[Multimodal evoked potentials in malabsorption syndrome]

The multimodal evoked potentials (visual, somatosensory and auditory brainstem) in 23 patients with malabsorption syndrome of different origin were investigated. The diagnosis of the disease was confirmed on the basis of histological examination and result of D-ksyloza test. The control group consisted of 30 healthy persons. Examination of visual evoked potentials revealed significant prolongation of latency of P 100 component in examined group in comparison with controls. Latency of N13 and N20 of somatosensory evoked potentials in patients with malabsorption syndrome were also significantly prolonged when compared to controls, otherwise transit time to cortex (TTC) was merely prolonged. Auditory brainstem potentials were also abnormal. Changes involved prolongation of latency of I, III and V responses and prolongation of interpeak latencies of I-III, III-V, I-V as well. The amplitudes of the examined evoked potentials between patients and controls did not differ significantly. On the basis of obtained results in was pointed out that different specific afferent systems are affected in patients with malabsorption syndrome what seems to be connected with vitamin's deficiency, especially B12 and E. Authors conclude that multimodal evoked potentials examinations are useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease, specially in subclinical cases.