclea, mas também no diagnóstico e tratamento de alterações vestibulares, independentemente da presença de vertigem.

Effect of electro-nape-acupuncture on hearing in patients with refractory flat descending idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic effect of electro-nape-acupuncture (ENA) combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and single HBOT on refractory flat descending idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).@*METHODS@#A total of 78 patients were randomized into an ENA combined with HBOT (ENA+HBOT) group and a HBOT group, 39 cases in each one. Patients in both groups were treated with oral extract of ginkgo biloba leaves and mecobalamin tablets. On the basis of the conventional medication treatment, HBOT was adopt in the HBOT group. On the basis of the treatment in the HBOT group, electro-nape-acupuncture was applied at Fengchi (GB 20), Gongxue (Extra), Zhongzhu (TE 3), Waiguan (TE 5) and Yifeng (TE 17), Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2) and the vertigo-auditory area of affected side in the ENA+HBOT group. Pulse acupuncture instrument was connected at Fengchi (GB 20) and Gongxue (Extra) for 30 min (with continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency), the needles were retained for another 30 min after electroaupuncture. The treatment was given once a day, 6 times a week for 4 weeks in both groups. Before the treatment and 2,4 weeks into the treatment, the average auditory threshold, the scores of tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) and dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) were observed, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated in both groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the average auditory threshold, the scores of THI and DHI of 2,4 weeks into the treatment were decreased in both groups (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Electro-nape- acupuncture can improve the mean auditory threshold and the symptoms of tinnitus and dizziness in patients with refractory flat descending idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Improves Hearing Level Attenuating TLR4/NF-κB Mediated Inflammation in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Patients / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) has demonstrated efficacy in improving hearing levels of patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL); however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. HBOT alleviates the inflammatory response, which is mediated by Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. In this study we investigated whether HBOT attenuates inflammation in ISHHL patients alteration of TLR4 and NF-κB expression.@*Methods@#ISHHL patients ( = 120) and healthy control subjects ( = 20) were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into medicine group treated with medicine only ( = 60) and HBO group receiving both HBOT and medicine ( = 60). Audiometric testing was performed pre- and post-treatment. TLR4, NF-кB, and TNF-α expression in peripheral blood of ISSHL patients and healthy control subjects was assessed by ELISA before and after treatment.@*Results@#TLR4, NF-κB, and TNF-α levels were upregulated in ISSHL patients relative to healthy control subjects; the levels were decreased following treatment and were lower in the HBO group than that in the medicine group post-treatment ( < 0.05 and < 0.01).@*Conclusion@#HBOT alleviates hearing loss in ISSHL patients by suppressing the inflammatory response induced by TLR4 and NF-κB signaling.

A comparison of single-dose and multiple divided daily-dose oral steroids for sudden sensorineural hearing loss / Comparação entre dose única e múltiplas doses diárias de corticoides para perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita

Abstract Introduction: Glucocorticoids are considered the first-line therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. But there is currently no consensus on administering them as a single dose versus multiple divided daily doses. Objective: We aim to evaluate the treatment outcome of sudden sensorineural hearing loss between a single-dose and multiple divided daily doses of steroid treatment. Methods: A total of 94 patients who were diagnosed and treated for sudden sensorineural hearing loss and followed up for more than three months were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into single-dose and multiple divided-dose groups, based on their medication regimens. Hearing thresholds were repeatedly measured: on the initial visit and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the initial treatment. Treatment outcomes were analyzed by comparing hearing recovery rates and post-treatment audiometric changes. Results: The hearing threshold was significantly reduced at three months post-treatment in both groups. The hearing recovery rate of the single-dose group was significantly higher than that of the multiple divided-dose groups. Audiometric changes showed no statistical difference either in pure tone threshold or speech discrimination. Conclusion: When oral steroids are indicated for sudden sensorineural hearing loss, both a single dose and multiple divided doses can be effective for treatment and have comparable results. However, the single-dose regimen seems to be more efficacious than the divided-dose regimen.

Resumo Introdução: Os glicocorticoides são considerados terapia de primeira linha para perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita. Contudo, atualmente não há consenso em como para administrá-los, se em dose única ou múltiplas doses diárias. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo é avaliar o resultado do tratamento da perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita com uma dose única ou várias doses diárias de tratamento com esteróides. Método: Um total de 94 pacientes que foram diagnosticados e tratados para perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita e acompanhados por mais de três meses pós-tratamento foram avalia-dos retrospectivamente. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupos de dose única diária e dose diária dividida em múltiplas tomadas, baseado em seu regime medicamentoso. Os limiares auditivos foram medidos repetidamente: na visita inicial e em 1 semana, 1 mês e 3 meses após o tratamento inicial. Os resultados do tratamento foram analisados comparando-se as taxas de recuperação da audição e as alterações audiométricas pós-tratamento. Resultados: O limiar auditivo foi significativamente reduzido aos três meses pós-tratamento em ambos os grupos. A taxa de recuperação auditiva no grupo de dose única foi significativamente maior do que no grupo de dose diária dividida em múltiplas tomadas. As alterações audiométricas não mostraram diferença estatística, tanto no limiar de tom puro quanto na discriminação da fala. Conclusão: Quando esteroides orais são indicados para perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita, tanto uma dose única quanto múltiplas doses podem ser eficazes para o tratamento e têm resultados comparáveis. No entanto, o regime de dose única diária parece ser mais eficaz do que o regime de dose diária dividida em múltiplas tomadas.

Hearing Outcome of Low-tone Compared to High-tone Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Abstract Introduction Low-tone sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a well-recognized disease, in which the hearing loss is restricted to low frequencies. In contrast to lowtone SSHL, high-tone SSHL is characterized by high-frequency (4,000, 8,000 Hz) hearing loss and preservation of low-, middle-frequency hearing. Objective The objective of this study is to compare the hearing recovery and longterm outcome of low-tone SSHL with those of patients affected by high-tone SSHL in a follow-up of ~ 3 years. Methods The low-tone SSHL and high-tone SSHL groups included 27 and 20 patients, respectively; the patients of both groups were treated with intravenous steroids. Predictive factors (gender, affected side, delay of treatment, follow-up time) were also examined. Results Overall, complete hearing recovery was observed in 77.7% of the patients in the low-tone SSHL group and in 15% of the patients in the high-tone SSHL group. In the high-tone SSHL group, a higher proportion of patients reported tinnitus compared with the low-tone SSHL group (13 cases [65%] versus 3 cases [11%]); however, recurrences were more common in the low-tone SSHL (22%, 6 patients) compared with the hightone SSHL (2 cases [10%]) group. No predictive factor was found to statistically impact on hearing outcome. Conclusion After initial therapy, the low-tone SSHL patients have more favorable hearing outcome than high-tone SSHL patients. However, recurrences occurred more frequently in the low-tone SSHL group, while the high-tone SSHL group was more often accompanied by residual symptoms, such as tinnitus. (AU)

Intractable sudden deafness treated with acupuncture on the base of "heart housing the mind" / 中国针灸

Intractable sudden deafness is a kind of primary sudden deafness that is insensitive to the comprehensive treatment in modern medicine. Due to the close relationship between the ear and the "heart", combined with the characteristics of intractable sudden deafness, in the theoretic guidance of "the heart housing the mind", the acupuncture therapy for regulating the mind and nourishing the heart was introduced in treatment of intractable sudden deafness, the relevant theoretic evidences were explored and elaborated with the typical case.