Ocular Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Studies on ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) are inconsistent. The current study aimed to systematically review and report on existing studies on oVEMPs in DM. We performed a systematic review following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. To be included in the review and subsequent meta-analysis, the study had to report on ocular VEMPs (oVEMP) in DM individuals with and/or without peripheral neuropathy (PN). A search strategy for each of the major electronic databases was developed using the key words "diabetes mellitus" and "vestibular evoked myogenic potential" or "VEMP." A three-phase selection process was used for the final inclusion of studies, and the methodological quality of these studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale (NCOS). Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model, and the statistical heterogeneity was computed using the <i>I</i><sup>2</sup> index. For comparisons between DM and healthy controls, a significant difference was observed for oVEMP p1 latency (<i>P</i> = 0.03), and amplitude (<i>P</i> = 0.03). The nature of vestibular dysfunction in DM remains inconclusive. The results of our meta-analysis suggest that both central and peripheral vestibular dysfunction can be observed in DM. It appears that VEMPs may be useful in the early detection of neuropathy in DM. Prospective, well-designed studies are needed to investigate vestibular (dys)function in DM.