Association between systemic inflammatory markers and otosclerosis: a retrospective case-control study

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Immunology
• Hematology

Background:

• Otosclerosis is a metabolic bone disease affecting the otic capsule, potentially involving inflammatory processes.
• Systemic inflammatory markers like the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) may reflect underlying inflammation in various conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between otosclerosis and systemic inflammatory indices, specifically NLR and SII.
• To determine if alterations in these inflammatory markers can serve as indicators for otosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case-control study comparing 52 otosclerosis patients (stapedotomy) with 50 controls (septoplasty).
• Analysis of preoperative complete blood counts to calculate NLR and SII.
• Statistical analyses included group comparisons, multivariable logistic regression, and ROC curve analysis.

Main Results:

• The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) was significantly higher in the otosclerosis group compared to controls (p=0.041).
• While the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) was numerically higher in otosclerosis patients, it did not reach statistical significance (p=0.107).
• Multivariable analysis confirmed SII as an independent factor associated with otosclerosis (OR=1.24, p=0.047), with moderate discrimination shown by ROC analysis (AUC=0.658).

Conclusions:

• The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) shows an independent association with otosclerosis, suggesting a subtle systemic immune-inflammatory signature.
• These exploratory findings require validation in larger prospective studies due to borderline significance and moderate predictive performance.