OBJECTIVE: To explore the characteristics of auditory brainstem response(ABR) in severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. METHOD: ABR was recorded in 37 severe OSAHS patients (OSAHS group) and 20 controls. RESULT: (1) In the OSAHS group, the latency values of waves I, III and V were (1.67+/-0.20) ms, (3.87+/-0.31) ms, (5.70+/-0.31) ms respectively. In the control group, the latency values of waves I, III and V were (1.60+/-0.11) ms, (3.81+/-0.23) ms, (5.61+/-0.23) ms respectively. A statistically significant prolongation was found in the latency values of waves I in OSAHS group compared to control group (P < 0.05). (2) When comparing to the control group, the transmission time between waves III and V was found to be prolonged and waves I and III to be shortened in the OSAHS group. Furthermore, the change was considered statistically significant (P <0.05). (3) A statistically significant elevation was found in response threshold of wave V when comparing to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The pathological sleepiness seen in OSAHS patients may cause ABR abnormalities, as a consequence of the chronic hypoxic and hypercapnic status occurring in the brain-stem and cochlear.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the characteristics of auditory brainstem response(ABR) in severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. METHOD: ABR was recorded in 37 severe OSAHS patients (OSAHS group) and 20 controls. RESULT: (1) In the OSAHS group, the latency values of waves I, III and V were (1.67+/-0.20) ms, (3.87+/-0.31) ms, (5.70+/-0.31) ms respectively. In the control group, the latency values of waves I, III and V were (1.60+/-0.11) ms, (3.81+/-0.23) ms, (5.61+/-0.23) ms respectively. A statistically significant prolongation was found in the latency values of waves I in OSAHS group compared to control group (P < 0.05). (2) When comparing to the control group, the transmission time between waves III and V was found to be prolonged and waves I and III to be shortened in the OSAHS group. Furthermore, the change was considered statistically significant (P <0.05). (3) A statistically significant elevation was found in response threshold of wave V when comparing to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The pathological sleepiness seen in OSAHS patients may cause ABR abnormalities, as a consequence of the chronic hypoxic and hypercapnic status occurring in the brain-stem and cochlear.