title: Methotrexate therapy for autoimmune hearing loss: a preliminary report.
abstract: The management of autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) continues to challenge the otologist. Steroids and cyclophosphamide, the two traditional medications for this malady, are often associated with serious adverse reactions. In an effort to use a less toxic medication, the authors treated five autoimmune SNHL patients with low-dose oral methotrexate. Methotrexate has been found to be very effective in rheumatoid arthritis patients with acceptable adverse reactions. Preliminary results from this study indicate that methotrexate has the potential of being effective for autoimmune SNHL and associated otologic symptoms. Tolerance has been very good and side effects have been minimal.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23298.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sismanis
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Willis
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001302:Audiometry, Speech; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013067:Speech Perception
chemical_list: D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D011241:Prednisone; D008727:Methotrexate