Investigation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume in sudden hearing loss

Predictors of effusion viscosity in otitis media with effusion: neutrophil lymphocyte ratio versus mean platelet volume

OBJETIVOS

comparar entre el índice de neutrófilos linfocitos (NLR) y el volumen plaquetario medio (VPM) en la predicción de la viscosidad del derrame en la otitis media con derrame. MATERIALES Y MéTODOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio 248 niños con derrame en el oído medio. Se evaluaron los hemogramas completos (CBC) preoperatorios. Se registraron los valores de NLR y MPV. La viscosidad del derrame se evaluó durante la cirugía mientras se aspiraba el derrame después de la miringotomía. Se clasificaron 2 tipos de derrames; tipos serosos y mucoides.

RESULTADOS

se reportaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en NLR y MPV entre los derrames serosos y mucoides. Los valores de corte de NLR y MPV para diferenciar entre derrames serosos y mucoides fueron 1,21 y 7,95 respectivamente. Cuando se compararon NLR y MPV, NLR pareció tener mayor sensibilidad, especificidad y precisión diagnóstica que MPV. CONCLUSIóN: NLR es superior a MPV como predictor de la viscosidad del derrame en otitis media con derrame. Ambos marcadores se consideran rentables y fiables para la evaluación de la viscosidad del derrame.

The Roles Played by Blood Inflammatory Parameters in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

OBJECTIVE

The etiology of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) remains unknown; inflammation may be one cause. We retrospectively studied SSHNL cases in terms of the inflammatory parameters involved.

METHODS

We reviewed 169 SSNHL cases. The control group contained 132 patients with vocal cord polyps. The C-reactive protein (CRP) level, CRP/serum albumin (Alb) ratio, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were compared between the 2 groups. The relationships between these parameters and the time to treatment after SSHNL onset, hearing level, and therapeutic effects were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The CRP level, CRP/Alb ratio, and NLR were higher in SSNHL patients than in controls, but only the NLR differed significantly between the 2 groups. We found no significant differences between patients with different hearing levels, those evaluated at various times after SSNHL onset, and those with different outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The NLR is a reliable SSNHL diagnostic marker. The CRP level and CRP/Alb ratio are not useful indicators.

Associations between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte/platelet-to-lymphocyte and recovery in sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Aims: This study investigated the nonlinear associations between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR)/platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) and recovery rates in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Methods: Total of 244 SSNHL patients were included. The primary outcome was recovery rate. Results: A nonlinear association was detected between NLR and recovery rate using the LOWESS method, with a knot of 3. Patients with NLR ≥3 had a higher recovery rate than NLR <3. Using the linear-spline function, NLR was significantly associated with high recovery rate when NLR was <3. However, when NLR was ≥3, this association became nonsignificant. The trend test showed a similar result. PLR was not associated with recovery rate. Conclusion: The association between NLR and recovery rate is nonlinear, with a knot of around three. PLR is not associated with recovery rate.

Comparison of Batroxobin Versus the Combination of Batroxobin and Intratympanic Dexamethasone Injection in the Treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) manifests as an abrupt decline in hearing by at least 30 dB within a 3 day period. Intratympanic dexamethasone injection (ITDI) has gained recognition as a potential treatment for SSNHL. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of combining batroxobin with ITDI (Bat and ITDI) in treating SSNHL patients and its influence on peripheral blood inflammatory indicators. Methods: SSNHL patients were retrospectively categorized into the control group (treated with Bat) and the observation group (treated with Bat and ITDI). The study involved analyzing clinical baseline data, evaluating clinical efficacy, and comparing the total effective rates among SSNHL patients with different audiometric curve types in the observation group. Routine blood tests were performed on peripheral blood samples to calculate the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and to determine C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Adverse reactions and complications were closely monitored. Results: Following treatment, both groups displayed improvements in hearing, with the observation group exhibiting a significantly higher total effective rate (75.90%) than the control group (59.78%). For patients with 3 distinct types of sudden hearing loss (high-frequency, flat-frequency, total deafness), Bat and ITDI treatment demonstrated increased total effective rate for patients with different sudden hearing loss types (high-frequency, flat-frequency, and total deafness). Both groups experienced reduced peripheral blood CRP levels and the NLR/PLR values, with the observation group demonstrating lower values. Additionally, across the 4 audio metric subtypes, the levels of peripheral blood CRP, NLR, and PLR decreased in SSNHL patients, and the observation group had a lower incidence of adverse reactions compared to the control group. Conclusions: Bat and ITDI emerge as notably more effective for SSNHL patients, displaying potential for reducing peripheral blood inflammatory indicator levels and mitigating the incidence of adverse reactions or complications, thereby enhancing safety.

Assessment of prognostic biomarkers in sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as hearing loss of more than 30 dB in less than 72 h. SSNHL is a frequent complaint and an emergency in otolaryngology. Various biomarkers have been used to determine the prognosis of SSNHL. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the relationship between the different biomarkers and the prognosis of SSNHL. We searched English-language literature up to October 2022 in four databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and Science Direct. This search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. This study was reported in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (ID = CRD42022369538). All studies examining the role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) concluded that higher NLR is associated with a worse prognosis. The results of studies regarding the relationship between platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are controversial. Other factors shown to be associated with SSNHL include Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), blood glucose, iron levels, serum endocan, salusin-beta, and bone turnover biomarkers. This meta-analysis showed that PLR, NLR, and neutrophils were significantly different between recovered and non-recovered patients. PLR, NLR, and neutrophil count are reliable tools to assess the prognosis of patients with SSNHL.

Inflammatory Indicators in Peripheral Blood in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Patients With Different Audiogram Shapes

Objective: A retrospective study was conducted to explore the immune-inflammatory responses in sudden sensorineural hearing Loss (SSNHL) patients with different audiogram shapes. Methods: One hundred and ten inpatients with SSNHL were assigned to 4 subgroups according to the audiogram shape and treated with systemic methylprednisolone. The numbers of white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, and monocytes were counted. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) were calculated and statistically analyzed. Results: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, MLR, and systemic immune index (SII) of SSNHL patients were significantly higher than the control group, while PLR was not statistically significant. There were no statistical differences in NLR, PLR, MLR, and SII among the 4 subgroups. Conclusion: Immune-inflammatory response may be a common pathogenesis in all SSNHL patients with different audiogram shapes. The predictive value of these hematologic markers needs further research in the future.

Correlation Between the Prognosis of Sudden Total Deafness and the Peripheral Blood Inflammation Markers

Objective

To analyze the correlation between prognosis of sudden total deafness (STD) and peripheral blood inflammation markers including white blood cell count (WBC), monocytes, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), fibrinogen (FIB).

Methods

125 patients with STD who were hospitalized in our department from 2014 to 2019 were enrolled. The general physical conditions, clinical manifestations, pure tone audiometry, imaging examination, and peripheral blood inflammation markers were collected, and all patients were divided into effective and ineffective two groups according to the degree of hearing recovery at the time of discharge. Then binary logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between multiple factors and prognosis, meanwhile the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of the above prognostic factors.

Results

Compared with the ineffective group, patients in the effective group were younger and have higher PLR level and lower FIB levels. Age and PLR are independent prognostic factors. Taking age ≤ 56 years old, PLR >142.6 as the standard to predict the prognosis of patients with STD has the largest AUC with the potential effective rate reaching 78.1%.

Conclusions

Age and PLR are independent prognostic factors for patients with STD. The younger the age and the higher the PLR, the better the prognosis. Clinically, the prognosis of patients with STD can be evaluated by the patient's age and PLR level, which is of great significance to predict the prognosis of patients with STD.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic inflammatory factor in sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Objectives: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has recently been investigated in terms of chronic inflammation. In this study, the associations of immunologic inflammatory factors (C-reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) and hematologic inflammatory factors (white blood cell [WBC] count, neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte percentage, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio [PLR]) with prognosis of SSNHL were evaluated. Methods: Fifteen patients with SSNHL were prospectively enrolled and followed. For the analysis of the prognostic factors for SSNHL, the patients were divided into two groups according to the final hearing threshold of the affected ear: ‘complete or partial recovery group’ and ‘slight improvement or no recovery group’. The CRP, ESR, WBC count, neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte percentage, NLR, and PLR obtained at the initial visit were compared. Results There were no significant differences in CRP, ESR, WBC count, and PLR between the two groups. In contrast, neutrophil percentage and NLR were significantly lower in the complete or partial recovery group than in the slight improvement or no recovery group ( p = 0.005 and 0.013, respectively). Lymphocyte percentage was significantly higher in the complete or partial recovery group than in the slight improvement or no recovery group ( p = 0.019). Conclusion NLR may be a useful prognostic inflammatory biomarker of SSNHL. Further evaluation of the association of immunologic and hematologic inflammatory factors with the prognosis of SSNHL is necessary with respect to inflammation to reveal additional significant biomarkers because inflammation is related to SSNHL.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte and platelet-lymphocyte ratios in otitis media with effusion in children: Diagnostic role and audiologic correlations

AIM

To investigate the relationship between hearing loss and complete blood count parameters including neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in children with otitis media with effusion (OME).

MATERIALS-METHOD

The study group was formed by 244 paediatric patients who underwent ventilation tube placement because of OME, and was split into two groups as serous and mucoid. The control group included 112 individuals who have no hearing problems. Hearing levels were determined with pure tone audiometry in the study group, preoperatively, and control group. The blood parameters were compared between the serous, mucoid and control groups. The correlation analysis was performed between the blood parameters and hearing levels in the study group. The blood parameters were compared between the groups identified by hearing loss classification.

FINDINGS

There were significant negative correlations between hearing levels and each of NLR, PLR and MPV. There were significant positive correlations between hearing levels and each of the lymphocyte and PLT. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, serous OME can be estimated with 68% sensitivity and 61% specificity by the NLR value more than 1.1, and 77% sensitivity and 77% specificity by the PLR value more than 102.4. The ROC curve revealed that slight hearing loss could be estimated with 70% sensitivity and 73% specificity by the NLR value more than 1.31, and 78% sensitivity and 77% specificity by the PLR value more than 102.4.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that NLR and PLR values were valuable parameters in the diagnosis of serous OME and predicting a hearing loss. These parameters may provide additional information to the audiogram that could influence the therapeutic decision.

Association between routine hematological parameters and sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have shown that chronic inflammation contributes to the development of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Some hematologic parameters have also been linked to the prognosis of SSNHL. However, the prognostic value of such hematological factors is not conclusive. This study explored the association of routine hematological parameters with SSNHL.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase to identify eligible studies. Standardized mean deviation (SMD) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were retried from relevant studies for analysis. Heterogeneity, subgroup, and publication bias analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies involving 1505 SSNHL patients and 1466 healthy persons were enrolled in the final analysis. The study population included 699 responders and 458 non-responders to treatment. Pooled results revealed that the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) value in the SSNHL patient group were higher than in the healthy group (SMD = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.86,1.24, p < 0.001, SMD = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.26,0.78, p < 0.001, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in the mean platelet volumes (MPV) between the groups (SMD = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.49, p = 0.91). Notably, NLR and PLR values were evidently higher in the unrecovered group than in the recovered group (SMD = -0.63, 95% CI: 1.02, -0.23, p = 0.002, SMD = -0.4, 95% CI: 0.76, -0.03, p = 0.03, respectively). However, the MPV value was similar in both groups (SMD = -0.35, 95% CI: 1.14,0.44, p = 0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that NLR and PLR values can predict the onset and prognosis of SSNHL.

The prognostic and predictive value of platelet parameters in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate the association between mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet count (PC) and plateletcrit (PCT), and the presence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and treatment response. In the literature, there is no study that investigates the platelet functions in diabetic patients with SSNHL.

METHODS

The patients were retrospectively assigned into Group 1 (68 diabetic patients with SSNHL), Group 2 (63 nondiabetic patients with SSNHL) and Group 3 (64 healthy controls).

RESULTS

PC was not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). MPV, PDW and PCT values were significantly higher in Group 1 as compared to Groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.05). Platelet parameters were not significantly different between the patients who were responsive and nonresponsive to the treatment. Therefore, the platelet parameters did not affect prognosis significantly in this study samples (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that platelet parameters did not have a significant effect as a prognostic and predictive value in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with SSNHL. Further studies with more homogenous and larger study groups investigating the platelet parameters are needed to demonstrate microvascular damage and vascular alterations induced by diabetes mellitus.

Biomarkers Suggesting Favorable Prognostic Outcomes in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a medical emergency, making detailed examination to determine possible causes and early treatment important. However, etiological examinations in SSNHL do not always reveal a cause, and several factors have been found to affect treatment outcomes. Various studies are being performed to determine the prognosis and effects of treatment in patients who experience sudden hearing loss, and to identify biomarkers associated with this condition. Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane database were searched using the key words SSNHL, prognostic, and biomarker. This search identified 4 articles in Embase, 28 articles in PubMed, and 36 in the Cochrane database. Of these 68 articles, 3 were duplicates and 37 were unrelated to the research topic. After excluding these articles, the remaining 28 articles were reviewed. Factors associated with SSNHL were divided into six categories: metabolic, hemostatic, inflammatory, immunologic, oxidative, and other factors. The associations between these factors with the occurrence of SSNHL and with patient prognosis were analyzed. Low monocyte counts, low neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte/high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol ratio (MHR), and low concentrations of fibrinogen, platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIIa, and TNF-α were found to be associated with good prognosis. However, these factors alone could not completely determine the onset of and recovery from SSNHL, suggesting the need for future basic and clinical studies.

Framingham risk score is associated with hearing outcomes in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Objective

To assess the Framingham risk score as a prognostic tool for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients between January 2010 and October 2017. The 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease was calculated. Patients were subdivided into groups: group 1 – Framingham risk score of less than 10 per cent (n = 28); group 2 – score of 10 to less than 20 per cent (n = 6); and group 3 – score of 20 per cent or higher (n = 5).

Results

Initial pure tone average and Framingham risk score were not significantly associated (p = 0.32). Thirteen patients in group 1 recovered completely (46.4 per cent), but none in groups 2 and 3 showed complete recovery. Initial pure tone average and Framingham risk score were significantly associated in multivariable linear regression analysis (R2 = 0.36). The regression coefficient was 0.33 (p = 0.003) for initial pure tone average and −0.67 (p = 0.005) for Framingham risk score.

Conclusion

Framingham risk score may be useful in predicting outcomes for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients, as those with a higher score showed poorer hearing recovery.

Effects of Peripheral Vertigo on Inflammatory and Immunologic Laboratory Markers

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV) are markers of subclinical inflammation and atherothrombosis. We investigated whether these easily accessible blood count parameters are affected by peripheral vertigo (PV). We studied 142 patients who were diagnosed with PV and referred to our hospital along with 135 healthy patients who were free of inflammation as a control group. The patient group was divided into 3 study groups depending on the presence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): BPPV, vestibular dysfunction (VD), and BPPV + VD. The total patient group and 3 subgroups were compared to the control group with respect to the NLR, PLR, and MPV. The NLR and PLR were calculated by dividing the neutrophil and platelet values by the lymphocyte value. Of 142 patients, 43, 71, and 28 patients comprised the BPPV, VD, and BPPV + VD groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (P > .05) in the NLR, PLR, or MPV between the main patient group or the individual patient subgroups and the control group. Our findings suggest that NLR, PLR, and MPV do not change significantly either in BPPV or in other peripheral vestibular disorders.

The Prognostic Value of Circulating Inflammatory Cell Counts in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and the Effect of Cardiovascular Risk Factors

OBJECTIVES

Recent studies suggest that elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are poor prognostic factors in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). We aimed to investigate the accuracy of this hypothesis by taking into account the effect of cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors.

METHODS

Medical records of 122 patients with SSNHL were reviewed retrospectively and grouped into 2 as; patients without CVR (group 1; n = 68) and patients having CVR (group 2; n = 54). Moreover, 60 control cases who did not have SSNHL were also included and grouped into 2 as; group 3 (n = 30) with CVR and group 4 (n = 30) healthy controls without having SSNHL or CVRs. Neutrophil (N), lymphocyte (L), platelet (Plt), NLR, and PLR between the groups and their relationship with the severity of hearing loss, recovery rates, and audiogram configurations were analyzed.

RESULTS

The highest N and NLR values were in group 1 and were significantly higher than the values of group 4 (P < .05, P < .01). There was no significant relationship between the groups in terms of L, Plt, or PLR values. The highest NLR and PLR values were determined in SSNHL patients with mild hearing loss, complete recovery, and up-sloping audiogram configuration (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated levels of N and NLR may be considered as strong laboratory findings showing an inflammatory response in the diagnosis of SSNHL, but the presence of CVR factors does not seem to increase the inflammatory response in SSNHL as expected. In patients with SSNHL, NLR and PLR elevation may indicate better prognosis.

Increased mean platelet volume in patients with vestibular migraine

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate relation between mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and vestibular migraine. Methods: This study was planned in prospective manner and conducted in Ankara Polatlı State Hospital between April 2017 and May 2018. Thirty patients diagnosed with vestibular migraine and thirty healthy, age and sex-matched subjects were enrolled to the study. Mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, platelet count, neutrophil count and lymphocyte count in blood samples were measured. Results: The mean age of the patients with vestibular migraine was 39.90 ± 7.16 and the study group consisted of 11 males and 19 females. The mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width values in patients with vestibular migraine were significantly higher than the control group (p &lt; 0.001). There were no difference on mean neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio values between patient group and control group. Conclusions: We found a positive relation of increased levels of mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width with vestibular migraine. Higher mean platelet volume is associated with atherosclerosis and thromboembolism. Vascular pathologies are blamed for both headache syndromes like migraine and vertiginous syndromes. This theory supports our study but pathophysiological mechanism is not clear. 

A Prognostic Marker in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Serum Calprotectin

OBJECTIVES

Calprotectin, a protein released by neutrophils, has been used in many studies as a biomarker showing the presence of inflammation. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between serum calprotectin level and response to the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL).

METHODS

The present study is a prospective, cross-sectional historical cohort study. The study group consisted of 44 patients with ISSHL, and the control group consisted of 41 healthy volunteers without ear pathology. At the same time, patients in the study group were divided into three groups according to the response to ISSHL treatment (recovered, partially recovered, unrecovered). The relationship between the groups was statistically evaluated in terms of serum calprotectin levels.

RESULTS

The mean serum calprotectin value was 75.67±19.48 ng/mL in the study group and 50.24±29.14 ng/mL in the control group (P=0.001). Serum calprotectin value according to the severity of hearing loss in the mild, moderate and severe was 66.20±8.82, 70.35±16.77, and 91.23±19.73 ng/mL, respectively. Serum calprotectin value in the severe group was significantly higher compared to the moderate and mild groups (P=0.004, P=0.001, respectively). Serum calprotectin value according to the treatment response in the recovered, partially recovered and unrecovered groups was 63.36±11.54, 80.17±12.06, and 85.33±22.33 ng/mL, respectively. Serum calprotectin value in the recovered group was significantly lower compared to the partially recovered and unrecovered groups (P=0.002, P=0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Serum calprotectin value informs the clinician about both the severity of hearing loss and the response to treatment. Hence, serum calprotectin can be used as an important biomarker in ISSHL patients for the determination of the prognosis of disease.

Mean platelet volume, neutrophil- and platelet to lymphocyte ratios are elevated in vestibular neuritis

AIM

To evaluate the alterations in inflammatory markers, NLR and PLR, as well as mean platelet volume (MPV) and the other parameters of complete blood counts (CBC) in adult patients with vestibular neuritis (VN).

METHOD

Designed as a case control study. The records of the patients, who were hospitalized due to an acute onset vertigo, and diagnosed as VN, were analysed retrospectively. The complete blood count (CBC) measures of the patients were statistically compared with the measures of healthy subjects. The correlations between the length of hospitalization and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were also analysed.

RESULTS

One hundred four patients with VN and 138 healthy controls were included. MPV, white blood cell and neutrophil counts, NLR and PLR were significantly higher; while lymphocyte count was significantly lower in the VN group (p < 0.001). There were no correlations between the length of hospitalization and NLR or PLR.

CONCLUSION

The elevations of NLR and PLR support the role of inflammation in VN. The high level of MPV indicates the possible role of the vascular thrombosis in the etiology of VN.

Relationship between platelet parameters and sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Recent years, the discussion about whether platelets participant in the development of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) continues and many studies on the relationship between them have come to our attention. Some studies believe that platelet parameters have significantly changed in patients with SSHL, while some not, controversially. Therefore, to investigate the association between platelet parameters, including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet count (PLT), and SSHL, expecting to resolve controversy and provide clinical evidence for diagnosis and monitoring of SSHL. Basic methods: Literature was retrieved searching electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus) and searching references of related articles by hand. A total of 18 case-control studies involving 1837/1734 subjects (SSHL/control) were included. Meta-analysis showed there was no difference between the patients who suffered SSHL and healthy controls in MPV level [standard mean difference (SMD) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 0.16 (-0.07, 0.40), I2 = 80%, P<0.00001] and PLT [SMD (95% CI) = -0.03(-0.18, 0.12), I2 = 73%, P<0.00001]. While PDW exhibited significant difference [SMD (95% CI) = 0.85 (0.20, 1.49), I2 = 93%, P<0.00001]. Subgroup analysis about geographical area suggested PLT have obvious evidence for SSHL in Eastern country [SMD (95% CI) = 0.23 (0.14, 0.33), I2 = 0%, P=0.81]. Our study did not support a correlation between MPV and SSHL, while PLT may have clinical significance for SSHL in Eastern country. With insufficient data to explore the resource of heterogeneity for PDW, there is no decisive conclusion reached.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts diagnosis and prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation has been regarded as one of the causes of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). Several individual studies have reported the association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and ISSHL. However, the findings have been inconsistent, and these data have not been systematically evaluated. Thus, we conducted this meta-analysis to further explore the predictive value of NLR on formation and prognosis of ISSHL.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify eligible studies based on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The Standardized mean deviation (SMD) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied to be the effect size estimate.

RESULTS

A total 10 papers with 15 retrospective case-control studies, which included 1029 ISSHL patients (the case group) and 1020 healthy people (the control group), were selected for the meta-analysis of the relationship between NLR and onset of ISSHL. The NLR levels in the case group were observed to be higher than the control group (SMD = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.20-2.09, P < .001). The pooled results did not significantly change by the subgroup analyses based on study region, baseline matching, and laterality. Moreover, 9 publications with 12 retrospective cohort studies, which included 590 recovered ISSHL patients and 438 unrecovered ISSHL patients, explored the association between NLR and ISSHL prognosis, and the combined data showed that the NLR value was much higher in unrecovered patients rather than recovered patients (SMD = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.62-1.92, P < .001). The subgroup analyses based on study region, laterality, type of steroid, medication administration, maintenance treatment, follow-up period, and definition of "recovered" further supported these results.

CONCLUSION

The results of this meta-analysis suggest that NLR might be a useful biomarker to determine the onset and prognosis of ISSHL.

Is nucleate cell count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio related to patients with audiographically distinct sudden sensorineural hearing loss?

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationships between sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) patients with distinct audiographic data and nucleate cell count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR).SSNHL patients differed in audiographic curves were included, 40 with low-frequency SSNHL (LF-SSNHL), 33 with high-frequency SSNHL (HF-SSNHL), 36 with all-frequency SSNHL (AF-SSNHL), 34 with total-deafness SSNHL (TD-SSNHL), and 31 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected and nucleate cell such as white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil and lymphocyte, and NLR were measured. Each group was divided into recovery and unrecovery subgroup according to hearing levels after 1-month therapy, and then compared the difference of the count of WBC, neutrophil and lymphocyte, and NLR between the 2 subgroups.The WBC count of the HF-SSNHL, AF-SSNHL, and TD-SSNHL group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P = .024, P = .003, P = .008, respectively), not for LF-SSNHL group (P = .248). WBC count between LF-SSNHL and AF-SSNHL group was significantly different (P = .045). The neutrophil count of the HF-SSNHL, AF-SSNHL, and TD-SSNHL group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P = .002, P = .000, P = .000, respectively), not for LF-SSNHL group (P = .069). Neutrophil count of LF-SSNHL was significantly lower than that of AF-SSNHL and TD-SSNHL groups (P = .014, P = .013). The lymphocyte count of AF-SSNHL and TD-SSNHL group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P = .027, P = .003), not for LF-SSNHL and HF-SSNHL group (P = .119, P = .054). NLR of HF-SSNHL, AF-SSNHL, and TD-SSNHL group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P = .001, P = .000, P = .000, respectively), not for LF-SSNHL group (P = .070). NLR of LF-SSNHL was significantly lower than that of AF-SSNHL and TD-SSNHL group (P = .041, P = .005). In HF-SSNHL patients, lymphocyte count of unrecovery subgroup was significantly lower, while NLR of the unrecovery subgroup were significantly higher than those of recovery subgroup (P = .017, P = .015).The count of WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and NLR may be related to SSNHL, but they were unreliable at predicting SSNHL characterized by differences in audiometric curves. Higher NLR and lower lymphocyte count maybe used to evaluate prognosis of HF-SSNHL patients.

Differences in platelet-related parameters among patients with audiographically distinct sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A retrospective study

We explored possible relationships between sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in patients differing in terms of audiographic data and the levels of vascular markers in routine blood data.We included 37 patients with low-frequency SSNHL (LF-SSNHL), 28 with high-frequency SSNHL (HF-SSNHL), 32 with all-frequency SSNHL (AF-SSNHL), 32 with total-deafness SSNHL (TD-SSNHL), and 31 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected, and routine blood parameters including platelet and lymphocyte count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were measured. Each group was divided into recovery subgroup and unrecovery subgroup in accordance with hearing level after 1 month therapy, then compared the difference of platelet and lymphocyte count, MPV, and PLR between the 2 subgroups.No significant difference was observed between platelet count of all SSNHL patients and control group (all P > .05). MPV of AF-SSNHL and TD-SSNHL, PLR of all SSNHL patients were significantly higher than those of control group (all P < .05), while lymphocyte count of all audiographically distinct SSNHL patients was significantly lower than that of control group (all P < .05). However, the difference of platelet count, lymphocyte count, MPV, and PLR among audiographically distinct SSNHL patients was not significant (all P > .05). In HF-SSNHL patients, lymphocyte count of unrecovery subgroup was significantly lower, while MPV and PLR of the unrecovery subgroup were significantly higher than those of recovery subgroup (all P < .05). In AF-SSNHL patients, MPV of the unrecovery group was significantly higher than that of recovery subgroup (P < .05).Lymphocyte count, MPV, and PLR may be relative to SSSNHL, but they could not be used to distinct SSNHL audiographically. Lower lymphocyte, higher MPV, and PLR may be indicative for the prognosis of HF-SSNHL patients; higher MPV may be related to bad treatment outcome of AF-SSNHL patients.

Is There A Systemıc Inflammatory Effect of Cholesteatoma?

Introduction Inflammation causes squamous epithelial transformation of the mucosa in the middle ear cavity and plays a role in the onset, growth, spread, and recurrence of cholesteatoma.

Objectives The objective of this study is to investigate the systemic inflammatory effect in chronic otitis with cholesteatoma.

Methods The study included a total of 311 patients comprising 156 patients with a pathology diagnosis of cholesteatoma and a control group of 155 with no active inflammation. The Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) was calculated by dividing the neutrophil value by the lymphocyte value.

Results The mean NLR was 1.94 ± 0.91 in the patients with cholesteatoma and 1.94 ± 0.85 in the control group. We determined no statistically significant difference between the groups in respect of NLR (p = 0.983). We calculated the NLR as 2.01 ± 1.00 in patients with ossicle erosion and 1.82 ± 0.69 in those without ossicle erosion, 1.86 ± 0.85 in patients with bone erosion and 1.98 ± 0.95 in those without bone erosion. We determined no statistical difference between these values (p = 0.175).

Conclusion The results of this study showed that NLR had no predictive value in respect of bone erosions and associated complications in patients with cholesteatoma. The inflammatory effect of cholesteatoma is not systemic but remains more local.

Role of Platelet Parameters on Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Case-Control Study in Iran

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a common otological disorder characterized by a hearing loss greater than 30 dB over three consecutive frequencies, in less than 72 hours. It has been established that platelet parameters, such as mean platelet volume, are associated with ischemic heart events, whose clinical manifestations are similar to those of SSNHL. Hence, we aimed to determine if the platelet count, mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width are related to the occurrence and severity of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. A case-control prospective study was conducted in a teaching hospital in Iran. One hundred-eight patients with SSNHL and an equal number of healthy, age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in the study. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the subjects, and the platelet count, mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width were measured with an automated blood cell counter. Analysis of the audiometry and hematological test results using SPSS22 software showed no statistical correlation between the platelet parameters and the occurrence of SSNHL, but correlation coefficients showed a significant correlation between PDW and hearing loss severity in patients group. However, further investigation is required to unequivocally establish the absence of correlation between the platelet parameters and occurrence of SSNHL.