Fibrinogen/LDL apheresis is a promising rescue therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

BACKGROUND

Fibrinogen/LDL apheresis has been proven to be effective in treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNH). This study is aimed to investigate if reduction of fibrinogen and serum LDL is also effective in patients with SSNH non-responding toward treatment with corticosteroids and plasmaexpanders.

METHODS

Remission rates of 217 patients suffering from SSHL were investigated after treatment with apheresis. All patients were non-responders after other therapies such as high doses of steroids or plasmaexpanders.

RESULTS

Single apheresis resulted in complete or partial remissions in 61% of patients when given after other unsuccessful conducted therapies such as corticosteroids and plasmaexpanders.

CONCLUSION

Fibrinogen/LDL apheresis is a promising rescue therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss even after unsuccessful other therapies.