Recording of Visual Evoked Potential in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Hydroxychloroquine Treatment

Aim: Hydroxychloroquine HCQ is an antimalarial drug used to treat symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) diseases. This drug is having certain side effect on retina in visual system. The purpose of this study is to check the visual pathway of this patients using visual evoked potential (VEP). Method: Thirty RA female patients with 25-35 of age range were selected. They were under 200 mg/day of HCQ treatment for at least three years. They had normal visual acuity. VEP test was examined in total subjects. Latency (msec) and amplitude (µv) were measured for each patient. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for total case group. The result obtained was compared with the control group with same demographical condition of the patients, but no HCQ intake. Results: Two case and control groups had approximately same demographical conditions. The mean latency of VEP, P100 peak/S.D were 98/8.15 and 102/9.2 msec in control and case groups respectively. The mean amplitude of VEP, P100 Peak/S.D. were 8.2/2.25 and 7.4/2.18 µv in control and case group respectively. There were not statistical differences between mean latency and amplitude of VEP, P100 peak as far as case and control groups are concerned. Conclusion: From the results of present study one can conclude that HCQ does not affect visual pathway which can be proved using visual evoked potential.