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Abstract #18393 Published in IGR 3-3
Use of the association acetazolamide/pentoxifylline in the treatment of idiopathic sudden hearing loss in patients with chronic glaucoma
Giuliano DA; Restivo S; Giuliano S; Cupido G; Gallina SOtorinolaringologia 2001; 51: 83-88
BACKGROUND: There are still discordant opinions about the existence of a close physiopathological correlation between idiopathic sudden hearing loss and chronic glaucoma. Nevertheless, this association appears with relative frequency in clinical practice. The aim of this paper was to assess the efficacy of a therapeutical strategy, based on the association acetazolamide/pentoxifylline, executed to save eyes from pharmacological injuries that could increase the initial pathological state, and to treat both sense-organs, at the same time obtaining recovery of hearing and re-establishing normal ocular tension. METHODS: Eleven patients (seven males and four females; mean age ± SD: 40.4 ± 7.3 years; range, 28-51 years) with chronic glaucoma and idiopathic sudden hearing loss were treated. No later than 24 hours after admission to hospital, two drugs were administered to each patient: acetazolamide (250 mg x 4/day for the first five days and 250 mg x 3/day for five further days) and pentoxifylline (400 mg x 3/day for ten days). Audiometry and tonometry Goldmann were carried out on admission to hospital and at the end of treatment. During the time spent in hospital, other audiovestibular, hematic, and radiological examinations were carried out to confirm the idiopathic nature of the hearing loss. RESULTS: Recovery of hearing was complete in five patients, good in five others, and modest in only one clinical case, while the involution degree of ocular hypertension was complete in eight patients and good in the other three. The existence of a statistically meaningful correlation (Pearson r = 0.93) between the values of hearing recovery and those of involution of ocular hypertension was verified. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacological association acetazolamide/pentoxifylline is one of the most effective therapeutical strategies for curing idiopathic sudden hearing loss in patients with chronic glaucoma. LA: Italian
Dr D.A. Giuliano, Via Lazio, 19-93100 Caltanissetta, Italy
Classification:
9.4.15 Glaucoma in relation to systemic disease (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.4 Glaucomas associated with other ocular and systemic disorders)
