Association of plasma atherogenic index with the severity and prognosis of Bell's palsy

The plasma atherogenic index (AIP) is used as an indicator of cardiovascular risk. Abnormal lipid levels have been shown to potentially contribute to facial nerve inflammation observed in Bell's palsy. This study sought to investigate the association of AIP with the severity and prognosis of Bell's palsy.

AIP is calculated using the equation Log (triglyceride [mg/dL]/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [mg/dL]). The study was conducted prospectively on 79 patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy. The House-Brackmann (H-B) grade was used to determine the severity of Bell's palsy.

In total, 79 patients [45 (57%) male and 34 (43% female] with Bell's palsy were included to the study. The mean (SD) age was 54.1 (16.5). In multivariable analyses prediction of unrecovered patients, the Odds Ratio (OR) and Confidence Intervals for NLR was 1.322 (1.021-1.797), p = .032, for PLR was 1.100(1.068-1.250), p = .043, for total cholesterol was 1.038 (1.001-1.076), p = .039, for AIP was 4.250 (2.239-8.226), p = .005. The highest area under curve (0.74) was observed for AIP to predict unrecovered Bell's palsy with 71.4% sensitivity and 62.7% specificity.

AIP is associated with advanced-stage facial paralysis at the time of Bell's palsy diagnosis and can be used as a poor prognostic indicator.