Ahmed R, Shadis A, Ahmed R. Potential inflammatory biomarkers for tinnitus in platelets and leukocytes: a critical scoping review and meta-analysis.
Int J Audiol 2022;
61:905-916. [PMID:
34978520 DOI:
10.1080/14992027.2021.2018511]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To explore the association between platelets or leukocytes and tinnitus.
DESIGN
A meta-analysis and scoping review examining the association between tinnitus and platelets and leukocytes. All 11 studies included were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist (2017a). A random effects model was used to pool the results of the studies examining mean platelet volume (MPV) and tinnitus.
STUDY SAMPLE
1935 studies were identified in the initial search, 11 of which were included in the scoping review. 6 of the 11 studies had their MPV values pooled in the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Pooled results of 818 subjects from 6 studies indicated that MPV was significantly higher in those with tinnitus compared to a comparison group without tinnitus. The overall mean difference was 0.43 fL with a 95% confidence interval (CI) from 0.31 to 0.55 and a p value of < 0.0001 which was statistically significant. MPV is the only haematological parameter which is reliably associated with tinnitus.
CONCLUSIONS
MPV could be a useful biomarker for tinnitus. Further studies should aim to standardise methodology with more rigorous exclusion criteria to reproduce and define this association. NLR, PLR, WBC count, RDW and PDW do not show a reliable association with tinnitus.
Collapse