# Low-Grade Inflammatory Hematological Markers in Otolaryngologic Diseases: A Preliminary Report

## TL;DR

This study explores blood markers linked to low-grade inflammation in ear, nose, and throat diseases, suggesting potential for future research.

## Contribution

The study provides preliminary evidence of specific blood markers associated with ENT diseases, suggesting their potential for further investigation.

## Key findings

- NLR was elevated in patients with septal deviation or vertigo.
- ELR was increased in allergic or infectious rhinitis and sinusitis.
- LMR was at lower normal limits in septal deviation cases.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Complete blood count tests are inexpensive and widely available and may help identify low-grade inflammation in otolaryngologic (Ear, Nose and Throat, ENT) diseases, such as facial paralysis and hearing loss. This study aimed to describe the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in ENT diseases and to provide preliminary evidence supporting further research. Methods: Data from 62 patients with ENT diseases were analyzed in a cross-sectional design. Results: The prevalence of ENT diseases was higher in women (63%) and adults (85.5%), highlighting vertigo, hearing loss, and septal deviation. Most marker values were within normal ranges; however, NLR values were elevated in patients with either septal deviation or vertigo, and ELR values were increased in cases of allergic or infectious rhinitis and sinusitis. In contrast, LMR values were at the lower normal limits in patients with septal deviation. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for further studies to clarify the role of these biomarkers in chronic conditions and morphological alterations associated with ENT diseases, using more complex study designs.