Acute-Phase Inflammatory Response in Idiopathic Sudden Deafness: Pathogenic Implications. (6th November 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: López-González, Miguel A.; Abrante, Antonio; López-Lorente, Carmen; Gómez, Antonio; Domínguez, Emilio; Esteban, Francisco
• Other Names: Rybak Leonard P. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of otolaryngology. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-11-06
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; Otolaryngology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/216592
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9201

Abstract

Abstract : The acute-phase inflammatory response in the peripheral bloodstream can be an expression of transient cerebral ischaemia in idiopathic sudden deafness. For this, a neurological and otorhinolaryngological examination of each patient, performing tests on audiometry, and tympanometry, haemogram, and cranial magnetic resonance were performed. The acute-phase inflammatory response manifests as an increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio that is detected 48–72 hours after the appearance of sudden deafness. This study shows that there is an acute-phase response in the peripheral bloodstream with an increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio as an expression of an inflammatory process that can be caused by transient cerebral ischaemia in sudden deafness. In addition, the increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio can rule out a viral origin of sudden deafness, since a viral infection lowers the neutrophil count and increases the lymphocyte count, thus reducing the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. These findings aid in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms involved in sudden deafness and offer better treatment to the patient.