Antisecretory factor-inducing therapy improves the clinical outcome in patients with Ménière's disease.

CONCLUSION Intake of antisecretory factor (AF)-inducing SPC-flakes significantly reduced vertigo in patients suffering from Ménière's disease (MD). The positive effect may be due to a modulation of the transport of water and ions in the endolymphatic space. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of a 3-month treatment period with SPC-flakes in patients suffering from MD. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed. A total of 51 adult patients with MD were included in the study: 27 subjects treated with SPC-flakes and 24 subjects with control cereals. The patients received SPC-flakes or control cereals (1 g per kg body weight per 24 h in two servings) for 3 months. Otoneurological examinations were carried out before and after this period. RESULTS The severity of MD was classified according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) grading system. Fourteen of the 27 patients randomized to intake of the AF-inducing SPC-flakes reported decreased vertigo, compared with 2 of 24 in the control group (p < 0.001). No consistent change in the otoneurological examinations could be demonstrated in any of the groups of patients.