Long-Term Outcomes of Canalith Repositioning for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Kaplan-Meier Estimate

Rhim, Gu Il

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to determine the long-term recurrence rate of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and the factors associated to such recurrence.
METHODS
Retrospective review was performed for 295 patients diagnosed as idiopathic BPPV. After successful resolution by particle repositioning maneuver, all patients were followed up by visiting clinic or telephone. A study period was 1-56 months and average follow up period for study population after the initial treatment was 26 months. The rate of recurrence was estimated according to the method of Kaplan-Meier and compared by the log-rank test.
RESULTS
Overall recurrence rate by Kaplan-Meier estimate was 50% at 30 months. Kaplan-Meier estimate suggests the effect of patient age, sex and visit of treatment sessions in initial episode on BPPV recurrence over 3 year follow-up period. Recurrent rate was significantly higher in patients aged 40 years or older (p<0.013) and in patients with three or more visit of treatment sessions (p<0.015). However, there was no significant association between recurrence rate and sex.
CONCLUSION
The long-term recurrence of BPPV was associated with age above 40 years and the number of visit for treatment sessions. This finding suggests that the recurrence of BPPV may be related with aging process.