Evaluation of von Willebrand factor and protein/creatinine ratio in idiopathic sudden hearing loss

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of von Willebraund Factor (vWF) in plasma and the protein/creatinine ratio in urine in patients with idiopathic sudden acute hearing loss, which we think to be caused by epithelial dysfunction. Materials-MethodsThirty patients with a sudden hearing loss and thirty healthy individuals were included in the study. Before the treatment, blood and urine were collected from the patients and the control group to investigate the levels of the protein/creatinine ratio and the levels of vWF. The test results of the patients group were compared with those of the control group. ResultsWe found that the levels of vWF increased in the patient group, which was statistically significant (P<.05). The protein/creatinine ratio in the urine increased in the patient group, but this was not statistically significant (P>.05). In addition, we found that the vWF and urine protein/creatin ratio of the patients who benefited from treatment were lower than those who did not benefit. ConclusionsThis study showed that sudden sensorineural hearing loss may result from endothelial dysfunction. However, more studies that include more patients are needed in order to support this.