Is the application of prostaglandin E1 effective for the treatment of sudden hearing loss? An evidence-based meta-analysis.

Microvascular dysfunction in the cochlea has been considered the major cause of sudden hearing loss (SHL). For some time, prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)), an effective vasodilator, has been used to treat patients with SHL, however the benefits of this therapy remain unclear. The present study assessed the efficacy of PGE(1) on SHL via a quantitative meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled studies. The pooled odds ratio was 1.95 (95% confidence interval: 1.53, 2.50) and the test for overall effect (Z-value) was 5.31 (P < 0.00001), suggesting that PGE(1) is an effective and promising strategy for the treatment of SHL.