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Hyperfibrinogenemia as a risk factor for sudden hearing loss.
Markus Suckfüll1, Christoph Wimmer, Oliver Reichel
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, University Hospital Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, D-81377 Munich, Germany. suckfuell@hno.med.uni-muenchen.de
Summary
Sudden hearing loss may be linked to vascular issues, particularly elevated fibrinogen levels. This finding suggests further research into hyperfibrinogenemia as a potential cause of sudden hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Vascular Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Sudden hearing loss (SHL) is often linked to vascular, immunologic, or viral pathomechanisms.
- Predisposing conditions for vascular events leading to SHL require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hemorheologic parameters in patients experiencing sudden hearing loss.
- To identify potential vascular predisposing factors for sudden hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 53 patients with sudden hearing loss within 5 days of onset.
- Comparison with a control group of 53 age- and gender-matched normal-hearing individuals.
- Analysis of hemorheologic parameters including fibrinogen levels, erythrocyte aggregation, and plasma viscosity.
Main Results:
- Patients with sudden hearing loss exhibited significantly higher fibrinogen levels (343 +/- 98 mg/dl) compared to controls (303 +/- 69 mg/dl).
- Elevated erythrocyte aggregation (27.3 +/- 5.6 a.u. vs. 20.9 +/- 8.5 a.u.) and plasma viscosity (1.31 +/- 0.13 mPa/s vs. 1.26 +/- 0.08 mPa/s) were observed in SHL patients.
- No significant differences were found in clinical chemistry, hematology, or hemostasis parameters between groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma fibrinogen, a known factor in cardiovascular diseases, may contribute to the vascular pathogenesis of sudden hearing loss.
- Further research is needed to establish the clinical utility of measuring plasma fibrinogen levels and identifying hyperfibrinogenemia in SHL cases.