Using betahistine in the treatment of patients with Menière’s disease: a meta-analysis with the current randomized-controlled evidence

<b>Background:</b> Betahistine is used worldwide to treat patients with Menière’s disease. However, despite it being used for decades, diverging opinions on the effect of betahistine on Menière’s symptomatology still exist. <b>Aims:</b> The objective of this systematic review was to provide an overview and rate the certainty of the current evidence base regarding the use of betahistine to treat patients with Menière’s disease. <b>Materials and methods:</b> A systematic literature search was conducted in October 2019. The search strategy was subdivided into searches for existing guidelines, systematic reviews and individual randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating the usage of betahistine as compared to placebo, in patients with Ménière’s disease. The primary outcome was the frequency of vertigo attack(s) and occurrence of serious adverse events. <b>Results:</b> We identified three relevant guidelines and three systematic reviews: however, neither included any relevant trials matching our inclusion criteria. An individual search for RCTs identified one trial. The results from this particular trial showed no difference in effects on symptoms following treatment with betahistine. <b>Conclusions and Significance:</b> There is a need for further well-conducted placebo RCTs. Currently, there is still a lack of substantial evidence supporting betahistine as a significant and adequate treatment for patients diagnosed with Menière’s disease. <b>Trial registration number:</b> The protocol is registered in PROSPERO. Registration number: CRD42018110127 Accepted 11.10.2018