Assessment of rheological properties of whole blood and plasma in
patients with tinnitus - a preliminary study
Abstract
Objectives: Tinnitus is a sensation of ringing in the ears in the
absence of any physical source in the environment. 15-25% of adults
experience some form of tinnitus. A common cause of tinnitus is noise,
head injury, ototoxic substances, as well as disorders of blood and
blood vessels. Vascular causes include: head - neck tumours, turbulent
blood flow, problems with blood supply and inner ear cell damage. The
aspect of rheology in terms of tinnitus has not been described yet.
Participants: Twelve patients with tinnitus, aged 30 to 74 years. Main
outcome measures: The subjects all underwent audiological and
neurological evaluation. Rheological properties of whole blood and
plasma were assessed as well. The Quemada model was used to describe the
variability of red blood cells shape, as well as their tendency to form
aggregates. Results: Reduced whole blood viscosity in the low shear rate
range is observed in the studied patient group. Conclusion: On the basis
of the experimental study, statistically different results of
hemorheological measurements were observed in the evaluated group in
comparison to a reference group