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Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with severe tinnitus: prospective, controlled clinical study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 May 2015

I Ozbay*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dumlupınar University, Kutahya
C Kahraman
Affiliation:
Department of Internal Medicine, Dumlupınar University Evliya Celebi Education and Research Hospital, Kutahya
H H Balikci
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Susehri State Hospital, Sivas, Turkey
C Kucur
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dumlupınar University, Kutahya
N K Kahraman
Affiliation:
Department of Internal Medicine, Dumlupınar University Evliya Celebi Education and Research Hospital, Kutahya
D P Ozkaya
Affiliation:
Department of Internal Medicine, Dumlupınar University Evliya Celebi Education and Research Hospital, Kutahya
F Oghan
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dumlupınar University, Kutahya
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Isa Ozbay, Department of Otolaryngology, Medicine Faculty of Dumlupınar University, Kutahya, Turkey Fax: +9002742316673 E-mail: isaozbay@gmail.com

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the relationship between severe tinnitus and inflammation using the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a marker of stress.

Methods:

A total of 107 patients who had been suffering with severe tinnitus (tinnitus handicap inventory scale grades of 3–5) for at least 2 weeks were recruited. Patients underwent detailed ENT examinations and audiometric tests to exclude a relevant pathological cause of the tinnitus. Patients with systemic diseases, malignancy or inflammatory diseases that could alter neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were excluded. A total of 107 age- and sex-matched healthy control participants were also recruited. Routine laboratory test results and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were compared between the patients and controls.

Results:

Lipid profile, liver function, white blood cell count, haemoglobin level, mean corpuscular volume, and vitamin B12 and folate levels were similar among the patients and controls. However, mean neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher among the patients than the controls (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The findings of this novel study suggest that neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio should be considered during the evaluation of tinnitus patients as a potential clinical marker of tinnitus. Further studies are required to verify the findings.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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