Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio among Patients with Vestibular Neuritis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the level of the inflammatory markers (IM) neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) among healthy subjects and those presenting with vestibular neuritis (VN). METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary hospital setting. The medical records of patients (20-60 years old) who were hospitalized between the years 2005 and 2014 with the diagnosis of VN were retrieved. Inclusion criteria were: (1) acute vertigo lasting for at least 24 h, (2) absence of auditory complaints, (3) presence of horizontal unidirectional nystagmus during physical examination, (4) absence of neurological symptoms or signs. The levels of the IM were compared with levels reported among two large cohorts of healthy subjects, within the same age range. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the levels of NLR in VN subjects compared with controls, with higher levels of NLR in VN subjects (p < 0.001), while no significant difference was found between both groups concerning the levels of PLR. CONCLUSION: Higher levels of IM were found among VN patients, with significantly higher levels of NLR, but not PLR. This may suggest a possible inflammatory etiology of VN.

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.

[Vestibular function features and prognosis of vestibular neuritis in children].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, prognosis and affected branches of vestibular neuritis in children. Methods: Twenty-five patients with vestibular neuritis in ENT department, Beijing Children's Hospital, from October 2015 to October 2016, were collected. All patients were 4-14 (mean 9.8) years old including 17 boys and 8 girls. The clinical manifestations history, pure tone audiometry (PTA), vestibular function tests were done for each patient. We also took the blood samples for pathogenic virus in order to analyze the premorbid risk factors. Results: Rotational vertigo were complained by all presents. There were 17 cases (68%, 17/25) with nausea and vomiting and 19 cases (76%, 19/25) with balance dysfunction. There were 12 cases (60%, 12/20) with positive results in 20 blood samples for virology, among which 6 cases of influenza B virus and 4 cases of herpes simplex virus, 1 case of cytomegalovirus and 1 case of coxsackie were identified. The results of PTA were normal. Bithermal caloric test was abnormal in 22 cases (88%, 22/25). The ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) in 12 cases (48%, 12/25) and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) in 5 cases (20%, 5/25) were abnormal. The bithermal caloric test along with oVEMP and cVEMP in 4 cases (16%, 4/25) were abnormal. The bithermal caloric test and oVEMP in 7 cases (28%, 7/25) were abnormal. The bithermal caloric test in 11 cases (44%, 11/25) were abnormal. The oVEMP in 1 cases (4%, 1/25) was abnormal. The cVEMP in 1 cases (4%, 1/25) was abnormal. All patients recovered well, but the time varied. The symptoms of 21 patients were complete recovery within 1 month. 3 patients were complete recovery within 2 months (aged 8 - 14 years old). One patient was complete recovery within 6 months (aged 13 years old). Conclusion: Rotary vertigo is most commonly in children with vestibular neuritis, accompany with imbalance and vomiting. The vestibular neuritis in children might be related with upper respiratory tract infection. Audiometry test is normal. Because of the bithermal caloric test and oVEMP are obvious abnormality, therefore it is speculated that the superior vestibular nerve may most commonly be affected. The younger patients with vestibular neuritis recovered more quickly than the older children.

THE USEFULNESS OF MONITORING THE NEUTROPHIL TO LYMPHOCYTE RATIO IN PATIENTS WITH PERIPHERAL VERTIGO.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in a differential diagnosis and follow-up of patients with peripheral vertigo. Twenty patients with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) and 20 patients diagnosed with vestibular neuritis (VN) were included in the study. Serum samples were analysed at the initial presentation and on the seventh day of admission retrospectively. The WBC (white blood cell) count was 10500±2100 /mm3, the neutrophil count was 4700±1100/mm3, the lymphocyte count was 5000±1200/mm3 and the NLR was 0.9±0.2 in the VN group. In patients with BPPV, the WBC count was 9200±1300/mm3, the neutrophil count was 5200±1200/mm3, the lymphocyte count was 3100±1200/mm3 and the NLR was 1.9±0.9. The NLR was lower in patients with VN than in patients diagnosed with BPPV. The WBC and lymphocyte count was significantly higher in the patients with VN than in the patients diagnosed with BPPV. Within the first week of admission, the WBC and lymphocyte counts in patients with VN decreased, and the NLR was more elevated than at the admission. It is highly recommended that NLR is used in the diagnosis and follow-up of the most commonly observed aetiological factors of peripheral vertigo, BPPV and VN.

Vertigo with a Vestibular Dysfunction in Children During Respiratory Tract Infections.

Sudden balance disorders with violent vegetative symptoms (nausea and vomiting) pose a diagnostic and therapeutic problem. In children vertigo/dizziness with symptoms of vestibular dysfunction is rare, but as vascular etiology is unlikely in children such symptoms arouse concern. This article presents two cases of this type of vertigo. The patients were two boys (6 and 9 years old). They came down with similar symptoms: sudden dizziness, disabled walking, nausea and vomiting, spontaneous nystagmus, and a positive Romberg test. The onset of the balance disorder was preceded by respiratory infection: common cold with symptoms of inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose and throat. Laboratory tests revealed increased levels of C-reactive protein only in the older boy. Neuroinfection and a displacement process were ruled out. Videonystagmography revealed vestibular dysfunction and vestibular neuronitis on the left side.

The significance of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio in vestibular neuritis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate the significance of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in vestibular neuritis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, case-control study. METHODS: The study subjects were patients who received treatment for vestibular neuritis between January 2009 and December 2013, and a control group composed of 70 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects who received laboratory testing as part of a routine health checkup. The subjects underwent a complete blood cell count and counts of the various cell subtypes to compare NLR and PLR in the vestibular neuritis patients and controls. The associations between laboratory test results and values of the vestibular function test and clinical information were examined. In addition, a subgroup analysis according to the duration of spontaneous nystagmus was performed. RESULTS: The mean NLR and PLR values of the patient group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Although caloric test outcomes and hospitalization period were not significantly correlated with blood profiles, the duration of dizziness needing antivertiginous drugs was positively correlated with NLR and PLR (P = .021, P = .020, respectively). In addition, NLR was negatively correlated with the length of time between symptom start and blood sampling (P = .005). The NLR and PLR value of patients with nystagmus for more than 5 days were significantly higher than those of patients whose nystagmus ceased within 5 days. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report to evaluate the significance of NLR and PLR in vestibular neuritis. NLR and PLR should be taken into consideration as simple and reliable parameters for predicting the cause and severity of the disease.

The relationship of homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid levels with vertigo.

OBJECTIVES: In this study the relationship of serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid levels and peripheral vestibular dysfunction (PVD) was investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients (31 females, 10 males; mean age 57.34±14.3 years; range 12 to 80 years) who admitted to Baskent University Hospital Ear Nose and Throat Department between the dates of April 2005 - December 2007 with complaint of vertigo were prospectively analyzed and diagnosed using audio-vestibular test, at the same time serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid measurements was done from the blood samples of patients. The patients were divided into three groups as Meniere's disease, vestibular neurinitis, and benign paroxismal positional vertigo (BPPV) according to the diagnoses and serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid levels of patients were compared to normal values in and between groups. RESULTS: Of the patients, 29.3% (n=12) were diagnosed with Meniere's disease, 36.6% (n=15) with vestibular neurinitis, and 34.1% (n=14) with BPPV. Serum homocysteine leves of patients were 12.42±3.56 umol/L, 11.32±4.14 umol/L and 10.72±2.95 umol/L (p>0.05) in Meniere's disease, vestibular neurinitis, and BPPV respectively; vitamin B12 levels were 371.58±141.35 pg/ml, 288.13±139.51 pg/ml, 352.14±150.41 pg/ml (p>0.05) respectively and folic acid levels were 8.76±3.2 umol/L, 10.63±6.59 umol/L, 8.8±3.18 umol/L (p>0.05) respectively. The values were similar in all patients. No statistically significant difference was found in and between groups comparing with normal values. CONCLUSION: This is the first prospective study investigating the relationship of serum homocystein, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels with PVD. We found that there is no relationship of homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid levels with PVD.

[Arterial blood gas abnormalities during attacks of dizziness]. / Bas dönmesi ataklari sirasinda arteryel kan gazi anormallikleri.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated arterial blood gas abnormalities in patients presenting with dizziness. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 58 patients (39 females, 19 males; mean age 46 years; range 22 to 74 years) who presented during attacks of dizziness. The duration of vertigo complaints ranged from one day to 30 years. Arterial gas measurements were performed at presentation and one month after treatment. The patients were examined in five groups according to the diagnoses: Meniere's disease (n=14), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (n=13), vertebrobasilar insufficiency (n=12), vestibular neuritis (n=4), and craniocervical myofascial syndromes (n=15). RESULTS: At presentation, pH was low (acidosis) in two patients (3.5%), and high (alkalosis) in 15 patients (25.9%). After treatment, all abnormal pH values returned to normal. Twenty-four patients had high or low HCO3- values. High HCO3- values persisted in three patients together with dizziness. Patients with vestibular neuritis had significantly higher PO2 values compared to those with craniocervical myofascial syndrome and vertebrobasilar insufficiency (p<0.05). However, one month after treatment, there were no significant differences between five groups with respect to PO2 levels (p>0.05). Consecutive blood gas measurements did not differ significantly within each diagnosis group (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that arterial blood gas abnormalities may be related to vertigo attacks.

Audiovestibular disturbance in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the audiovestibular disturbance in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty-eight patients with SLE and 28 healthy control subjects were included. Pure-tone audiometry, impedance audiometry, and electronystagmography (ENG) were used for baseline evaluation. Laboratory tests were carried out. Cranial and brain stem magnetic resonance imagings (MRI) were undertaken. RESULTS: Nineteen (67%) patients reported audiovestibular symptoms. Sensorineural hearing loss was found in 6 (21%) patients. Abnormal results on ENG were significantly higher (50%) (P < 0.01). Abnormal laboratory data were available from 26 patients (P < 0.05). MRI did not show any pathosis. CONCLUSION: The audiovestibular disturbances in SLE are more prevalent than previously recognized. Although no cause and effect relationship can be established by this type of study, it appears that a relationship exists. SIGNIFICANCE: Audiologic research should be directed toward routine, pure tone audiometry, and ENG assessment for patients with SLE to enable crucial treatment.

Lipoprotein (a) and acute-phase response in patients with vestibular neuronitis.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular neuronitis (VN) is a relatively common condition characterized by the acute onset of vertigo, nausea and vomiting, in the absence of auditory or central nervous system involvement. The exact aetiology (inflammatory, viral or vascular?) remains obscure. Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an atherogenic particle. Its serum levels are mainly genetically determined and vary widely between individuals. Whether Lp(a) is consistently a positive acute-phase reactant is controversial. PURPOSE: We evaluated the alterations in lipidaemic parameters and serum biological markers (including acute-phase reactants) in adult patients presenting acutely with VN. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 34 consecutive VN patients (24 men and 11 women) and 37 apparently healthy controls (25 men and 12 women) were studied. Laboratory evaluation was performed during the acute episode and 6 months later (stable state). RESULTS: Serum Lp(a) concentrations were significantly lower at the time of presentation (median value 6.4 vs. 16.4 mg dL-1 in the stable state, P < 0.001), whereas fibrinogen levels were significantly higher during the acute episode than in the stable state (median value 293.0 vs. 202.0 mg dL-1, respectively, P < 0.0001). During the acute episode, plasma fibrinogen correlated with CRP levels (Spearman r = 0.84, P < 0.0001). By contrast, inverse correlations were noted between Lp(a) levels and CRP (Spearman r = -0.47, P = 0.007) as well as between Lp(a) and fibrinogen levels (Spearman r = -0.35, P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vestibular neuronitis episodes are associated with evidence of an acute inflammatory response as reflected by significant elevations in plasma fibrinogen and CRP concentrations, whereas Lp(a) behaves as a negative acute-phase reactant.

Relevance of plasma D-dimer measurement in patients with acute peripheral vertigo.

The aetiopathogenesis of acute unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction (APV), also known as vestibular neuritis, is still debated: the principal cause is viral infection with vascular factors second in importance. Plasmatic D-dimer, considered a plasmatic index of hypercoagulation, was measured in a group of 45 APV patients and in a group of 25 patients suffering from Ménière's disease. Measurements were taken both during the acute stage and after a four to six week period of pharmacological washout. The mean D-dimer levels were significantly higher than those measured in the controls both during the acute phase (301 SD161 vs 202 SD113 ng/mL) and after follow up (304 SD211 vs 192 SD111 ng/mL) (p = 0.008). Moreover, during the acute stage 23 of the APV patients (51.1 per cent) had plasmatic D-dimer levels above the upper normal limit (i.e.: <300 ng/mL), compared to four of those with Ménière's disease (16 per cent). Our results lead us to postulate an involvement of the haemostatic system in APV.