Evaluation of Saccular Function with cVEMP In Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease characterized by sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus and vestibular disorders. Studies have shown that vestibular symptoms are quite common in patients with SLE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) test and saccular dysfunction and the possible relationship between SLE and vertigo in patients with SLE.

Materials and methods: Forty-six SLE patients (aged 18-40 years) and forty healthy volunteers (aged 20-40 years) were included in the study. Patients with SLE were questioned about their duration of the disease, hearing status and balance. Pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry and cVEMP tests were performed to all patients in SLE and control groups.

Results: When P1 and N1 latencies were compared by the cVEMP in SLE and control groups, P1 and N1 latencies of the left and right ears of the SLE group were found to be significantly longer than the control group (p <0.05). In twenty-six SLE patients with vertigo, P1 and N1 latencies were significantly longer than patients with SLE without vertigo. There was also a significant relationship between vertigo and duration of the disease (p <0.05). It was found that the rates of saccular dysfunction were higher in patients with SLE.

Conclusion: This study showed a strong association between the balance disorders and SLE which is an autoimmune disease. Patients with SLE had a higher rate of saccular dysfunction, and there was a significant relationship between duration of the disease and vertigo.

Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus; Saccular function; cVEMP