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Detection of antibodies to the 68-kD (hsp-70) antigen associated with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).
Positive results may be found in other autoimmune conditions or certain infectious diseases. Results should be interpreted in light of the patient's clinical history and other laboratory findings.
Results for this test are for research purposes only by the assay's manufacturer. The performance characteristics of this product have not been established. Results should not be used as a diagnostic procedure without confirmation of the diagnosis by another medically established diagnostic product or procedure.
Sensorineural hearing loss, commonly referred to as nerve deafness, may be caused by genetic or acquired factors, such as infections, or it can be immunologically mediated. In the majority of SNHL cases, no cause is apparent and such cases are referred to as idiopathic SNHL. Serum antibody tests to anti-68-kD inner ear antigen can aid in identifying these cases. Using the Western blot technique in patients with progressive SNHL found 35% to be positive for a specific anticochlear antibody in their serum. Recent studies have shown that 32% of patients with idiopathic bilateral SNHL are positive by Western blot. Anti-68-kD (hsp-70) antibodies also occur in approximately 60% of patients with bilateral and 35% of patients with unilateral Ménière's syndrome, an inner ear syndrome that affects balance and hearing.
