Diagnostic Value of Ischemia-Modified Albumin as a Biomarker in Patients with Peripheral Vertigo at Emergency Department of State Hospital in Ankara: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: In previous studies, it was shown that ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is an early marker of ischemia and different pathologies. However, IMA level change is unknown in patients with peripheral vertigo. It is also known that serum albumin levels can change in some patients with peripheral vertigo and that changes in serum albumin levels affect IMA levels. Aim: In this study, we aimed to assess IMA, albumin-adjusted IMA, and albumin levels in patients with peripheral vertigo by comparing a control group. Materials and Methods: This prospective, case-control study included 46 patients aged 18-70 years who presented to emergency department with vertigo. Forty-nine healthy volunteers without known disease were included as controls. Serum albumin and IMA levels were measured, and albumin-adjusted IMA levels were calculated. Data were analyzed by statistical methods. Results: Mean age was 54.0 ± 15.7 in the patient group, whereas 43.8 ± 9.9 years in the control group. Albumin level was found to be significantly lower in patients with peripheral vertigo when compared to controls (P < 0.001). IMA level was found to be higher in the patient group compared to the controls, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.06). However, albumin-adjusted IMA, which shows the real IMA level, was found to be higher than the control group (P = 0.02). Conclusion: It was observed that IMA level was slightly higher in patients with peripheral vertigo, although not significantly, compared to the control group. However, the albumin-adjusted IMA level, which indicates the real IMA level, was observed to be higher in this group than in the control group. It was determined that the sensitivity of this test was 34%, and the specificity was 87%. Patients with peripheral vertigo had lower albumin levels compared to controls.