Evaluation of Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Response in Vitiligo Patients
Journal of Pan-Arab League of Dermatologists
Vol. 19, No. 1, February 2008 Page 91-97
Evaluation of Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Response in Vitiligo Patients
Moustafa A Elsaied*, Yousry A Abu Naga** and Ibrahim M Abdo*** Departments of Dermatology, Andrology & STDs*, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Neurology**, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University and ENT***, Saudi German Hospital, Madina, KSA
Abstract
Background:The melanocytes in the inner ear are thought to have a crucial role in normal stria vascularis development, modulating the transduction of the auditory stimuli and preventing the damage to the hair cells. So, mechanisms destroying the melanocytes in vitiligo patients could also affect melanocytes in the inner ear.
Objective:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the auditory functions in vitiligo patients to detect possible electrophysiologically subclinical abnormalities of the auditory system in comparison to healthy persons.
Methods:Forty vitiligo patients & 30 healthy controls were subjected to clinical examination, otological examination, pure tone audiometry (PTA) and brain stem auditory evoked response (BAER) evaluation.
Results:A statistically significant increase in lead III latency of left ear in vitiligo patients (p = 0.04*). The left ear IPLs (I-III and I-V) show statistically significant increase in vitiligo patients (P= 0.001*** & 0.04* respectively). Also, the right ear IPL (III-V) show statistically significant increase in vitiligo patients (P= 0.02*). No significant differences of either BAER parameters or PTA were found. Also, no statistically significant differences were found in ABERs parameters between patients with generalized and localized vitiligo.
Conclusion:Our results support possible electrophysiologic changes in ABER in vitiligo patients more apparent than that of PTA. Follow up with ABER along the course of the disease would be of benefit to detect early auditory abnormalities.
Journal of Pan-Arab League of Dermatologists
Vol. 19, No. 1, February 2008 Page 91-97
Evaluation of Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Response in Vitiligo Patients
Moustafa A Elsaied*, Yousry A Abu Naga** and Ibrahim M Abdo*** Departments of Dermatology, Andrology & STDs*, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Neurology**, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University and ENT***, Saudi German Hospital, Madina, KSA
Abstract
Background:The melanocytes in the inner ear are thought to have a crucial role in normal stria vascularis development, modulating the transduction of the auditory stimuli and preventing the damage to the hair cells. So, mechanisms destroying the melanocytes in vitiligo patients could also affect melanocytes in the inner ear.
Objective:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the auditory functions in vitiligo patients to detect possible electrophysiologically subclinical abnormalities of the auditory system in comparison to healthy persons.
Methods:Forty vitiligo patients & 30 healthy controls were subjected to clinical examination, otological examination, pure tone audiometry (PTA) and brain stem auditory evoked response (BAER) evaluation.
Results:A statistically significant increase in lead III latency of left ear in vitiligo patients (p = 0.04*). The left ear IPLs (I-III and I-V) show statistically significant increase in vitiligo patients (P= 0.001*** & 0.04* respectively). Also, the right ear IPL (III-V) show statistically significant increase in vitiligo patients (P= 0.02*). No significant differences of either BAER parameters or PTA were found. Also, no statistically significant differences were found in ABERs parameters between patients with generalized and localized vitiligo.
Conclusion:Our results support possible electrophysiologic changes in ABER in vitiligo patients more apparent than that of PTA. Follow up with ABER along the course of the disease would be of benefit to detect early auditory abnormalities.