Estradiol deficiency is a risk factor for idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in postmenopausal female patients

Risk factors and nomogram model for recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in postmenopausal women: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Objective

To explore the risk factors for recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in postmenopausal women within 1 year of canalith repositioning procedure (CRP), and develops a risk model based on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), estradiol, and calcium levels to provide early identification of high-risk groups and guide prevention and treatment strategies.

Methods

Data from postmenopausal women with BPPV, diagnosed and successfully treated with CRP at five hospitals in Sichuan Province between January 2019 and January 2024, were retrospectively analyzed. Participants were divided into BPPV validation and training sets in a 3:7 ratio. Clinical data were categorized into recurrence and non-recurrence subgroups based on whether BPPV recurred after treatment. LASSO regression identified factors influencing recurrence within 1 year after CRP, and multivariate logistic regression (MLR) analysis was used to develop a risk nomogram prediction model (NPM).

Results

A total of 490 patients were enrolled, with 147 in the validation set and 343 in the training sets. Among them, 151 patients (30.82%) experienced recurrenced, including 58 (30.61%) in the validation set and 106 (30.90%) in the training sets. LASSO and MLR analyses identified migraine (OR = 2.208, 95% CI = 1.278-3.817), serum calcium (OR = 0.601, 95% CI = 0.447-0.81), 25(OH)D (OR = 0.785, 95% CI = 0.713-0.864), and serum estradiol (OR = 0.820, 95% CI = 0.752-0.894) as significant factors influencing recurrence within 1 year after CRP treatment in postmenopausal women with BPPV.

Conclusion

The recurrence rate of BPPV within 1 year after CRP treatment in postmenopausal women is high. Migraine, 25(OH)D, calcium, and estradiol are associated with recurrence. The risk prediction model, developed using these factors, demonstrates good discrimination and calibration. It effectively predicts the recurrence risk within 1 year after successful CRP treatment, offering practical clinical value.

Examining the causal relationship between hypertension and benign paroxysmal vertigo: a univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may be at increased risk for hypertension.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the causal relationship between hypertensive disorders and benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to assess the causal relationship between hypertension and BPV. Summary statistics for BPV and hypertension were obtained from the FinnGen biobank to support the primary MR analysis. Five complementary methods - inverse variance weighted, weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, and weighted mode - were applied to obtain MR estimates. Furthermore, a multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was conducted to examine whether hypertension independently influences BPV.

RESULTS

The MR analysis indicated a significant causal effect of hypertension on BPV, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.11 (95% CI: 1.02-1.22, p = .019), indicating an increased risk of BPV associated with hypertension. MVMR analysis further indicated that the causal effect of hypertension on BPV remained significant even after adjusting for menopausal disorders and ischemic stroke (OR: 1.108, 95% CI: 1.003-1.225, p = .043).

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

This MR study provided evidence supporting a causal effect of hypertension on BPV.

Association between vitamin D, vitamin D supplementation and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most prevalent peripheral vestibular dysfunctions encountered in clinical practice, including dizziness and vertigo, which has a significant impact on people's everyday lives and affects their quality of life in many ways. Researches indicate that individuals with recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may exhibit vitamin D insufficiency, and certain studies suggest that correcting severe vitamin D deficiency might effectively reduce BPPV recurrence; nevertheless, the findings have been inconsistent. As a result, we conducted the current Meta-analysis to investigate potential associations of vitamin D levels with the occurrence and recurrence of BPPV. In the meantime, the current study was done to evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on the prevention of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo recurrence.

Methods

Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Library) were identified to search for relevant studies about (vitamin D or vitamin D supplementation) and (Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo incidence or recurrence) from inception to Dec 22, 2024. 60 studies with a total of 16,368 participants were included into this meta-analysis.

Results

(1) The aggregated weighted mean difference (WMD) demonstrated that there was a significant reduction in vitamin D level in the BPPV cohort (WMD = -2.84; 95% CI -4.53 to -1.15) relative to the control cohort. Likewise, Recurrent BPPV groups had significantly lower levels of vitamin D compared to non-recurrent groups (WMD = -5.01; 95% CI -6.94 to -3.08). When the cupulolithiasis BPPV groups were compared to the canalolithiasis BPPV groups, the vitamin D level was lower in the cupulolithiasis groups (WMD = 5.09; 95% CI 2.05 to 8.12); (2) In this meta-analysis, the multivariable-adjusted relative risk (RR) indicated that increased vitamin D was inversely related to BPPV incidence (RR = 1.36; 95% CI 1.31, 1.41), but not significantly related to the recurrence (RR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.91, 0.99); (3) Vitamin D supplementation group had a lower recurrence rate than the control group which did not accepted vitamin D supplementation (RR =0.45, 95% CI = 0.36-0.55).

Conclusion

The serum level of vitamin D is lower in patients with BPPV, especially recurrent BPPV, than in controls. There was a negative correlation between occurrence rate of BPPV episodes and vitamin D deficiency, which means that vitamin D deficiency may have a role in occurrence of BPPV. The present study indicates that vitamin D supplementation can significantly lower recurrence in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The level of vitamin D was lower in canalolithiasis than in cupulolithiasis BPPV groups.

Assessment of vitamin D deficiency in recurrent BPPV patients: A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the vitamin D deficiency of patients with BPPV recurrence and to evaluate the differences of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) and serum calcium levels among gender and age categories.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study enrolled patients with BPPV. The diagnosis of BPPV was based on positional nystagmus and vertigo induced by certain head positions (The Dix-Hallpike maneuver and head roll tests). All patients' age, serum 25(OH)D, calcium measurements and recurrence data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The median of 25(OH)D was 15.32 (IQR 10.61, 20.90) ng/ml. The recurrent group showed lower 25(OH)D levels than that of non-recurrent group [13.28 (IQR 9.47, 17.57) ng/ml vs 16.21 (IQR 11.49, 21.13) ng/ml]. There were significant differences of 25(OH)D levels among age categories. The proportion of vitamin D deficiency in patients ≥60 years old was lower than that in the other two groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that BPPV patients had a decreased 25(OH)D level and a high incidence of vitamin D deficiency. The 25(OH)D level of recurrent BPPV patients was lower than that in non-recurrent ones. Among them, the elderly group (≥60 years) took the preponderance, which had the lowest incidence of vitamin D deficiency and the highest incidence of vitamin D sufficiency.

Risk Factors, Complications, and Treatment Modalities for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) during pregnancy is a rare condition and has not been much studied. The study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk factors, complications, and treatment modalities for SSNHL in pregnant women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were used for the literature search. The Cochrane technique for assessing risk of bias was used for the article quality appraisal, and RevMan 5.4 was used for conducting the meta-analysis. Standard mean difference (SMD) and odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were utilized. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using the I-square (I2) test statistic and the Egger's test, respectively.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The seven primary studies employed prospective and retrospective study designs. The meta-analysis showed that there were fewer risk variables for SSNHL in the experimental group compared with those in the control group (SMD = -0.45 to 3.24, 95% CI = -3.063.63 to 2.16-2.85), indicating that the analysis revealed an insignificant difference. However, the treated patients presented hearing improvement, suggesting a significant analysis (SMD = -0.6710.20, 95% CI = -1.2713.51 to -0.066.88). Furthermore, after therapy, substantial differences were observed in SMD between the two groups (SMD = -0.7415.18, 95% CI = -1.2423.85 to -0.256.40) in favor of the experimental group patients, based on the analysis results of four included studies. However, the I2-value of 0% showed that the heterogeneity was low.

CONCLUSION

SSNHL during pregnancy is a notably rare condition with an unknown cause. However, hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, have been frequently implicated as potential triggers for SSNHL.

In silico pharmacological study of AQP2 inhibition by steroids contextualized to Ménière's disease treatments

Ménière's disease (MD) is characterized by an abnormal dilatation of the endolymphatic compartment called endolymphatic hydrops and is associated with fluctuating hearing losses and vertigo. Corticosteroid treatment is typically administered for its anti-inflammatory effects to MD patients. However, we recently described for the first time a direct interaction of two corticosteroids (dexamethasone and cortisol) with human AQP2 which strongly inhibited water fluxes. From these initial studies, we proposed an AQPs Corticosteroids Binding Site (ACBS). In the present work, we tested the interaction of 10 molecules associated to the steroid family for this putative ACBS. We observed a wide diversity of affinity and inhibitory potential of these molecules toward AQP2 and discussed the implications for inner ear physiology. Among the tested compounds, cholecalciferol, calcitriol and oestradiol were the most efficient AQP2 water permeability inhibitors.

Low vitamin D and uric acid status in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

PURPOSE

Growing evidence reported that vitamin D and uric acid metabolism played roles in the occurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, an otoconia-related vestibular disorder. We aimed to investigate the serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) and uric acid in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and to determine the risk factor for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

METHODS

This case-control study comprised 182 patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and 182 age- and gender-matched controls. All subjects' age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), uric acid and serum calcium measurements were analyzed.

RESULTS

We found a female preponderance of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients, with a median of 60 (52-66) years old. The results showed low vitamin D status both in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and controls, with no significant difference of 25(OH)D levels between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients and controls (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and a lower prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency (P < 0.05). Uric acid was significantly lower in the benign paroxysmal positional vertigo groups (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age and uric acid were considered higher risk predictors for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

CONCLUSION

Our study observed low vitamin D status in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, with no significant differences of the 25(OH)D level in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and controls. Elderly, vitamin D deficiency and low uric acid levels may be risk factors for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo occurrence.

Assessment of Osteoporosis and Vitamin D3 Deficiency in Patients with Idiopathic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Background and objectives: Osteoporosis and vitamin D3 deficiency may be risk factors of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and 25(OH) vitamin D3 deficiency in a group of patients with idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients (twenty-eight women and seven men) with posterior semicircular canal BPPV were enrolled in the study. The subjects underwent hearing assessment (tonal audiometry and impedance audiometry) and the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels were determined and lumbar spine bone densitometry was performed. The relationships between sex, age, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), vitamin D3 levels and bone densitometry results were assessed. Results: The diagnosis of osteoporosis was confirmed in 1 patient (3%), 3 subjects were osteopenic (8.6%), and normal bone densitometry was found in 31 (88.6%) patients. Conclusions: We found no statistically significant relationships between age, BMI or vitamin D3 levels and bone densitometry results in patients with idiopathic BPPV.

Efficacy of Epley's maneuver plus betahistine in the management of PC-BPPV: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the efficacy of Epley's maneuver plus betahistine in the management of patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV).

METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang were searched from their inception to April, 2022. The effect size was analyzed by calculating the pooled risk ratio estimates of efficacy rate, recurrence rate, and standardized mean differences (SMD) of dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) score with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Sensitive analysis was performed simultaneously.

RESULTS

A total of 9 randomized controlled trials with 860 PC-BPPV patients were included in the meta-analysis, in which 432 were treated with Epley's maneuver plus betahistine, and 428 received Epley's maneuver alone. The meta-analysis revealed that Epley's maneuver plus betahistine significantly improved DHI score than Epley's maneuver alone (SMD = -0.61, 95% CI -0.96 to -0.26, P = .001). In addition, both Epley's maneuver plus betahistine and Epley's maneuver groups had comparable outcomes in efficacy rate and recurrence rate.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis shows that Epley's maneuver plus betahistine in PC-BPPV patients had favorable effects on DHI score.

Predictive values of serum estradiol, calcium, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels for recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in postmenopausal women

Objectives

This study aims to explore the predictive values of serum estradiol, calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) recurrence in postmenopausal women.

Patients and methods

A total of 156 postmenopausal women (mean age: 59.5±7.4 years; range, 46 to 75 years) diagnosed with primary BPPV between January 2015 and August 2018 were included. After follow-up for one year, they were divided into non-recurrence (n=126) and recurrence groups (n=30). Fifty healthy females (mean age: 60.3±7.4 years; range, 48 to 75 years) with natural menopause for over one year were enrolled as the control group. Serum estradiol, calcium and 25(OH)D levels were compared, and their correlations in the recurrence group were analyzed by Pearson method. The predictive values of these levels for recurrence were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Predisposing factors were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

Serum estradiol, calcium, and 25(OH)D levels of the control group were significantly higher than the non-recurrence and recurrence groups (p<0.05). The levels of recurrence group exceeded those of non-recurrence group (p<0.05). In recurrence group, estradiol level was positively correlated with those of calcium and 25(OH)D (r=0.7501, 0.7871, p<0.001), and calcium level was positively correlated with that of 25(OH)D (r=0.7904, p<0.001). The three levels had diagnostic values for recurrence. The maximum Youden’s index of their combination was 0.476, and the corresponding prognostic index was 13.04, suggesting a higher recurrence probability. Number of repositioning, Self-Rating Depression Scale score, levels of estradiol, calcium and 25(OH)D were predisposing factors for recurrence.

Conclusion

Serum estradiol, calcium, and 25(OH)D levels are significantly positively correlated in postmenopausal women with BPPV recurrence and their combination can be used to predict recurrence.

Characteristics of bone metabolism in postmenopausal female patients with different types of idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: A single-centre retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The association between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and impaired calcium metabolism has attracted widespread interest. Several studies have suggested that decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level are related to the occurrence and/or recurrence of BPPV; however, the characteristics of bone metabolism in patients with BPPV subtypes have not been fully investigated, and conclusions have been controversial. This study aimed to evaluate BMD and serum levels of 25(OH)D and bone turnover markers to clarify the characteristics of bone metabolism in patients with different types of BPPV.

METHOD

We retrospectively analysed the data of new-onset idiopathic postmenopausal female patients with BPPV at our institution from January 2016 to January 2020. The patients' demographic data including age, medication history, concomitant diseases, onset time, clinical form, laboratory indicators, such as serum levels of 25(OH)D, bone formation markers, namely, amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) and osteocalcin (OC), bone resorption marker, namely, β-isomerized carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX), and BMD were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

This study included 201 consecutive postmenopausal female patients with BPPV. Among them, 138 were diagnosed with posterior semicircular canal BPPV, 42 were diagnosed with lateral semicircular canal canalolithiasis, and 21 were diagnosed with lateral semicircular canal cupulolithiasis. There were no significant differences in age distribution, body mass index, clinical history, levels of albumin, globulin, uric acid, creatinine, or blood urea nitrogen, lipid profiles (except high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and routine blood parameters among these groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the mean T-score and BMD values of different sites or in the serum levels of 25(OH)D and bone turnover markers (PINP, OC and β-CTX) among the subgroups (P > 0.05). The proportion of reduction in BMD (T-score < -1 SD) and decreased serum vitamin D level (< 20 ng/ml) were not significantly different between the subgroups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences in bone metabolism in postmenopausal female patients with different types of idiopathic BPPV.

Risk factors for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo recurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is one of the most common vestibular diseases, especially in the elderly. Although the treatment of BPPV is relatively successful, many patients suffer recurrence after treatment. Therefore, identifying potential risk factors for BPPV recurrence may help improve treatment outcome and patient prognosis. However, some related risk factors for BPPV recurrence are relatively controversial and poorly studied. This meta-analysis aims to identify potential risk factors associated with BPPV recurrence, thereby reducing the recurrence rate of BPPV and improving the prognosis of patients.

METHODS

This meta-analysis was conducted through systematically searching PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for eligible English original studies published up to June 2020. All search results were reviewed based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria. We calculated the pooled odds ratios (ORs) or the mean differences (MDs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effects of included risk factors on BPPV recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies involving 3060 BPPV patients published between 2010 and 2019 were finally included, including six prospective studies and eight retrospective studies, with a NOS score ranged from 6 to 9. Our pooled results of this meta-analysis suggested that the recurrence of BPPV was closely related to female gender (OR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.17-1.74; P = 0.0004), hypertension (OR = 2.61; 95% CI 1.22-5.59; P = 0.01), diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.62; 95% CI 1.25-5.48; P = 0.01), hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.23-2.09; P = 0.0006), osteoporosis (OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.03-2.88; P = 0.04) and vitamin D deficiency (MD = - 3.29; 95% CI - 5.32 to - 1.26; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicated that female gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, and vitamin D deficiency were risk factors for BPPV recurrence. However, the effects of other potential risk factors including advanced age, migraine, head trauma, and Menière's disease on BPPV recurrence need further investigations. Furthermore, most studies included in this meta-analysis were performed in Asia, so our results cannot easily be extended to the whole world population. Therefore, more large-scale prospective studies in different countries are required to further investigate these risk factors.

Molecular Mediators of Estrogen Reduction-induced Otolith Shedding

OBJECTIVE

Previous study suggested that estradiol (E2) plays an important role in otolith shedding by regulating the expression of otoconin 90 (OC90). The purpose of this article is to provide further data on the effect and mechanism of E2 on the morphology of otolith.

METHODS

The rats receiving bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) were used as animal models. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to observe the relationship between estrogen receptor (ER) and estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα). The morphology of otolith was observed under the scanning electron microscopy. Western blotting and qPCR were used for quantitative analysis of the roles of ER and ERRα in regulating OC90 expression.

RESULTS

The looser otoliths were observed in rats receiving bilateral OVX, which could be reversed by supplementation with E2. The level of ERRα was decreased in bilateral OVX rats. ER and ERRα interacted with each other on the regulation of the expression of OC90.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest ER and ERRα are both important downstream receptors involved in regulating OC90 expression in utricles of rats, and ERRα probably functions by interacting with ER. This provides evidence for the mechanism of otolith shedding. And it may be significant for future studies of targeted prevention and therapies for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Serum otolin-1 as a biomarker for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate serum otolin-1 levels in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and to compare these levels with healthy individuals.

METHOD

This was a case-control study. After obtaining institutional ethical committee clearance, the serum level of otolin-1 was calculated in adult individuals (18-75 years old) who were divided into group 1 (patients presenting with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) and group 2 (healthy patients without benign paroxysmal positional vertigo as the control group). Data analysis was carried out to compare the serum levels in the cases and controls. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

A total of 70 age-matched individuals (cases, n = 40; controls, n = 30) were included in the study. The mean serum level of otolin-1 was 636.8 pg/ml (range, 259-981 pg/ml) in the group of patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and 236.2 pg/ml (range, 189-370 pg/ml) in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0000).

CONCLUSION

The serum levels of otolin-1 in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are significantly higher compared with individuals without benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

An evaluation of serum Otolin-1 & Vitamin-D in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

BACKGROUND

Serum otolin-1 is an inner ear protein exclusively expressed in otoconia and cells of vestibule and cochlea. Serum otolin-1 is found to be quantifiable in patients with BPPV. Low Vitamin-D is associated with pathogenesis of BPPV. Since otoconia degeneration contributes to BPPV, lack of Vitamin-D may impact otoconia structure and integrity.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed at studying the s.otolin-1 as biomarker and significance of vit-D in BPPV.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

23 patients in test and control groups respectively were chosen within the age of 20 to 65 years. All the patients were diagnosed using Dix Hallpike menouver and head roll test, patients were treated with appropriate Canal Reposition Menouver (CRM).

RESULTS

Serum Otolin-1 levels among the test ranged from 366 to 882 pg/mL with mean of 585.17 pg/mL whereas in control group ranged from 223 to 462 pg/mL with mean of 335.26 pg/mL. Mean Vitamin-D levels among the test group was 22.67 ng/mL (Range = 6.3-68.4) and that of control 15.43 pg/mL (Range = 5.4-27.7) respectively. The relationship between the serum Otolin-1 and Vitamin-D was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Otolin-1 levels is increased in BPPV patients and is sensitive in BPPV, specificity needs to be validated. Role of vitamin-D with respect to inner ear proteins needs further investigation.

Assessment of the effects of menopause on semicircular canal using the video head impulse test

This cross-sectional study included early menopausal and late menopausal women aged between 40 and 60 years to evaluate the effects of menopause on semicircular canal function. A video head impulse test (vHIT) was performed for all subjects. Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) mean gains of each semicircular canal and gain asymmetry were compared between groups. Of the 87 subjects, 37(42.5%) were reproductive age 28(32.5%) were early menopausal and 22(25.3%) were late menopausal patients. VOR gain of semicircular canals or gain asymmetry values did not differ between groups. In postmenopausal women, presence of vasomotor symptoms was associated with higher gain asymmetry of the left anterior-right posterior (LARP) plane (p = .01), and presence of balance problems was associated with lower right anterior (RA) VOR gain (p = .01). In conclusion semicircular canal function in postmenopausal women was similar to that in women of reproductive age.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? During menopause, women face potential risks such as dizziness, balance problems, falls and fractures. Postmenopausal patients were tested with dynamic posturography to measure balance before and after oestrogen treatment, and it was shown that balance problems significantly improved with oestrogen treatment. Healthy vestibular system is one of the components for sustaining normal balance.What do the results of this study add? In postmenopausal women the function of the semicircular canals is normal and the balance deficit in postmenopausal women may not be caused by the vestibular system. In this study changes within normal limits were observed in vestibular system of postmenopausal women.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Reported balance deficits might have been due to central origin. Further research to differentiate origin of balance deficits are needed. Specific research on symptomatic postmenopausal patients would reveal more information.

Update on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo worldwide. This review considers recent advances in the diagnosis and management of BPPV including the use of web-based technology and artificial intelligence as well as the evidence supporting the use of vitamin D supplements for patients with BPPV and subnormal serum vitamin D.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Risk Factors Unique to Perimenopausal Women

Many investigations have found common occurrences of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in women, and clinical experience has shown that BPPV can develop due to increased hormonal fluctuations, especially during menopause. Therefore, knowledge about neurochemicals and their involvement with BPPV is imperative for the management of neurological issues in women. This review will discuss appropriate gender-based considerations of BPPV based on experimental and clinical evidence. The studies describe 2 lines of evidence regarding the association of perimenopause in women and the development of BPPV: (1) experimental evidence: the existence of estrogen receptors in the inner ear, otoconial malformations in osteopenic/osteoporotic rats, changes in otoconin 90 caused by hormone replacement therapy, and impaired calcium absorption following estrogen deprivation corrected by estrogen replacement therapy and (2) clinical evidence: epidemiological aspects, osteoporosis and estrogen deficiency. Future studies are necessary to validate the effects of hormonal replacement therapy and phytoestrogen in women with recurrent BPPV.

Risk Factors for the Occurrence of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Purpose: The lifetime prevalence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is high, especially in the elderly. Patients with BPPV are more susceptible to ischemic stroke, dementia, and fractures, severely reducing quality of life of patients. Many studies have analyzed risk factors for the occurrence of BPPV. However, the results of these studies are not identical. We performed this meta-analysis to determine potential risk factors associated with the occurrence of BPPV.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (January 2000 through March 2020) were systematically searched for eligible studies analyzing risk factors for the occurrence of BPPV. Reference lists of eligible studies were also reviewed. We selected observational studies in English with a control group and sufficient data. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) or the mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to measure the impacts of all potential risk factors. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the Q-test and I² statistics. We used the random-effect model or the fixed-effect model according to the heterogeneity among the included studies.

Results: We eventually included 19 studies published between 2006 and 2019, including 2,618 patients with BPPV and 11,668 participants without BPPV in total. In this meta-analysis, the occurrence of BPPV was significantly associated with female gender (OR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05–1.32; P = 0.004), serum vitamin D level (MD = −2.12; 95% CI, −3.85 to −0.38; P = 0.02), osteoporosis (OR = 2.49; 95% CI, 1.39–4.46; P = 0.002), migraine (OR = 4.40; 95% CI, 2.67–7.25; P < 0.00001), head trauma (OR = 3.42; 95% CI, 1.21–9.70; P = 0.02), and total cholesterol level (MD = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.02–0.62; P = 0.03).

Conclusion: Female gender, vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, migraine, head trauma, and high TC level were risk factors for the occurrence of BPPV. However, the effects of other risk factors on BPPV occurrence need further investigations.

Correlation Between Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Objective: The correlation between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and vitamin D levels was controversial. We explored age- and sex-related effects on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and correlation between 25(OH)D levels and BPPV.

Subjects and Methods: We recruited 380 patients with BPPV and collected 25(OH)D records of 3,125 control subjects who were further divided into age- and sex-based subgroups. We respectively investigated the effects of sex and age on 25(OH)D by comparing sex- or age-based subgroups. Then, we separately compared levels of 25(OH)D in sex-and age-based subgroups between the BPPV and control group.

Results: 25(OH)D levels in male subgroups were significant higher than those in female subgroup both in the BPPV and control group. With increasing age, 25(OH)D levels gradually increased, and there were significant between-subgroup differences for age in the control group. In males, the significant between-subgroup difference was observed only in the <40 year subgroup. Three female age-matched subgroups (<40, 40–49, and 60–69) showed significant between-subgroup differences.

Conclusions: There are sex and age differences in vitamin D levels. For both male and female patients with BPPV aged <40 years and female patients with BPPV aged 40–49 and 60–69 years, the lower vitamin D level is a risk factor for BPPV. In female patients with BPPV aged 50–59 and >70 years, and male patients with BPPV aged >40 years, the correlation between vitamin D and BPPV is non-existent.

Causes and treatment of idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo based on endocrinological and other metabolic factors

The genesis of the Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) seems to be related to some metabolic factors. These factors, such as vitamin D, glucocorticoids, and even thyroid and growth hormones, can affect bone metabolism and the mineralization of otoconia. It also seems to link to factors related to aging or nutritional habits. Besides, since the incidence of BPPV is quantitatively higher in women than in men, female sex steroids could be associated with this process. It could be useful to understand how these factors act in otoconial mineralization if we want to develop treatments aimed at preventing or delaying BPPV recurrences. In this review, we will analyze the role of these metabolic and hormonal factors in otoconial mineralization and in the treatment of BPPV.

Evaluation of bone mineral density and 25-(OH) vitamin D levels in middle-aged and elderly women with recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Background: Middle-aged and elderly perimenopausal women are prone to developing BPPV without definite cause. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD), 25-(OH) vitamin D, and serum calcium levels in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in middle-aged and elderly women.Material and methods: A total of 103 women with two or more recurrent BPPV episodes (group A) and 80 age-matched healthy controls (group B) were recruited. All subjects had BMD and serum 25-(OH) D levels measurements taken, and the results were compared.Results: BMD was reduced in group A, and the proportion of osteoporosis was higher than in group B (p = .039). The BMD T-score and 25-(OH) vitamin D level were lower in group A than in group B (p = .004 and p < .0001, respectively). In group A, the BMD T-score was lower (p = .017) and serum 25-(OH) vitamin D level was higher (p < .0001) in premenopausal women than in menopausal women.Conclusions and Significance: Our study found that middle-aged and elderly women with recurrent BPPV, especially postmenopausal women, may present decreased BMD and serum vitamin D levels.

Seasonal variation of idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo correlates with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels: a six-year registry study in Shanghai, China

Seasonal variation of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) occurrence has been reported in recent years. Whether the seasonality of BPPV also exists in Chinese patients and whether it correlates with serum vitamin D levels is unexplored. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 1269 new-onset idiopathic BPPV patients registered in our vertigo outpatient clinic over a six-year period. Additionally, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels during this period were measured in 877 patients by chemiluminescence immunoassay. We delineated the changing trend of the monthly BPPV patient numbers and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, and the correlation between them was explored. December to next March is the top 4 months with higher BPPV patient numbers. The median BPPV patient numbers in winter group were higher than those in summer group (20 vs. 16 patients, p < 0.05). Median 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in winter group were much lower than those in summer group (16.3 vs. 20.8 ng/ml, p < 0.001) and autumn group (16.3 vs. 19.3 ng/ml, p < 0.05). A moderate negative correlation was observed between median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and BPPV patient numbers each month. The onset of BPPV also shows a seasonal fluctuation in Chinese patients. This phenomenon may be related to serum vitamin D levels.

Risk factor of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in trauma patients: A retrospective analysis using Korean trauma database

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a comorbid condition prevalent in patients recovering from trauma. Due to the paucity of studies investigating the etiology of this condition, the present study sought to analyze the high-risk group of BPPV patients following trauma.Trauma patients visiting the emergency department from January to December 2016 were enrolled. The study excluded patients with minor superficial injuries, those who were dead, and those discharged within 2 days after their visit. The medical records were reviewed, and every abbreviated injury score, injury severity score, and other clinical characteristics, such as age and sex, were gathered. A diagnosis of BPPV was reached only after a provocation test was administered by an otolaryngologist. The correlation was statistically analyzed.A total of 2219 trauma patients were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 52.6 years, and the mean injury severity score (ISS) was 7.9. About 70% of the patients were men. Additional BPPV patients were identified among patients with injuries to head and neck, chest, and abdomen, and those with external injuries. However, patients with head and neck (odds ratio [OR] (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 10.556 (1.029-108.262), and abdominal injury (OR [95% CI] = 78.576 [1.263-4888.523]) showed statistically significant correlation with BPPV in the logistic regression analysis. Patients-not only those with head and neck injuries but those with abdominal injuries-who complain of dizziness need to be evaluated for BPPV using provocation tests. Further studies investigating traumatic BPPV are needed.

Assessment of Bone Metabolism in Male Patients With Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Objective: Several studies have suggested a probable association between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and both reduction of bone mineral density (BMD) and serum vitamin D levels, but none of these studies have explored their findings by examining bone turnover markers (BTM) in male idiopathic BPPV patients. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between BMD and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D), with the occurrence of BPPV along with the characteristics of bone metabolism in male idiopathic BPPV patients. Methods: This retrospective study comprised 60 male idiopathic BPPV patients and 92 age-matched healthy controls referred to Ningbo No.2 Hospital during the period of February 2016 to February 2018. All subjects' serum levels of 25(OH) D, bone formation marker amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), and bone resorption marker β-isomerized carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) were measured. BMD was determined by dual energy X-ray absorption at the lumbar spine and hip. Results: Among male patients with BPPV, the prevalence of BMD reduction was 35.0%, which was similar to that of 27.2% in healthy controls. There were significant differences in the mean serum 25(OH) D level and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency between the two groups, with p-values of 0.049 and 0.009, respectively. The bone turnover markers of PINP and β-CTX in BPPV patients were lower than those in healthy controls. Logistic regression showed that vitamin D deficiency were associated with BPPV with an odds ratio of 3.8 (95% confidence interval = 1.25-11.73). Conclusion: Our study found that decreased serum vitamin D may be a risk factor for BPPV in male patients. The level of bone turnover among male patients with BPPV was lower than that among healthy controls.

Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in postmenopausal female patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

OBJECTIVE

Several studies have reported the association of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) with vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to evaluate serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25 (OH) D) levels in native Chinese postmenopausal women with de novo idiopathic BPPV and to investigate the possible relationship between the occurrence of BPPV and low 25 (OH) D levels.

METHODS

This retrospective study comprised of 85 postmenopausal women with de novo idiopathic BPPV and 80 age-matched healthy controls. All subjects had bone mineral density (BMD) and serum 25 (OH) D levels measurements recorded, and the results were compared.

RESULTS

The prevalence of reduced BMD (T score <-1.0) was significantly higher in female patients with BPPV than in healthy controls (71.8% vs. 51.2%, p = .004). The mean serum 25 (OH) D levels were also significantly lower in female patients with BPPV than in healthy controls (19.1 ± 5.2 vs. 22.5 ± 5.8, p < .001). The regression analyses demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency was associated with BPPV with an odds ratio of 2.1 (95% confidence interval = 1.1-3.1, p = .031).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that low 25 (OH) D may be a risk factor for BPPV in postmenopausal women.

Age-Related Increases in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Are Reversed in Women Taking Estrogen Replacement Therapy: A Population-Based Study in Taiwan

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of peripheral vertigo. Numerous investigations have reported an increased BPPV incidence in females and in the aged population. The hormonal characteristics of BPPV patients have not been previously investigated. This study aimed to determine the risk of BPPV in relation to menopause in a population-based study.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective population-based study was designed to use a nationwide longitudinal health insurance database to follow and analyze the incidence of and protective factors against BPPV in a Taiwanese population.

Data Analyses: Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for the incidence of BPPV using Cox-proportional regression models.

Results: In the multivariate analyses, we found that older people (older than 65 years old) were more prone to develop BPPV (aHR: 5.37, 95% CI: 0 4.83–5.97, p < 0.001). The risk of BPPV was analyzed in two specific age subgroups of elderly females. Results revealed that in both age groups (45–65 years old and >65 years old), patients who took estrogen for menopausal syndromes had a significantly lower incidence of BPPV (aHR; 0.01, 95% CI: 0.06–0.23, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Our study provides a novel etiology and possible treatment method for the prevention of BPPV. Further studies may focus on the pathophysiological mechanism of estrogen in BPPV patients and the development of new drugs for the prevention and treatment of BPPV.