Background
Few studies have reported a correlation between auditory brainstem response
(ABR) findings and nerve conduction studies (NCSs). The correlation between ABR
findings and the metabolic profile of these patients is not well documented in
previous studies. The present study was designed to investigate the impact of the
disturbed metabolic profile (hyperglyceridemia and hyperlipidemia) in diabetic
patients on the peripheral nervous system as well as the auditory brainstem
response.
Aim
The present study aimed to detect the effect of diabetic control on the presence of
abnormal ABR and/or peripheral nerve affection in Egyptian diabetic patients.
Patients and methods
The study was conducted on two groups: the diabetic group (n=68) and the control
group, which was matched for age, sex, blood pressure, and BMI (n=60). All
participants were subjected to clinical assessment, basic audiologic assessment,
brainstem auditory evoked potential, NCS, and metabolic profile [serum level of
glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%) and lipid profile].
Results
There was a significant increase in absolute wave latencies of ABR and interpeak
latencies (IPLs) in the diabetic group compared with the control group. Twenty-six
(38.2%) patients had abnormal ABR values. IPLs (I–III and III–V) were significantly
negatively correlated with sensory conduction velocity of the sural, median, and
ulnar nerves as well as F-wave latency of the posterior tibial, median, and ulnar
nerves (P=0.01 and 0.001, respectively). Moreover, IPL III–V and sural sensory
conduction velocity were significantly correlated with HbA1c% and total cholesterol,
as well as triglyceride serum levels.
Conclusion
Brainstem dysfunction and ABR changes are common in patients with type II
diabetes mellitus. These changes are significantly correlated to NCS parameters on
one hand and serum HbA1c% and lipid profile (total cholesterol and triglycerides)
on the other hand.