OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vasodilators for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. METHOD: Based on the principles and methods of Cocharne Systematic Reviews, we searched the cochrane central register of controlled trials, PubMed, Embase, ISI, the China biological medicine datebase, VIP, CNKI and Wangfang database. Randomized controlled trials about using vasodilators to treat sudden sensorineural hearing loss were included. Meta-analysis was performed for the results of homogeneous studies using RevMan software. RESULT: Twenty eight randomized control trials met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies showed vasodilators was not more effective than placebo. From 14 studies comparing vasodilators with vasodilators and 9 studies comparing vasodilators with other drugs, no definite conclusion could be drawn. CONCLUSION: The evidence currently available does not support the use of vasodilators in the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Further randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are needed in order to define the efficacy and acceptability of vasodilators in the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vasodilators for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. METHOD: Based on the principles and methods of Cocharne Systematic Reviews, we searched the cochrane central register of controlled trials, PubMed, Embase, ISI, the China biological medicine datebase, VIP, CNKI and Wangfang database. Randomized controlled trials about using vasodilators to treat sudden sensorineural hearing loss were included. Meta-analysis was performed for the results of homogeneous studies using RevMan software. RESULT: Twenty eight randomized control trials met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies showed vasodilators was not more effective than placebo. From 14 studies comparing vasodilators with vasodilators and 9 studies comparing vasodilators with other drugs, no definite conclusion could be drawn. CONCLUSION: The evidence currently available does not support the use of vasodilators in the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Further randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are needed in order to define the efficacy and acceptability of vasodilators in the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.