Gentamicin injection helps with Meniere's disease

In some patients with rare Meniere's disease, a single injection of the antibiotic Gentamicin helps prevent long-term vertigo. This report of Austrian researchers now in the journal Auris, Nasus, Larynx and so confirmed other studies, which also showed a protective effect of the side effect of the aminoglycoside antibiotic. Because gentamicin does not just prevent the reading of bacterial mRNA on the ribosome. It also reduces the excitability of balance sensory cells in the bow of the inner ear, but irreversibly. Our evaluations confirm the effectiveness of this simple treatment method Bla Bki, head of the outpatient clinic for balance and balance disorders at the Krems University Hospital.

Bki and dr. Heinz Jnger from the Karl-Landstein University Hospital in Krems evaluated data from 32 patients suffering from menoremic treatment between 2012 and 2015 at the clinic. In 13 patients, a single injection through the eardrum into the tympanic cavity (intratympanic cavity) was sufficient to remove the vertigo. In the other patients, vertigo attacks returned after a few months, but responded to a new injection of gentamicin. However, it was not possible to predict which patients needed repeated injections. Here, the course of treatment must simply be devalued.

The disease of the inner ear is named after the French doctor Prosper Menire (1799-1862). It usually occurs between the 30th and the 60th year of life. The incidence is estimated at 5 out of 10,000 inhabitants, which means that the disease is considered rare. Affected people suffer from dizziness, hearing loss and tinnitus. The pathophysiology is not yet clear. Antiemetics, betahistidine, potbadium-sparing diuretics and corticosteroids are used in medications. The effect of Ginkgo biloba is considered controversial. Local anesthesia as well as insufficient efficacy of conservative therapies are possible surgical procedures. During a crisis, patients must remain bedridden. (Dh)

DOI: 10.1016 / j.anl.2017.02.008

04.07.2018 l PZ

Photo: Fotolia / Thaut Images