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[Hypercholesteremia and hyperfibrinogenemia in sudden deafness]
M Suckfüll1, J Thiery, C Wimmer
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkranke, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Laryngo- Rhino- Otologie
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Sudden hearing loss may be linked to high cholesterol and fibrinogen levels. Treating these with H.E.L.P. apheresis, a procedure to remove plasma fibrinogen and low-density lipoproteins, improved hearing in most patients.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Cardiovascular Science
Context:
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) pathogenesis remains unclear.
- Potential contributing factors include cochlear hypoperfusion due to increased blood viscosity, microthrombosis, or vasomotion changes.
- Hypercholesterolemia and hyperfibrinogenemia are frequently observed in SSNHL patients.
Purpose:
- To investigate the incidence of hypercholesterolemia and hyperfibrinogenemia in SSNHL patients compared to controls.
- To evaluate the impact of drastically lowering plasma cholesterol and fibrinogen via extracorporeal apheresis.
Summary:
- A case-control study analyzed 23 SSNHL patients, measuring plasma cholesterol, fibrinogen, erythrocyte aggregation, and plasma viscosity.
- Seven SSNHL patients underwent H.E.L.P. apheresis, an extracorporeal procedure to remove fibrinogen and LDL-cholesterol.
- Results showed higher fibrinogen and cholesterol levels in SSNHL patients, correlating with increased erythrocyte aggregation and plasma viscosity.
Impact:
- Six of seven treated patients demonstrated immediate auditory threshold improvement post-apheresis.
- This study suggests hyperfibrinogenemia and hypercholesterolemia contribute to SSNHL.
- Acute removal of plasma fibrinogen and LDL-cholesterol via apheresis shows promise as an effective SSNHL treatment.