ASSESSMENT OF SUBCLINICAL INNER EAR DYSFUNCTION IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Nabil Bayoumi Ahmed, Hager; Zakaria Shehata, Omaima; Abd-el Raouf  Mekki, Soha; Hammad, Marwa

doi:10.21608/zumj.2019.30945

ASSESSMENT OF SUBCLINICAL INNER EAR DYSFUNCTION IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

10.21608/zumj.2019.30945

Abstract

Introduction: In patients with spondyloarthropathies, underlying autoimmune mechanisms and vasculitis may affect audiovestibular system. In previously presented studies, presence of sensory neural hearing loss (SNHL) was detected in some patients with PsA.
Aim: The aim of this study was early detection of subclinical inner ear affection in psoriatic arthritis patients.
Methods: a case-control study was carried out in Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department and Audiovestibular unit, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University Hospitals. The sample size was calculated to be 32 divided into 2 groups: 16 psoriatic arthritis patients (Group 1) and 16 apparently healthy age and sex matched controls (Group 2). Psoriatic arthritis patients were gathered according to CASPAR classification criteria for psoriatic arthritis. All participants underwent an otoscopic examination & pure tone audiometry (PTA) with air conduction testing from 250 through 8000Hz delivered through headphone TDH39 and bone conduction testing from 500 through 4000Hz, bone conduction stimulus will be delivered via bone conduction vibrator model B71 on mastoid using ascending, descending techniques and speech audiometry.
Results: Significant differences in the pure-tone audiogram values at 8000 Hz and acoustic reflex at 4000 Hz detected in patients with PsA also tympanometric values were statistically different relative to control group indicating involvement of the functions of the inner ear. There is significant difference between PsA and control group regarding acoustic reflex in contralateral ear both right and left ear at 4000 Hz. No significant difference between PsA and control group regarding speech reception threshold and Speech discrimination in both right and left ear.
Conclusion: this study provides evidence suggesting the presence of subclinical SNHL in PsA patients denoting necessity of audiological assessment of PsA patients.

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