Changes of Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex and Its Relation with Auditory functions in Chronic Renal Failure Patients Receiving Hemodialysis

Park, Hyun Min; Cho, Chung Seok; Park, Geun Hwan; Rhee, Chung Ku

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction are frequently found in patients receiving hemodialysis with chronic renal failure (CRF). However, the responsible etiologic factors, prevalence, relationship between auditory and vestibular dysfunction still remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to assess vestibular dysfunction and to investigate the relation between changes in vestibulo-ocul ar reflex (VOR) and auditory dysfunction in CRF patients receiving hemodialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients (70 ears) receiving hemodialysis with chronic renal failure were selected. Pure tone audiometry, monothermal caloric test, and velocity step rotation test were performed to assess the audio-vestibular function of the patients. Thirty normal controls were selected for comparison of vestibular function tests. RESULTS: Twenty-four (34%) out of 70 ears had pure tone average (PTA) of 25dBHL or more. The average peak velocity of caloric test and the value of slow cumulative eye position (SCEP) of velocity step test in the patient group were 18.7+/-10.5 d/sec and 376.9+/-170.0 degree, respectively. These values were significantly different from those of normal controls whose average peak velocity of caloric test and SCEP values of velocity step test were 25.3+/-6.0d/sec and 586.3+/- 207.3 degree, respectively(p<0.05). The results of caloric test and velocity step test in the patients with PTA of 25dBHI, or more were 10.2+/- 6.0 d/sec and 224.5+/-143.0 degree, respectively, while those of the patients with PTA of less than 25dBHL were 22.7+/-9.7 d/sec and 437.9+/-140.5 degree, respectively. These two groups showed a statistically significant difference(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The patients under hemodialysis with CRF exhibited reduced vestibular function compared to normal control group.