Abstract
ObjectivesPrimary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune, multisystem exocrinopathy characterized by dysfunction of the exocrine glands. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is estimated to be present in 10–60% patients with pSS. The present study aimed to evaluate brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) in pSS patients without central nervous system involvement, and without otolaryngological abnormalities.MethodThirty-six pSS patients (35 women, 1 man, mean age 48 years old) and 40 healthy volunteers were investigated. BAEP, brain imaging, laboratory parameters, and clinical neurological and otolaryngological examinations were performed.ResultsAbnormal BAEP were recorded in 16.7% patients. The mean wave BAEP I and V latency and mean wave III-V and I-V interpeak latencies were significantly longer in pSS patients than the controls. There were no statistically significant correlations between BAEP parameters and laboratory tests. None of the patients was found having the abnormalities on brain imaging.ConclusionsThis study confirms that in pSS patients without clinical central nervous system impairment, auditory pathway disturbances could be found. Disorders of brain bioelectrical activity may be a consequence of ongoing autoimmune process.Key Points• BAEP abnormalities confirmed the clinically observed involvement of the central nervous system in patients with pSS.• Brain bioelectrical activity dysfunctions in pSS patients may be a consequence of ongoing inflammatory and/or immunological processes.
Highlights
Primary Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic, multisystem autoimmune exocrinopathy characterized by dysfunction of the exocrine glands
Disease activity was evaluated with reference to the items included in the EULAR primary Sjögren’s syndrome disease activity (ESSDAI) and EULAR Sjögren’s syndrome patients reported index (ESSPRI) [7]
There were no significant differences in age and sex distribution between Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients and the control group
Summary
Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a chronic, multisystem autoimmune exocrinopathy characterized by dysfunction of the exocrine glands. Hearing damage and neuropathy of the eighth cranial nerve are very rare manifestations of pSS. They can occur in up to 25% of patients with pSS, but the exact frequency of these abnormalities is unknown [3,4,5]. Evoked potentials study (EP) is a precise, noninvasive, and sensitive technique that enables the evaluation of the brain’s bioelectrical activity in patients with pSS. EPs are useful in patients with mild or without clinical neurological symptoms. These methods have not been used so far in studies on pSS, investigating its origin and methods of its evaluation
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