title: [A systematic review of vasodilators for sudden sensorineural hearing loss].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vasodilators for sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China.
authors.forename: Meiqun
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yuehui
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Zhaowen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Du
authors.forename: Xinhua
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Gui
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Luo
mesh_terms: D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000188:drug therapy; D003639:Hearing Loss, Sudden / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014665:Vasodilator Agents