A study of auditory brainstem response in vitiligo patients

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Vitiligo is a hypomelanotic, idiopathic disease influencing entire pigmentary system which includes stria vascularis of internal ear described by depigmented patches in the skin because of absence of melanin and functioning melanocytes in the epidermis. The aim of this study was to assess the audiological irregularities by assessing the brain stem auditory evoked potential in vitiligo patients and comparing with the healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Forty clinically confirmed vitiligo patients of 20 to 40 years of both genders, with or without therapy were enlisted from the Dermatology and cosmetology outpatient clinics, Government Stanley Hospital. Forty controls with similar ages and genders were chosen. The Neuro perfect Medicaid polyrite instrument was used in recording Brainstem Evoked Reaction Audiometry (BERA) in both vitiligo individuals and controls. Inter-Peak Latencies (IPL) and Absolute Wave Latencies (AWL)were measured and analysed by using SPSS version 17. Student's independent 't' test was done for comparing the groups. Results: AWL and IPL of the two ears were measured and both were compared in the study and control groups. In the left ear, AWL III of study subjects had a significant increase 3.34+0.16 than that of controls 3.27+0.19; IPL I-III also significantly increased in the study subjects 1.91+0.16 than the controls 1.77+0.17. In the right ear, AWL III of study subjects had a significant increase 3.18+0.17 than the controls 3.06+0.15; IPL I-III also significantly increased in the study subjects 1.79+0.17 than the controls 1.64+0.16. Conclusion: BERA findings were abnormal in clinically asymptomatic research subjects, suggesting that this test should be included in the routine follow-up of vitiligo patients to detect audiological subclinical involvement.