Treatment of hydropic patients by immunoglobulin with methyl B12.

Recently several investigations have been reported suggesting that the cause of endolymphatic hydrops might be an immunologic disorder of the endolymphatic space, including the endolymphatic sac. As the first choice in a conservative treatment by medication, the authors have used a combination of prednisolone and furosemide per os, which is rather safe and effective for hydrops patients in a subacute stage. However, some patients do not respond to this treatment or gradually become immune to this medication. With these patients, we have tried an intravenous administration of immunoglobulin G with methyl B12, expecting a curative effect on immunologic deficiency in the endolymphatic space. Compared with a group of patients without this treatment, the group receiving it showed rather good scores in hearing improvement; however, vertigo and tinnitus remained almost unchanged.