Association of Fibrinogen Levels with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Incidence and Prognosis: a Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective This meta-analysis aimed to obtain the pooled estimate of fibrinogen levels in SSNHL cases and investigate its association with patient prognosis and recovery. Data sources We searched the databases PubMed, medRxiv, and Google Scholar for all relevant literature published until August 1, 2022. Review methods The primary objective of the meta-analysis was to assess the association of fibrinogen with the risk of SSNHL and recovery. The search results were screened and selected for review on the basis of eligibility criteria. SSNHL patients were defined as cases and healthy individuals as controls. Data on the level of fibrinogen in SSNHL and controls, as well as recovered and the non-recovered group were subjected to a meta-analysis on Review Manager Version 5.4.1 using a random and fixed-effects model. The pooled estimate was expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) and forest plots were generated for interpretation Results Fourteen studies with a total of 2,077 participants fulfilled the eligibility. The overall risk of bias was moderate. The blood level of fibrinogen was significantly higher in SSNHL patients as compared to controls [SMD = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.04–0.67; p = 0.03]. Likewise, the recovered group had significantly lower fibrinogen prior to treatment as compared to the non-recovered group [SMD= -0.36; 95% CI= -0.58 to -0.14; p = 0.001]. Conclusion Higher fibrinogen levels were observed in SSNHL patients as compared to controls. Recovered patients had a lower fibrinogen level.