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Abnormalities of the auditory brainstem response in vitiligo
G C Nikiforidis1, D G Tsambaos, D S Karamitsos
1Department of Medical Physics, University of Patras, Greece.
Scandinavian Audiology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Vitiligo may affect hearing, with patients showing altered auditory brainstem responses (ABR). These findings suggest subclinical auditory system abnormalities in individuals with this systemic pigmentary disorder.
Area of Science:
- Oto-neurology
- Dermatology
- Systemic autoimmune diseases
Background:
- Vitiligo is increasingly recognized as a systemic disease.
- Evidence suggests potential involvement of melanin-containing cells in the nervous system.
- Subclinical auditory system abnormalities in vitiligo patients are not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comparatively investigate auditory brainstem response (ABR) in patients with active vitiligo and healthy controls.
- To identify potential subclinical abnormalities in the auditory system associated with vitiligo.
Main Methods:
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing was performed.
- 30 patients with active vitiligo were compared to 50 healthy human subjects.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant decrease in wave I peak latency was observed in vitiligo patients (p < 0.01).
- A statistically significant increase in the I-III interpeak latency was found in vitiligo patients (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest subclinical auditory system dysfunction in vitiligo.
- Decreased wave I latency may relate to inner ear melanocyte changes impacting ion exchange.
- Increased I-III latency may indicate abnormal synaptic activity in auditory pathways.