Effects of diuretic and vasodilator therapy in meniere's disease

ABSTRACT

Meniere's disease is recognised by frequent periods of remissions. The available wisdom about the disease and treatment reflects the openion of experienced clinicians, rather than scientific facts. To determine the efficacy of vasodilator and diuretic therapies in the prophylaxis of Meniere's disease. A randomized controlled trial. The study was carried in the ENT Department, Combined Military Hospital, March 2007 to Dec 2009. Subjects and Methods: All new patients [N=120] of clinically diagnosed Meniere's disease were included by consecutive non-probability sampling. Demographic characteristics of the patients were noted and the patients were divided into three groups irrespective of age and sex. Group A was placed on amiloride 5 mg and hydrochlorthiazide 50 mg combination, one tablet daily, the Group B on tablet betahistine hydrochloride 48 milligram in three divided doses and Group C patients on tab multivitamin once daily respectively. The patients were reviewed after 06 weeks. Improvement in vertigo was seen in 77% in group A, in 68% patients in group B and in 45% in group C [p=0.021]. Hearing thresholds improved in 54% in group A, 63% in group B and in 36% in group C [p=0.067]. There was subjective improvement in tinnitus in 54% in group A, 80% in group B and in 37% in group C. Diuretic and vasodilator had a definitive and significant effect in Meniere's disease, in controlling vertigo and tinnitus, when compared with placebo [p<0.05]. Diuretics and vasodilators do have a significant role in the prophylaxis of Meniere's disease