Can Platelet Indices Be New Biomarkers for Subjective Tinnitus?
OBJECTIVE
Mean platelet volume (MPV) is one of the platelet function indices that reflect the platelet production rate and functions. The MPV levels are increased by vascular occlusion, acute or chronic syndromes, and vasculitis, whereas infections, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory situations reduce these levels. In this study, the authors investigated whether there was a relationship between platelet indices and subjective tinnitus.


METHODS
In this retrospective study, the authors evaluated platelet indices in subjective tinnitus patients. One hundred patients with subjective tinnitus and 100 healthy, age and sex-matched subjects were enrolled to the study. Audiometer and laboratory results were recorded. Comparative multivariate analyses between indicator factors and hearing outcomes were conducted.


RESULTS
Mean platelet volume is significantly lower in subjective tinnitus group (P < 0.001). Platelet count and platelet distribution width are higher in the subjective tinnitus than control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.003, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
The authors' findings indicate that subjective tinnitus appears to be characterized by autoimmune and inflammatory events. Considering the decreasing MPV levels, MPV may be used to evaluate subjective tinnitus as an helper indicator.
*Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Şehitkamil Government Hospital, Gaziantep †Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Versa Medical Center, Nevşehir, Turkey.
Fatih
F
Yüksel
Duran
D
Karataş
D000328:Adult; D001299:Audiometry; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063847:Mean Platelet Volume / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D015539:Platelet Activation; D010976:Platelet Count; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis
D015415:Biomarkers