acyclovir and Hearing-Loss--Sensorineural

Newborn infants are a population which is especially susceptible to viral infections that frequently affect the central nervous system. Herpes infections can be transmitted to the foetus and to the newborn infant, and give rise to severe clinical conditions with long-term sensory and cognitive deficits. Two thirds of newborn infants with encephalitis due to herpes simplex virus and half of the children with symptomatic congenital infection by cytomegalovirus develop sequelae, which results in high community health costs in the long term. Fortunately, the better knowledge about these infections gained in recent years together with the development of effective antiviral treatments have improved the patients' prognosis. Valganciclovir (32 mg/kg/day in two doses for six months) prevents the development of hypoacusis and improves the neurological prognosis in symptomatic congenital infection due to cytomegalovirus. Acyclovir (60 mg/kg/day in three doses for 2-3 weeks) prevents the development of severe forms in skin-eyes-mouth herpes disease, and lowers the rate of mortality and sequelae when the disease has disseminated and is located in the central nervous system.. Actualizacion en infecciones herpeticas congenitas y neonatales: infeccion por citomegalovirus y herpes simple.. Los neonatos son una poblacion especialmente susceptible a las infecciones viricas que frecuentemente afectan al sistema nervioso central. Las infecciones herpeticas pueden transmitirse al feto y al recien nacido, y ocasionar cuadros clinicos graves con deficits sensoriales y cognitivos a largo plazo. Dos terceras partes de los neonatos con encefalitis por virus herpes simple y la mitad de los niños con infeccion congenita sintomatica por citomegalovirus desarrollan secuelas, lo cual supone un alto coste sociosanitario a largo plazo. Afortunadamente, el mejor conocimiento de estas infecciones en los ultimos años y el desarrollo de tratamientos antivirales efectivos han mejorado el pronostico de los pacientes. El valganciclovir (32 mg/kg/dia en dos dosis durante seis meses) previene el desarrollo de hipoacusia y mejora el pronostico neurologico en la infeccion congenita sintomatica por citomegalovirus. El aciclovir (60 mg/kg/dia en tres dosis durante 2-3 semanas) previene el desarrollo de formas graves en la enfermedad herpetica cutanea-ocular-oral, y disminuye la mortalidad y las secuelas en la enfermedad diseminada y localizada en el sistema nervioso central.

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Brain Damage, Chronic; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Early Diagnosis; Female; Fetal Diseases; Ganciclovir; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Prognosis; Valganciclovir

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is characterised by sudden loss of hearing of cochlear or retro-cochlear origin without an identifiable cause. Antivirals are commonly prescribed, but there is no consensus on the treatment regimen or their effectiveness.. To determine the effectiveness and side effect profile of antivirals in the treatment of ISSHL.. We systematically searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 5), PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and other databases to 12 June 2012. We also scanned the reference lists of identified studies for further trials.. Randomised controlled trials comparing different antivirals versus placebo (both with or without other treatment).. Two authors independently extracted data, met to resolve disagreements and contacted study authors for further information. We assessed study risk of bias independently. We considered meta-analysis inappropriate and ultimately not possible due to differing treatment protocols of varying dose and duration, together with differing inclusion criteria and outcome measures between studies. The results of each study are reported individually.. We included four randomised trials (257 participants). The overall risk of bias in the included studies was low. Two trials compared the addition of intravenous acyclovir to a steroid (prednisolone). One included 43 participants, the other 70 patients. Neither demonstrated any hearing improvement with ISSHL. Another (84 patients) did not show any statistically significant difference between groups with the addition of valacyclovir to prednisolone (compared to steroid plus placebo) with respect to change in pure-tone audiogram. Comparing the addition of intravenous acyclovir to hydrocortisone with hydrocortisone alone, the final trial did not show any statistically significant difference between groups (60 patients). No trial documented any serious adverse effects related to the use of antiviral treatment. One study reported slight to moderate nausea equally in the acyclovir and placebo groups (one patient in each). Another reported insomnia, nervousness and weight gain with valacyclovir (number not specified). Even though no meta-analysis was possible, evidence from the four RCTs has demonstrated no statistically significant advantage in the use of antivirals in the treatment of ISSHL.. There is currently no evidence to support the use of antiviral drugs in the treatment of ISSHL. The four trials included in this review were, however, small and with a low risk of bias. Further randomised controlled trials with larger patient populations, using standardised inclusion criteria, antiviral regimes and outcome measures, are needed in order for adequate meta-analysis to be performed to reach definitive conclusions. A uniform definition of ISSHL should also be established, together with what constitutes adequate recovery.

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glucocorticoids; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Prednisolone; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Valacyclovir; Valine

Ramsay Hunt's hypothesis that herpes zoster oticus results from reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the geniculate ganglion is supported by the detection of viral genome in archival temporal bones of normals and Ramsay Hunt patients by the polymerase chain reaction. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is characterized by the presence of cochleovestibular symptoms in association with facial paralysis. VZV has also been demonstrated in the spiral and/or vestibular ganglion. Two cases are reported in which cochleovestibular symptoms outweighed the facial nerve symptoms, presumably representing VZV reactivation in the spiral and/or vestibular ganglion. From these observations and the known dormancy of VZV in non-neuronal satellite cells, it is argued that the cochleovestibular symptoms in Ramsay Hunt syndrome may result from VZV transmission across the nerves inside the internal auditory canal and that prompt treatment with an antiviral-corticosteroid combination might be justified in the management of any acute non-hydropic cochleovestibular syndrome.

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Facial Paralysis; Female; Glucocorticoids; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Oticus; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nystagmus, Pathologic; Prednisolone; Vertigo; Virus Activation

We present the case of a 47-year-old woman with left otalgia, rotatory vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss and acute facial nerve palsy. An enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed discrete enhancement of the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves in the left internal auditory canal as well as of the labyrinth. This appearance was compatible with that in Ramsay Hunt syndrome and acyclovir was started prior to the appearance of any vesicular eruption. The diagnosis was subsequently confirmed serologically. She regained full facial function but the sensorineural hearing loss persisted. The literature pertaining to the role of the MRI in acute facial palsies is reviewed.

Topics: Acyclovir; Facial Paralysis; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Herpes Zoster Oticus; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Middle Aged

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a vexing problem that continues to pose a diagnostic and therapeutic enigma for the otologist. The aim of the study, adopting the viral theory, was to discover whether patients with ISSNHL would benefit from early treatment with acyclovir and hydrocortisone compared with patients treated by hydrocortisone alone.. Sixty patients with ISSNHL were treated in a prospective controlled randomized manner. Patients were seen within 7 days of onset and were divided randomly into 2 groups. The study group patients were treated with acyclovir and hydrocortisone, whereas those in the control group were treated with hydrocortisone alone.. We compared the 2 groups before and after treatment regarding SRT, mean hearing level at each frequency, speech reception threshold improvement, gender, age, tinnitus, and balance complaints. The overall improvement was 78%.. We conclude that there probably is no benefit from the addition of acyclovir in the treatment of ISSNHL.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adolescent; Adult; Antiviral Agents; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies

A subclinical viral labyrinthitis has been postulated in the literature to elicit idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). An etiologic role for the herpes family is assumed. Corticosteroids possess a limited beneficial effect on hearing recovery in ISSHL. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic value of the antiherpetic drug acyclovir (Zovirax) on hearing recovery in 91 patients with ISSHL who received prednisolone in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. The audiometric parameters included pure tone and speech audiometry. Subjective parameters studied included hearing recovery, a pressure sensation in the affected ear, vertigo, and tinnitus. A 1-year follow-up was obtained. Hearing recovery for the whole group averaged about 35 dB and was independent of the severity of the initial hearing loss or vestibular involvement. Speech audiometry improved from 49% to 75%. After 12 months, pressure sensation and vertigo decreased to 15.6% (acyclovir) and 10.3% (placebo) and 12.5% (acyclovir) and 10.7% (placebo), respectively. Tinnitus decreased slightly, to 46.9% (acyclovir) and 55.2% (placebo), in the same period (p > .05 for all parameters). We conclude that no beneficial effect from combining acyclovir with prednisolone can be established in patients with ISSHL.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antiviral Agents; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Audiometry, Speech; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Labyrinthitis; Male; Prednisolone; Prospective Studies

A subclinical viral labyrinthitis has been postulated in the literature to elicit Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss. An etiological role for the herpes virus family is assumed. Corticosteroids possess a limited beneficial effect on hearing recovery in ISSHL. In this study, the therapeutic value of the antiherpetic drug aciclovir (Zovirax) on hearing recovery in 44 ISSHL patients receiving prednisolone is evaluated in a multicentre clinical trial. The study is designed prospectively, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled. Subjective parameters include hearing recovery, a pressure sensation on the affected ear, disequilibrium or vertigo and tinnitus. Audiometric parameters include pure tone and speech audiometry. A one-year follow up is obtained. Both the pressure sensation and disequilibrium or vertigo have a good prognosis, but tinnitus, occurring in most patients, has a poor prognosis. Hearing recovery prognosis depends on the severity of initial hearing loss, and not on vestibular involvement. No beneficial effect from combining aciclovir with prednisolone can be established in ISSHL.

Topics: Acyclovir; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antiviral Agents; Audiometry; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prednisolone; Prognosis; Prospective Studies

The association between sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and radiological findings of the vertebrobasilar artery is not well-known and little research has been done. We hypothesized that the radiological features of the vertebrobasilar artery contribute to the incidence and prognosis of SSNHL.. We retrospectively enrolled patients diagnosed with unilateral SSNHL (SSNHL group) and those with acute vestibular neuritis (AVN; control group) in our hospital. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. We measured the following parameters on the radiological images: basilar artery diameter, direction and distance of basilar artery deviation, direction and distance of vertebral artery deviation, and incidence of vertebral artery obstruction. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) was performed in all patients. Follow up PTA between 1 week and 1 month after treatment was performed in the SSNHL group.. A total of 244 SSNHL patients and 62 AVN patients were included in the analysis. Age, body mass index, and basilar artery diameter were found to be significantly associated with SSNHL. In the SSNHL group, patients were divided into three subgroups based on the consistency between the basilar artery deviation site and disease site. No significant difference was noted in initial PTA, final PTA, PTA recovery, and symptom improvement among the three groups. In case of the basilar artery, when the deviation and disease sites were in the opposite direction and the basilar artery diameter was >3.5 mm, diameter of basilar artery was positively correlated with PTA recovery.. The strength of this study is that radiological evaluation of the vertebrobasilar artery was performed. Further research on the association between SSNHL and radiological features of the vertebrobasilar artery should be conducted to emphasize the importance of vascular assessment in SSNHL.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adult; Aged; Anatomic Variation; Antiviral Agents; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Autonomic Nerve Block; Basilar Artery; Case-Control Studies; Cerebral Angiography; Female; Ginkgo biloba; Glucocorticoids; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Methylprednisolone; Middle Aged; Plant Extracts; Plasma Substitutes; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Stellate Ganglion; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Vertebral Artery; Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency; Vestibular Neuronitis

In this case study, we summarise the inpatient investigations and management of a 68-year-old woman with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy secondary to a Varicella zoster encephalitis and the difficulties inherent with making this diagnosis. She presented with evolving cranial nerve neuropathies, which started with a vagal nerve mononeuritis and eventually included left-sided sensorineural hearing loss and a facial nerve palsy. These symptoms were concomitant with a variety of cardiac abnormalities, including fast atrial fibrillation and electrocardiographic changes. We summarise some of the current understanding of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and the criteria for its diagnosis. Although left ventricular apical ballooning has been described in association with severe infections and states of high stress, we have not seen it reported in association with a Varicella zoster encephalitis.

Topics: Acyclovir; Aged; Antiviral Agents; Atrial Fibrillation; Cranial Nerve Diseases; Electrocardiography; Encephalitis, Varicella Zoster; Facial Nerve Diseases; Facial Paralysis; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy; Troponin; Vagus Nerve Diseases

A 33-year-old man developed profound sudden onset right-sided hearing loss with tinnitus and vertigo, within 24 h of pretravel rabies vaccination. There was no history of upper respiratory tract infection, systemic illness, ototoxic medication or trauma, and normal otoscopic examination. Pure tone audiograms (PTA) demonstrated right-sided sensorineural hearing loss (thresholds 90-100 dB) and normal left-sided hearing. MRI internal acoustic meatus, viral serology (hepatitis B, C, HIV and cytomegalovirus) and syphilis screen were normal. Positive Epstein-Barr virus IgG, viral capsid IgG and anticochlear antibodies (anti-HSP-70) were noted. Initial treatment involved a course of high-dose oral prednisolone and acyclovir. Repeat PTAs after 12 days of treatment showed a small improvement in hearing thresholds. Salvage intratympanic steroid injections were attempted but failed to improve hearing further. Sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an uncommon but frightening experience for patients. This is the first report of SSNHL following rabies immunisation in an adult.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adult; Antiviral Agents; Betahistine; Follow-Up Studies; Glucocorticoids; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Histamine Agonists; Humans; Male; Prednisolone; Rabies; Rabies Vaccines; Treatment Outcome

A 68-year-old woman presented with unilateral herpetiform skin lesions of the face. She also showed reduced eye lid and mimic function as well as hearing loss. In addition grouped vesicles were seen in the outer ear canal. We diagnosed Ramsay Hunt syndrome and administered intravenous acyclovir, prednisolone and pentoxifylline. Within a few weeks, there was complete remission including the neurological symptoms.

Topics: Acyclovir; Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antiviral Agents; Dermatitis Herpetiformis; Diagnosis, Differential; Eyelid Diseases; Facial Dermatoses; Female; Free Radical Scavengers; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Herpes Zoster Oticus; Humans; Neurologic Examination; Pentoxifylline; Prednisolone

Topics: Acyclovir; Administration, Topical; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antiviral Agents; Biological Availability; Dexamethasone; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Humans; Methylprednisolone; Tympanic Membrane; Valacyclovir; Valine

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Cochlear Implantation; Cochlear Implants; Hearing Aids; Hearing Loss, Conductive; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Hearing Loss, Unilateral; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Valacyclovir; Valine

To report the clinical course of a rare case of bilateral herpetic linear endotheliitis.. A 70-year-old man presented with bilateral circumferential bullous edema with stromal edema progressing centrally in the left cornea and bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment simultaneously. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) were tested for, and aqueous humor from both eyes was examined separately using polymerase chain reaction for the presence of HSV1 DNA.. Serum antibody titers against HSV1 were positive. In the polymerase chain reaction, the aqueous humor showed HSV1 DNA in both eyes. Forty milligrams of prednisolone was given per day and 200 mg of oral acyclovir was given 4 times daily, but corneal edema progressed. After penetrating keratoplasty surgery in the left eye, recurrent herpetic endotheliitis also seemed to occur.. HSV-1 may cause bilateral corneal linear endotheliitis and hearing impairment simultaneously. Linear endotheliitis should be regarded as a manifestation of HSV1 corneal infection. There is a poor prognosis, and severe corneal edema can result if aggressive treatment is not used.

Topics: Acyclovir; Aged; Antibodies, Viral; Aqueous Humor; Disease Progression; DNA, Viral; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endothelium, Corneal; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Keratitis, Herpetic; Keratoplasty, Penetrating; Male; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prednisolone

The aim of this paper is to present a patient suffering from acoustic neuroma and operated on with immediate postoperative hearing and facial function preservation who developed delayed Ramsay-Hunt syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first case in whom a postoperative delayed facial palsy and hearing loss occurred. The patient gave an history of previously diagnosed herpes zoster reactivation limited to chest one-year before. This is undoubtdetly a predisposing factor for development of delayed facial palsy. It must not be underestimated and it obliges to consider a prophylaxis. Theoretically, the prophylactic antiviral therapy might prevent the evolution towards the herpes zoster oticus or reduce the severity of the symptoms allowing the preservation of the hearing function. It would be pointed out that the delayed facial plasy has favourable prognosis, while the hearing impairment may recover with a greater difficulty even after an antiviral treatment as in our case.

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Herpes Zoster Oticus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Middle Aged; Neuroma, Acoustic; Postoperative Care; Postoperative Complications; Preoperative Care; Time Factors

J. Ramsay Hunt's hypothesis that herpes zoster oticus results from a reactivation of the herpes zoster virus in the geniculate ganglion, has been supported by the demonstration of varicella zoster viral DNA in the geniculate ganglion of the side with facial paralysis in patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, with the use of the polymerase chain reaction. Similarly, DNA of the varicella zoster virus has been identified in the spiral and vestibular ganglion as well. We report on three patients with cochleovestibular symptoms as the first manifestations of Ramsay Hunt syndrome. A 64-year old woman and a 72-year old man presented with vertigo and an auricular herpetiform eruption. Only the woman developed later on a mild facial paralysis. A 58-year old man presented with an acute cochleovestibular syndrome, serologically proven to be a varicella zoster viral reactivation, which was followed three weeks later by the typical cutaneous recrudescence. We believe that these cases result from reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus in the spiral and/or vestibular ganglion. As the varicella zoster virus is dormant in the non-neuronal satellite cells, the facial symptoms in our patients as well as the high incidence of cochleovestibular symptoms in classical Ramsay Hunt syndrome can be explained by viral transmission across the nerves inside the internal auditory canal. Therefore, we think there are grounds to recommend a prompt treatment with an antiviral and a corticosteroid agent, not only in case of an acute facial paralysis but also when confronted with an acute cochleovestibular syndrome.

Topics: Acyclovir; Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Diagnosis, Differential; Drug Therapy, Combination; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem; Facial Paralysis; Female; Geniculate Ganglion; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Herpes Zoster Oticus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Prednisone; Vertigo

Experimental herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) labyrinthitis provides a model of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). Corticosteroids improve the prognosis for hearing recovery in ISSHL, but the effects of acyclovir are unknown. To establish the therapeutic efficacy of acyclovir (Zovirax) and prednisolone in experimental HSV-1 viral labyrinthitis, we induced HSV-1 labyrinthitis in 12 guinea pigs. Three animals received no treatment, 3 received prednisolone, 3 received acyclovir, and 3 received both. Four other animals served as controls, receiving culture medium only. Hearing, HSV-1 antibody titers, and cochlear damage were evaluated. The HSV-1 labyrinthitis caused hearing loss within 24 hours. Combination treatment consisting of prednisolone and acyclovir resulted in earlier hearing recovery and less extensive cochlear destruction compared to prednisolone or acyclovir as a monotherapy. The beneficial effect of this treatment modality remains to be demonstrated in ISSHL.

Topics: Acyclovir; Animals; Antiviral Agents; Cochlea; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glucocorticoids; Guinea Pigs; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Herpes Simplex; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Labyrinthitis; Male; Prednisolone

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is herpes zoster of the facial nerve, frequently associated with VIII cranial nerve involvement, but on rare occasions V, VI, IX, and X cranial nerves are affected as well. We present a case of a Ramsay Hunt syndrome with involvement of V, VII, and VIII cranial nerves.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adult; Antiviral Agents; Cranial Nerve Diseases; Facial Nerve Diseases; Facial Paralysis; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Herpes Zoster Oticus; Humans; Taste Disorders; Trigeminal Nerve; Vestibulocochlear Nerve Diseases

In the present study patients suffering from facial nerve palsy caused by a herpes zoster oticus were treated with aciclovir. After therapy all patients could be controlled via clinical grading system and electromyographic observations. Aciclovir therapy did not yield any results superior to those obtained with other forms of therapy presented in the literature.

Topics: Acyclovir; Caloric Tests; Deafness; Electromyography; Facial Paralysis; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Herpes Zoster; Humans; Male; Meniere Disease; Middle Aged