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The brainstem auditory evoked potential abnormalities in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
1Department of Chest Disease, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Icel, Turkey. satis@mersin.edu.tr
Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|September 14, 2001
Summary
Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) are frequently abnormal in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These auditory pathway impairments in COPD may stem from chronic brainstem hypoxia and hypercapnia.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
- Audiology
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease.
- COPD can lead to systemic complications, including neurological effects.
- Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) assess the integrity of the auditory pathway and brainstem function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) abnormalities in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- To explore potential correlations between BAEP alterations and physiological parameters in COPD.
Main Methods:
- Studied 21 patients with severe COPD and age-matched healthy controls.
- Excluded other causes of BAEP abnormalities.
- Performed pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, and bilateral BAEP measurements.
Main Results:
- BAEP abnormalities were observed in 76.1% of COPD patients.
- Prolonged latencies (wave I, V, and III-V interpeak) were the most common findings.
- No significant correlation found between BAEP parameters and blood gases, lung function, or disease duration.
Conclusions:
- Severe COPD is associated with significant eighth cranial nerve and brainstem dysfunction.
- Pathological BAEP alterations in COPD may result from chronic brainstem hypoxic-hypercapnic conditions.