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Published on: October 23, 2020
Assessment of retinal and hearing impairments related to microvascular dysfunction in metabolic syndrome
Emel Cetinkaya1, Sema Basat2, Yasar Sertbas3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Kirklareli University Faculty of Medicine, Kirklareli, Turkiye.
Objective:
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a global health issue linked to both macrovascular and emerging microvascular complications. This study aimed to assess microvascular complications of MetS, including retinopathy and hearing loss.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 102 adults (70 with MetS, 32 controls) from an internal medicine clinic. Participants underwent metabolic profiling and standardized eye and hearing evaluations, including fundoscopy, audiometry, and symptom screening. Sensory complications were analyzed in relation to MetS and its components using regression models.
Results:
Retinal abnormalities were more common in the MetS group (50%) than in controls (18.7%) (p=0.007), with hypertension as the only independent predictor (OR=2.623, p=0.022). Sensorineural hearing loss affected 23.5% of participants and was linked to higher metabolic burden (p=0.038), though age and male sex were the main predictors. Tinnitus was more frequent in MetS patients (19% vs. 3%) (p=0.059), with triglycerides independently predicting its risk (OR=1.006, p=0.021). Vertigo occurred in 11.4% of MetS patients but not in controls (p=0.054), with hypertension showing borderline significance (OR=7.311, p=0.065).
Conclusion:
Metabolic syndrome, particularly hypertension and dyslipidemia, is associated with increased risk of retinopathy, hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. These findings suggest systemic metabolic dysfunction may impair microvascular structures in the eye and inner ear. Routine sensory screening in MetS patients may enable early detection and prevention.
