Is the Application of Prostaglandin E 1 Effective for the Treatment of Sudden Hearing Loss? An Evidence-based Meta-analysis

Abstract

Microvascular dysfunction in the cochlea has been considered the major cause of sudden hearing loss (SHL). For some time, prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁), 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 PGE₁ 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 PGE₁ is an effective and promising strategy for the treatment of SHL.