Abstract

Blood parameters such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV) have been used as systemic inflammation and infection indicators, recently. In this study, we aimed to determine the diagnostic value of blood parameters such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV) for congenital sensorineural hearing loss (CSNHL) and to investigate its relationship with disease severity. Fifty-three pediatric patients (29 males, 24 females; mean age 23.85 ± 5.35 months; distribution 12-35 months) diagnosed with CSNHL and 53 healthy individuals (32 males, 21 females; mean age 22.92 ± 6.10 months; distribution 12-35 months), were included in this retrospective study. NLR, PLR and MPV values of CSNHL and control groups were calculated and compared statistically. The correlation between blood count values and hearing loss degree was investigated in CSNHL group. NLR levels were significantly higher in the CSNHL group than in the control group. (Mean NLR: CSNHL group = 2.71 ± 1.11; Control group = 2.28 ± 0.99; p = 0.04). PLR levels were also significantly higher in the CSNHL group compared to the control group. (Mean PLR: CSNHL group = 139.19 ± 59.41; Control group = 111.89 ± 59.91; p = 0.02). There was no correlation between NLR and PLR values and hearing values. NLR and PLR values obtained by low-cost tests, which can be applied easily on patients with CSNHL, can be used as a new inflammatory biomarker. Further studies with larger patient series are needed to confirm these findings.

Key words: Congenital sensorineural hearing loss, neutrophil, platelet, lymphocyte, ratio