Investigation of the Effectiveness of Kinesio Tape Treatment in Adult Individuals with Subjective Tinnitus.

Objective: Tinnitus is one of the most common otologic symptoms and has a serious effect on the quality of life. The pathophysiology of tinnitus is not fully understood and no consensus has been reached on an effective treatment method for tinnitus. To evaluate the effectiveness of the kinesiotape (KT) method in subjective tinnitus treatment. Material and Method: KT is a method used for sensory simulation. It is a method that aims to increase muscle function, positively affect lymphatic fluid and blood circulation, and stimulate the neurological system. In this study, KT method was applied and the study was prospective. 34 individuals with subjective tinnitus, and normal hearing were included. The study group (n = 17) was informed about tinnitus and KT was applied for 4 weeks, the control group (n = 17) was only informed about tinnitus. The information about tinnitus given to both groups included verbal information about what tinnitus is, how to deal with tinnitus and basic recommendations. All individuals were initially administered tinnitus measurements (pitch, loudness, minimal masking level, residual inhibition), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), SF-36, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). All evaluations were repeated after 4 weeks. Results: Tinnitus loudness and pitch decreased in the KT group (P < .05). In both groups, there was a significant difference between the first and last measurements of the severity of tinnitus, the degree of discomfort from tinnitus with VAS, and the catastrophic and total scores of THI (P < .05). KT group, the emotional sub-score of THI improved significantly with KT (P < .05), and significant improvement was achieved in the BDI scores (P < .05). There was a significant difference in the SF-36 after the application of KT (P < .05). Conclusion: In subjective tinnitus, the pathophysiology of which is unknown and there is no consensus on an effective treatment method, improvement in tinnitus severity, quality of life and depression perception in both audiologic and perceptual evaluations were obtained as a result of KT application. We believe that KT, which has no side effects and is easy to apply, is a method that can be easily used in individuals with subjective tinnitus.

The Effect of Different Types of Laryngeal Mask Airways on Sound Quality: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Background Although the deterioration in sound quality is not as much as endotracheal intubation, it can also be seen after the use of laryngeal mask airway (LMA). The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different LMA types on voice performance. Methods This study included 88 patients aged 18-80 years, whose surgical procedure was not planned to take longer than 120 minutes. In the acoustic voice analysis, F0, jitter%, and shimmer% were examined. In addition, the Voice Handicap Index (VHI)-30 questionnaire has completed an evaluation of voice quality. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (I-gel LMA [n=44]; Classic LMA [n=44]) according to the closed envelope method. Results A total of 88 patients were included in the study. Demographic data of the patients were statistically similar between the groups (p > 0.05). The changes in the preoperative and postoperative F0, jitter, and VHI-30 values in the I-gel group were statistically significant (p: 0.002, p: 0.001, p < 0.001). Shimmer values were not significantly different (p: 0.762). In the classical LMA group, preoperative and postoperative F0, jitter, shimmer, and VHI-30 values were statistically significantly different (p: 0.001, p: 0.012, p: 0.036, p < 0.001). Conclusion I-gel LMA and classic LMA negatively affect voice performance in the preoperative and postoperative periods. This situation was also observed in the VHI-30 index test. However, when this situation was evaluated in terms of shimmer analysis, the decrease in voice quality in the early postoperative period was more limited in the I-gel group.

Turkish Guideline for Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis (ART).

OBJECT: To prepare a national guideline for Otorhinolaryngologist who treat allergic rhinitis patients. METHODS: The study was conducted by three authors, namely the writing support team. The support team made the study plan, determined the writing instructions, chose the subgroups including the advisory committee, the advisors for authors and the authors. A workshop was organized at the very beginning to explain the details of the study to the team. Advisors took the chance to meet their coworkers in their subgroups and determined the main headings and subheadings of the guideline, together with the authors. After key words were determined by the authors, literature search was done in various databases. The authors keep in touch with the advisors and the advisors with the advisory committee and the support group at every stage of the study. National and International published articles as well as the abstracts of unpublished studies, imperatively presented in National Congresses, were included in this guideline. Only Guideline and meta-analyses published in last seven years (2013-2017) and randomized controlled studies published in last two years (2015-2017) were included. After all work was completed by the subgroups, support team brought all work together and edited the article. RESULTS: A detailed guideline about all aspects of allergic rhinitis was created. CONCLUSION: The authors believe that this guideline will enable a compact and up-to-date information on allergic rhinitis to healthcare professionals. This guideline is the first in the field of Otolaryngology in Turkey. It should be updated at regular intervals.

The effects of age at cochlear implantation on balance in children: A pilot study.

AIM: The evaluation of the effects of age at cochlear implantation on balance in children. RESEARCH DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty children who received their cochlear implants (CI) before the chronologic age of 48 months (Early CI Group), and 20 children who received their CI at 48 months chronologic age or later (Late CI Group). INTERVENTION: All children underwent Tandem Romberg (TR) test, Single-Leg stance (SLS) test, Pediatric Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction for Balance (P-CTSIB), Pediatric Balance scale (PBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The scores of TR, SLS and P-CTSIB and TUG tests and PBS were recorded. Mann Whitney U test and Independent-samples t-test were used to compare data between groups. RESULTS: TR (eyes opened-EO), SLS (EO), PBS, and TUG scores and incidence in dizziness symptoms did not show significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). Duration of TR and SLS tests (eyes closed-EC), P-CTSIB-positions 5, and 6 were significantly longer in the Early CI Group than the Late implanted group(p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the age of cochlear implantation did not affect functional balance for children, it has been found to cause impaired balance performance in difficult static conditions and increased frequency of dizziness.

Effectiveness of Kinesio taping in the treatment of somatosensory tinnitus: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The clinical effects of Kinesio taping (KT) for somatosensory tinnitus have not been confirmed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of KT applied to the sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae muscles for somatosensory tinnitus associated with neck complaints. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-patients were randomly assigned to the KT group (n = 15) and the sham-taping (ST) group (n = 15). Tinnitus-severity was measured using a visual analog scale (tinnitus-VAS) as a primary outcome. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), cervical pain-VAS, and neck disability index (NDI) were used for the assessments of tinnitus handicap, neck pain, and disability. RESULTS: Tinnitus-VAS, THI, cervical pain-VAS, and NDI improved significantly in the KT group after the intervention (all P ≤ 0.001). In the ST group, no significant differences in outcome measures were found in the fourth-week. CONCLUSION: KT is more effective than sham-taping in improving somatosensory tinnitus associated with neck complaints.

Evaluation of nasal mucociliary clearance time in children with celiac disease.

OBJECTIVES: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that develops because of sensitivity to gluten-containing grains in genetically disposed individuals. Nasal mucociliary clearance is the most important protective factor that protects the upper and lower airways from foreign particulates. This study aimed to investigate the effect of celiac disease on nasal mucociliary clearance. METHODS: The study included patients with celiac disease and healthy children. Nasal mucociliary clearance time was measured using the saccharin test. The children's saccharin taste time was recorded in seconds. RESULTS: Overall, 65 children were included: 43 patients with celiac disease (66.2%) and 22 healthy children (33.8%). Of all the children, 42 (64.6%) were female, and the average age was 11.8 ± 4 years. Nasal mucociliary clearance time of patients with celiac disease (531 ± 155 s) was significantly prolonged in comparison to that of healthy children (448 ± 80 s) (p = 0.006). No relationships were found between the diagnosis age, celiac type, and histopathological phase and compliance with the gluten-free diet and nasal mucociliary clearance time of patients with celiac disease. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that nasal mucociliary clearance was prolonged in patients with celiac disease. A defect in nasal mucociliary clearance increases the risk of infection and inflammation in small airways. Studies reported a high prevalence of respiratory tract infection in patients with celiac disease, which was associated with malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, and hyposplenism. The findings of the present study indicated that impairment of nasal mucociliary clearance could play a role in the development of frequent lung infections in patients with celiac disease.

The Voice Performance After Septoplasty With Surgical Efficacy Demonstrated Through Acoustic Rhinometry and Rhinomanometry.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the surgical efficacy of septoplasty using acoustic rhinometry (AR) and anterior rhinomanometry (ARM) and to evaluate the effect of septoplasty on voice performance through subjective voice analysis methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled a total of 62 patients who underwent septoplasty with the diagnosis of deviated nasal septum. Thirteen patients with no postoperative improvement versus preoperative period as shown by AR and/or ARM tests and three patients with postoperative complications and four patients who were lost to follow-up were excluded. As a result, a total of 42 patients were included in the study. Objective tests including AR, ARM, acoustic voice analysis and spectrographic analysis were performed before the surgery and at 1 month and 3 months after the surgery. Subjective measures included the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire to evaluate surgical success and Voice Handicap Index-30 tool for assessment of voice performance postoperatively, both completed by all study patients. RESULTS: Among acoustic voice analysis parameters, F0, jitter, Harmonics-to-Noise Ratio values as well as formant frequency (F1-F2-F3-F4) values did not show significant differences postoperatively in comparison to the preoperative period (P > 0.05). Only the shimmer value was statistically significantly reduced at 1 month (P < 0.05) and 3 months postoperatively (P < 0.05) versus baseline. Statistically significant reductions in Voice Handicap Index-30 scores were observed at postoperative 1 month (P < 0.001) and 3 months (P < 0.001) compared to the preoperative period and between postoperative 1 month and 3 months (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, first operative success of septoplasty was demonstrated through objective tests and then objective voice analyses were performed to better evaluate the overall effect of septoplasty on voice performance. Shimmer value was found to be improved in the early and late postoperative periods.

Objective and Subjective Evaluations of the Effects of Different Types of Intubation Tube Applications on Voice Performance in the Early Postoperative Period.

Objective Changes in voice performance in the postoperative period due to trauma suffered during endotracheal intubation or edema occurring in the postoperative period are often observed. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types of intubation tube applications on voice performance in the early postoperative period using objective and subjective voice analysis methods. Materials and Methods A total of 88 patients who underwent endotracheal intubation either using a cuffed endotracheal (n = 44) or spiral-embedded cuffed endotracheal (n = 44) tube were included in this study. An endotracheal tube of 7.5 mm was used for female patients and that of 8 mm was used for male patients. Preoperative acoustic voice analysis was performed, and fundamental frequency (F0), jitter%, and shimmer% values were recorded. In addition, the voice handicap index-30 (VHI-30) questionnaire was completed by the patients for subjective evaluation. The same procedure was repeated in the first 48 hours postoperatively. The preoperative and postoperative data were statistically compared. In addition, the effect of the type of endotracheal intubation tube on acoustic voice analysis parameters and VHI-30 scores was statistically evaluated. Results In the early postoperative period, a significant decrease in the F0 value and a significant increase in jitter% and shimmer% values were detected. The VHI-30 score was also found to be significantly higher in the early postoperative period than in the preoperative period. The effects of both the intubation tubes on voice performance were found to be similar. Conclusion Objective and subjective evaluations revealed that voice performance was declined in the early postoperative period after orotracheal intubation.

Evaluation of Liver Functions Based on Serum Aminotransferase Enzyme Levels in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with fatty liver disease. In the present study, relations between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and the severity of OSAS and polysomnography parameters were investigated. The study included 194 patients with OSAS and 114 control patients. The patients underwent an overnight polysomnography (PSG) in the Sleep Laboratory. ALT and AST levels were compared between the patients and the controls and between the subgroups of the patients. ALT and AST levels were also compared with the PSG parameters REM AHI, NREM AHI and minimum O2 saturation separately. The mean ALT was 28.95 in the patients and 17.85 in the controls (p < 0.001) with a statistically significant difference and the mean AST was 23.62 in the patients and 16.53 in the controls with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The patients with OSAS had significantly higher ALT and AST levels. The higher the ALT and AST levels were, the more severe the disease was, though the differences between the subgroups of the patients were not significant.

The Effect of Anterior Palatoplasty Plus Modified Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty on Voice Performance in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of anterior palatoplasty (AP) plus modified expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (MESP) on voice performance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: Fourteen OSAS patients who had AP + MESP procedure were included in the study. Voice performances of the patients were analyzed with acoustic voice analysis before surgery, and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Preoperative and postoperative F0, jitter percentage, and shimmer percentage were compared. Mean preoperative F0 was 129.85 Hz, and mean postoperative F0 was 138.07 Hz, with a significant difference in between (P = 0.017). Mean preoperative jitter percentage was 0.65, and mean shimmer percentage was 0.88, while those values were 0.67 and 0.84, respectively, in the postoperative period. The differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.801 and 0.652). CONCLUSION: The AP + MESP procedure performed for OSAS results in improvement of F0 in the long term; however, there were no differences in jitter percentage and shimmer percentage.

A New Predictor for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Monocyte to HDL Ratio.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation of serum monocyte to serum HDL cholesterol ratio with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). A total of 336 patients who underwent polysomnography (PSG) were included in this study. The individuals with an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) <5/h were included in the study as controls while the patients with an AHI > 5 and excessive daytime sleepiness were included in the study as OSAS patients. OSAS patients were compared with the control group for serum monocyte count, high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and monocyte to HDL ratio (MHR). Mild, moderate and severe OSAS subgroups were compared for the same parameters. Additionally, correlations of serum monocyte count, HDL level and MHR with other PSG parameters were analyzed. The mean MHR of control and OSAS groups were 12.90 ± 6.64 and 4.91 ± 6.98, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.041). Mean HDL level of the control group was 47.25 ± 13.61 mg/dL while it was 43.14 ± 13.61 mg/dL in OSAS group (p < 0.001). Comparison of OSAS subgroups for MHR and HDL levels revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001 and p = 0.020, respectively). MHR was higher in OSAS patients compared to the controls. MHR may be a new, useful predictor for OSAS.

Does Tonsillectomy Affect Voice in Early or Late Postoperative Periods in Adults?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the short- and long-term effects of tonsillectomy on voice performance in adults. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted between January 2013 and June 2015. A total of 26 adults who had tonsillectomy due to chronic tonsillitis or recurrent acute tonsillitis were included in the study. The voice performances of the participants were analyzed with objective and subjective methods before surgery, and 1 and 3 months after surgery. An acoustic voice analysis (fundamental frequency [F0], jitter %, shimmer %) was performed for objective analysis, and Voice Handicap Index survey was used for subjective analysis of the voice. Preoperative F0, jitter %, shimmer %, and Voice Handicap Index values were compared with the values obtained 1 and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Impairment of voice performance was determined when preoperative and postoperative first month F0, jitter %, and shimmer % values were compared. Three months after surgery, those values were found similar to the preoperative values. CONCLUSION: Tonsillectomy affects voice performance negatively in adults in short term; however, it does not affect voice performance in long term after surgery.

A Comparison of Cartilage Palisades and Temporal Fascia in Type 1 Tympanoplasty for Bilateral Tympanic Membrane Perforations in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the graft success rates and audiological outcomes of bilaterally performed type 1 tympanoplasty using cartilage palisades or temporal fascia in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent type 1 tympanoplasty at Medical Park Hospital between May 2007 and February 2013. 27 patients (54 ears) were enrolled in the study: 15 (30 ears) in the palisade cartilage group and 12 (24 ears) in the fascia group. RESULTS: The graft success rate for the fascia group was 79.2%, and that for the cartilage group was 96.7%. The difference was statistically insignificant (p=0.078). Audiological improvements were seen in both groups, and the difference was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: The use of temporalis fascia grafting has similar outcomes to palisade cartilage tympanoplasty for both success rate and audiological values in children who have bilateral disease.

Comparison of Hyaluronic Acid Fat Graft Myringoplasty, Fat Graft Myringoplasty and Temporal Fascia Techniques for the Closure of Different Sizes and Sites of Tympanic Membrane Perforations.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of three different myringoplasty techniques, namely hyaluronic acid fat graft myringoplasty (HAFGM), fat graft myringoplasty (FGM), and temporal fascia for the closure of different sizes and sites of tympanic membrane perforations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients who had undergone a type 1 tympanoplasty operation at our clinic between May 2007 and February 2013. The patients were divided into three groups depending on the patient's choice of technique as follows: Fat Graft Myringoplasty (FGM) (Group I), Hyaluronic Acid Fat Graft Myringoplasty (HAFGM) (Group II), and Temporalis Fascia (TF) (Group III). A total of 136 patients were included in the study, split in to the FGM (57 patients; 56.1% female; median age: 30 years), HAFGM (31 patients; 54.8 female; median age: 25 years), and TF (48 patients; 58.3% females; median age: 33 years) surgery technique groups. RESULTS: The patients were further divided into two groups, depending on the size of the perforation (small and large), and into three groups, depending on its location (anterior, inferior, and central). None of techniques provided a significantly better success rate in terms of perforation location (p>0.05). Also, none of the techniques provided a significantly better success rate in terms of perforation size (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We propose using HAFGM for large perforations and FGM alone for small perforations. The TF technique is a successful and well-defined technique for tympanic membrane perforations; however, in our opinion, its technical difficulties make it a secondary choice, particularly for small-sized perforations.

The Effect of Septoplasty on Voice Performance in Patients With Severe and Mild Nasal Septal Deviation.

OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to analyze the effect of septoplasty, performed in 2 groups with different grades of nasal septal deviation (NSD), on voice performance. METHODS: A total of 43 patients who had septoplasty due to NSD and were included in the study. The study groups were divided into 2 groups as groups A and B. The patients in group A had severe NSD, and 1 of the nasal cavity was obstructed totally or near totally. In group B, the NSD narrowed the nasal passage, and the deviation was not severe. The voice performance was analyzed preoperatively, and 1 month after surgery with both objective and subjective methods. Objective analysis included acoustic voice analysis, and measurement of F0, jitter %, shimmer %. Preoperative and postoperative F0, jitter %, shimmer %, and Voice Handicap Index-30 (VHI-30) were compared in groups A and B. RESULTS: F0 showed a statistically significant improvement after surgery in group A (P <0.001). Jitter %, shimmer %, and VHI-30 scores also improved after surgery, without any statistical significance. In group B, preoperative and postoperative F0, jitter %, and shimmer % were similar. However, VHI-30 scores showed a significant improvement postoperatively (P = 0.005). Comparison of groups A and B for improvements of the voice parameters revealed that group A showed improvements in all voice parameters, and the improvements of F0 and shimmer % were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Septoplasty performed for severe NSD obstructing nasal lumen totally or near totally results in significant improvements in the voice performance.

Results of ossicular chain reconstruction with glass ionomer cement in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to analyze the hearing results of ossicular chain reconstruction in incus long process defects in pediatric patients. METHODS: This retrospective study included 15 pediatric patients that had incus long process defect due to chronic otitis media or adhesive otitis, and repaired with glass ionomer cement between 2009 and 2015. The audiological tests (air conduction thresholds, bone conduction thresholds, air bone gap) obtained preoperatively and one year after surgery were compared. In addition, preoperative and postoperative air bone gap differences were estimated to determine hearing gain. RESULTS: Mean air conduction and air bone gaps decreased significantly one year after surgery when compared to the preoperative values (p< 0.001 for both). Mean hearing gain was 20.33±6.36dB one year after surgery. CONCLUSION: Use of glass ionomer cement to repair incus long process defects is a suitable method that improves hearing in pediatric patients. Further large studies that compare glass ionomer cement ossiculoplasty with other ossicular reconstruction methods are needed.

Relation of otosclerosis and osteoporosis: A bone mineral density study.

OBJECTIVE: Otosclerosis and osteoporosis are metabolic bone diseases. In this paper, we investigated presence of osteoporosis with bone mineral density test in patients who had surgery for otosclerosis. METHODS: We included 27 patients who had conductive hearing loss and diagnosed with otosclerosis during an exploratory tympanotomy, and 30 healthy controls into this study. Bone mineral densitometry test was used for analysis of osteoporosis. T-scores of the patients and the controls obtained from L1-L4 vertebrae and femur neck were compared. In addition, the relations of duration of the disease, air and bone conduction thresholds, and air-bone gap in the operated ear with 25(OH)D3 levels, T-scores obtained from L1-L4 vertebrae and femur neck were investigated in the otosclerosis group. RESULTS: T-score obtained from L1-L4 region was -1.14±1.05 in the otosclerosis group, and was -0.56±1.10 in the control group; the difference was statistically significant (p=0.045). The T-scores obtained from the femur neck were -0.59±0.82 and 0.03±0.74 in the otosclerosis and the control groups respectively, with a statistically significant difference in between (p=0.004). As the air and bone conduction thresholds and the air-bone gaps of the patients with otosclerosis increased, 25(OH)D3 levels and T-scores decreased, but the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The relation between otosclerosis and osteoporosis was shown with bone mineral density test in our study. T-scores of the otosclerosis patients were found smaller than the normal population.

[The relationship between platelet count and mean platelet volume with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Trombosit sayisi ve ortalama trombosit hacminin tikayici uyku apne sendromu ile iliskisi.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the relationship between platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 417 OSAS patients (284 males, 133 females; mean age 47.9±10.0; range 23 to 75 years) who were performed polisomnography (PSG) in our clinic between January 2013 and December 2014. Patients were divided into two groups according to apnea-hipopnea index (AHI). Apnea-hipopnea index <5 was assumed as normal, while AHI ≥5 was assumed as OSAS. Platelet count and MPV values of group with normal AHI and group with OSAS were statistically compared. Apnea-hipopnea index, REM AHI, non-REM AHI, minimum oxygen saturation, and duration of oxygen saturation remaining below 90% were statistically compared with platelet count and MPV. RESULTS: The mean of platelet count in non-OSAS and OSAS groups were 262.31±65.78 and 252.77±61.86, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. Mean platelet volume in non-OSAS and OSAS groups were 9.56±1.88 and 9.71±1.57, respectively; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Platelet count increased statistically significantly as AHI, REM AHI, non-REM AHI, and minimum oxygen saturation parameters got impaired. CONCLUSION: As PSG parameters get impaired, platelet count increases in OSAS patients.

New Predictive Parameters of Bell's Palsy: Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio.

BACKGROUND: Bell's palsy is the most frequent cause of unilateral facial paralysis. Inflammation is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Bell's palsy. AIMS: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are simple and inexpensive tests which are indicative of inflammation and can be calculated by all physicians. The aim of this study was to reveal correlations of Bell's palsy and degree of paralysis with NLR and PLR. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: The retrospective study was performed January 2010 and December 2013. Ninety-nine patients diagnosed as Bell's palsy were included in the Bell's palsy group and ninety-nine healthy individuals with the same demographic characteristics as the Bell's palsy group were included in the control group. As a result of analyses, NLR and PLR were calculated. RESULTS: The mean NLR was 4.37 in the Bell's palsy group and 1.89 in the control group with a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). The mean PLR was 137.5 in the Bell's palsy group and 113.75 in the control group with a statistically significant difference (p=0.008). No statistically significant relation was detected between the degree of facial paralysis and NLR and PLR. CONCLUSION: The NLR and the PLR were significantly higher in patients with Bell's palsy. This is the first study to reveal a relation between Bell's palsy and PLR. NLR and PLR can be used as auxiliary parameters in the diagnosis of Bell's palsy.

[New predictive parameters of nasal polyposis: neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio]. / Nazal polipte yeni öngörücü parametreler: Nötrofil lenfosit orani ve trombosit lenfosit orani.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the correlations between nasal polyposis (NP) and NP density with neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 105 patients (72 males, 33 females; mean age 41.33±12.85 years; range 16 to 63 years) diagnosed as NP (NP group) and 83 healthy individuals (54 males, 29 females; mean age 44.01±8.50 years; range 18 to 62 years) (control group). Nasal polyposis density score was calculated with preoperative Lund-Mackay computed tomography grading system. Neutrophil to lymphocyte and PLR ratio values of NP and control groups were calculated and statistically compared. Neutrophil to lymphocyte and PLR values were statistically compared in terms of NP density in the NP group. RESULTS: Mean NLR value was 2.26 in the NP group and 1.75 in the control group with a statistically significant difference (p=0.001). Mean PLR value was 120.79 in the NP group and 109.84 in the control group with a statistically insignificant difference (p=0.073). CONCLUSION: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio value may be used as a novel marker that is easily administered in patients with nasal polyps and obtained with low-cost tests. New studies with larger patient series are needed for the value of PLR.