Oral versus i.v. administration of the glycerol test: side-effects and usefulness.

OBJECTIVE

To compare two methods of performing the glycerol test.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Glycerol was given orally and intravenously to 12 patients suspected of having Ménière's disease.

RESULTS

Glycerol given orally at a dose of 0.51 g/kg produced a change of > 10 mOsm/kg in all 12 patients while glycerol given intravenously at a dose of 0.30 g/kg produced the same change in osmolality in only 1/12 patients. The results of the tests were similar in 10 cases using the Klockhoff criteria and in 8 cases using the Snyder criteria. Positive test results after oral compared to i.v. administration occurred in four and two cases, respectively using the Klockhoff criteria and in six and eight cases, respectively using the Snyder criteria. The amount of discomfort was consistently higher, with one exception, when glycerol was given orally rather than intravenously.

CONCLUSION

The glycerol test using the Snyder criteria probably yields most additional diagnostic information when the patient fulfils the clinical criteria of possible or probable Ménière's disease.