Vibratory and cooling detection thresholds compared with other tests in diagnosing and staging diabetic neuropathy

Increasingly more tests are being used to detect and characterize diabetic polyneuropathy, but their value in setting minimal criteria for the diagnosis of neuropathy and for staging severity remains inadequately studied. In 180 diabetics, we compared the percentage of patients with test abnormalities and associations among test results, evaluating neuropathic symptoms [neuropathy symptom score (NSS) and neuropathy scale of neuropathy symptom profile (NNSP)], deficits [neurologic disability score (NDS) and vibratory (VDT) and cooling (CDT) detection thresholds], or nerve dysfunction [nerve conduction (NC)]. The percentage of patients that were abnormal varied considerably depending on criteria for abnormality and the tests used. Abnormality (greater than or equal to 3 SD of 1 or more parameters) of NC of one or more of four nerves occurred in 80%, of two or more in 69%, of three or more in 46%, and of four in 21%. Similarly, for other tests, the rate of abnormality decreased with use of increasingly stringent criteria. Setting the criteria for abnormal NC at abnormality of two or more nerves, NSS at greater than or equal to 1, NDS at greater than 6, NNSP at greater than or equal to 97.5th percentile, and at greater than or equal to 95th percentile for the other tests, NC was abnormal in 69%, NSS in 54%, NDS in 48%, NNSP in 47%, VDT in 44%, and CDT in 35%. Abnormality of any two or more of the six tests evaluated occurred in 64% of patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The carpal tunnel syndrome.

Chronic carpal tunnel syndrome was initially described by James Jackson Putnam in 1880. A number of medical luminaries have also contributed to our understanding of the syndrome, including Paget, Marie, Ramsay Hunt, Phalen. and Osler. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral compression neuropathy. Most cases are idiopathic, with nonspecific tenosynovitis leading to median nerve compression. A number of diseases and other conditions are also associated with chronic carpal tunnel. Patients characteristically complain of nocturnal paresthesias or burning pain. Motor complaints relate to thenar muscular weakness and atrophy. Bedside diagnostic tests include Tinel's and Phalen's signs, and application of pressure over the median nerve by inflating a sphygmomanometer over the wrist. Tinel's sign is the induction of paresthesias by tapping over the site of the median nerve at the wrist. In Phalen's sign, symptoms are reproduced by maximum flexion of the wrist for 60 s. The classically described patients are middle-aged women. In addition, another distinct population is receiving increased attention, the relatively young male and female workers who experience symptoms performing repetitive manual labor.     

Screening techniques to identify people at high risk for diabetic foot ulceration: a prospective multicenter trial

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic foot ulceration is a preventable long-term complication of diabetes. A multicenter prospective follow-up study was conducted to determine which risk factors in foot screening have a high association with the development of foot ulceration. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 248 patients from 3 large diabetic foot centers were enrolled in a prospective study. Neuropathy symptom score, neuropathy disability score (NDS), vibration perception threshold (VPT), Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWFs), joint mobility, peak plantar foot pressures, and vascular status were evaluated in all patients at the beginning of the study. Patients were followed-up every 6 months for a mean period of 30 months (range 6-40), and all new foot ulcers were recorded. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of each risk factor were evaluated. RESULTS: Foot ulcers developed in 95 feet (19%) or 73 patients (29%) during the study. Patients who developed foot ulcers were more frequently men, had diabetes for a longer duration, had nonpalpable pedal pulses, had reduced joint mobility, had a high NDS, had a high VPT, and had an inability to feel a 5.07 SWE NDS alone had the best sensitivity, whereas the combination of the NDS and the inability to feel a 5.07 SWF reached a sensitivity of 99%. On the other hand, the best specificity for a single factor was offered by foot pressures, and the best combination was that of NDS and foot pressures. Univariate logistical regression analysis yielded a statistically significant odds ratio (OR) for sex, race, duration of diabetes, palpable pulses, history of foot ulceration, high NDSs, high VPTs, high SWFs, and high foot pressures. In addition, 94 (99%) of the 95 ulcerated feet had a high NDS and/or SWF which resulted in the highest OR of 26.2 (95% CI 3.6-190). Furthermore, in multivariate logistical regression analysis, the only significant factors were high NDSs, VPTs, SWFs, and foot pressures. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical examination and a 5.07 SWF test are the two most sensitive tests in identifying patients at risk for foot ulceration, especially when the tests are used in conjunction with each other. VPT measurements are also helpful and can be used as an alternative. Finally, foot pressure measurements offer a substantially higher specificity and can be used as a postscreening test in conjunction with providing appropriate footwear.     

Prevalence and characteristics of painful diabetic neuropathy in a large community-based diabetic population in the U.K

OBJECTIVE

To assess, in the general diabetic population, 1) the prevalence of painful neuropathic symptoms; 2) the relationship between symptoms and clinical severity of neuropathy; and 3) the role of diabetes type, sex, and ethnicity in painful neuropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Observational study of a large cohort of diabetic patients receiving community-based health care in northwest England (n = 15,692). Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) was assessed using neuropathy symptom score (NSS) and neuropathy disability score (NDS).

RESULTS

Prevalence of painful symptoms (NSS ≥5) and PDN (NSS ≥5 and NDS ≥3) was 34 and 21%, respectively. Painful symptoms occurred in 26% of patients without neuropathy (NDS ≤2) and 60% of patients with severe neuropathy (NDS >8). Adjusted risk of painful neuropathic symptoms in type 2 diabetes was double that of type 1 diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1 [95% CI 1.7–2.4], P < 0.001) and not affected by severity of neuropathy, insulin use, foot deformities, smoking, or alcohol. Women had 50% increased adjusted risk of painful symptoms compared with men (OR = 1.5 [1.4–1.6], P < 0.0001). Despite less neuropathy in South Asians (14%) than Europeans (22%) and African Caribbeans (21%) (P < 0.0001), painful symptoms were greater in South Asians (38 vs. 34 vs. 32%, P < 0.0001). South Asians without neuropathy maintained a 50% increased risk of painful neuropathy symptoms compared with other ethnic groups (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of all community-based diabetic patients have painful neuropathy symptoms, regardless of their neuropathic deficit. PDN was more prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes, women, and people of South Asian origin. This highlights a significant morbidity due to painful neuropathy and identifies key groups who warrant screening for PDN.Neuropathy is one of the most common long-term complications of diabetes and is the main initiating factor for foot ulceration, Charcot neuroarthropathy, and lower-extremity amputation (1). However, the quality and even quantity of epidemiological data on symptomatic diabetic neuropathy remain poor due to inconsistent definitions, poor ascertainment, and a lack of population-based studies. Of three large, clinic-based studies from Europe, the prevalence of diabetic polyneuropathy varied from 23 to 29% (2–4). In the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) cohort of 2,368 type 2 diabetic patients with coronary artery disease, the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was 51% (5). However, in all of these studies, although neuropathy symptoms were assessed as part of the diagnostic definition of diabetic neuropathy, the prevalence of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) per se was not established. In our large, community-based survey of 9,710 predominantly type 2 diabetic patients derived from general practice in northwest England, the prevalence of at least moderate neuropathic deficits as defined by a neuropathy disability score (NDS ≥6) was 22% and at least moderate neuropathy symptoms as defined by the neuropathy symptom score (NSS ≥5) was 34% (6).PDN is considered to be the cause of considerable morbidity and, under the auspices of the American Academy of Neurology, evidence-based guidelines have been published for the management of this difficult condition (7). However, there is a distinct paucity of robust, population-based epidemiological data on the prevalence and natural history of this condition, limited to a few small studies. Thus, in a small population-based study of 269 diabetic patients from Wales, whereas 64% reported pain, only 26% were confirmed to have PDN, but interestingly those with PDN had a significantly poorer quality of life compared with those with nonneuropathic pain (8). In a study of 350 diabetic patients from Liverpool, 13% of patients with PDN had never reported their symptoms to their treating physician and a further 39% had not received any treatment for PDN (9). In a recent study of 1,113 diabetic patients attending secondary care clinics across Turkey, whereas 62% had neuropathy based on abnormal nerve conduction and clinical examination, only 16% had neuropathic pain according to the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs score (10).The natural history of PDN remains unclear, although in a small longitudinal study, 77% of 56 diabetic patients with painful neuropathy were found to continue with nonabating pain after 5 years (11). Although it has been suggested that painful symptoms abate with progressive worsening of neuropathy, this has not been supported by a study that has demonstrated equal prevalence of painful symptoms in those with mild compared with more advanced neuropathy (12).Therefore there is a significant lack of large, population-based data defining the size of the neuropathic pain problem and attempting to provide some explanations toward pain etiology. We have had the unique opportunity to assess the following in a large, community-based diabetic population: 1) the prevalence of painful neuropathic symptoms; 2) the relationship between neuropathic symptoms and severity of clinical neuropathy; 3) the differences in neuropathic symptoms between patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes; and 4) the role of sex and ethnicity.     

糖尿病性周围神经病常用评分量表比较与研究

目的探讨下肢神经损害评分（NIS-LL）、密西根神经病变筛选表（MNSI）、密西根糖尿病性周围神经病评分（MDNS）、神经残疾评分（NDS）、神经系统症状评分（NSS）对于糖尿病性周围神经病（DPN）的诊断价值并比较其差异,以期寻找出有较高临床应用价值的评分方法。方法对符合入选标准的115例2型糖尿病患者进行5个评分量表的评分和神经电生理检查。以神经电生理结果作为标准,分析各量表的特异度、灵敏度、ROC曲线下面积等,比较不同量表诊断DPN的准确性和诊断效率。结果各量表的灵敏度和特异度分别为：NIS-LL（47．9％,95．5％）,MNSI（98．5％,61．2％）,MDNS（87．5％,62．7％）,NDS（97．5％,13．4％）,NSS（52．1％,83．6％）。结论5种评分量表中,MNSI似乎更适合用于DPN的初步筛杏以及流行病学调杏。     

血尿酸水平与2型糖尿病周围神经病变的相关性

目的 探讨2型糖尿病患者血尿酸水平与糖尿病周围神经病变（DPN）之间的相关性.方法 148例住院的2型糖尿病患者,根据是否合并DPN分为单纯2型糖尿病组（A组）82例,糖尿病周围神经病变组（B组）66例,所有患者均测量体质量指数（BMI）、血尿酸（SUA）、空腹血糖（FPG）、血脂、超敏C反应蛋白（CRP）,糖化血红蛋白（HbA1c）等,采用神经缺陷评分（NDS）方法判断有无DPN.结果 B组的SUA、糖尿病病程、CRP、甘油三酯（TG）明显高于A组,相关分析表明SUA与NDS评分之间呈明显正相关（r=0.723,P〈0.01）.结论 血尿酸与2型糖尿病周围神经病变密切相关,血尿酸是否参与糖尿病周围神经病变的发病有待进一步研究.     

Correlation of epidermal nerve fiber density with pain-related evoked potentials in HIV neuropathy

HIV associated sensory neuropathy is a common neurological disorder with reported prevalence of 53%. When only small fibers are involved, the diagnosis of neuropathy remains difficult since standard nerve conduction studies generally are unremarkable. We assessed a method to identify small-fiber neuropathy using electrically evoked pain-related potentials and correlated the electrophysiological results with intraepidermal nerve fiber density in patients with HIV associated sensory neuropathy. Nineteen HIV positive patients were investigated for clinically diagnosed peripheral neuropathy with Neuropathy Symptoms Score (NSS)  3 and Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS)  5. Nine healthy HIV negative control subjects were recruited. We performed standard nerve conduction testing, electrically evoked pain-related potentials and skin biopsy in all participants. Pain-related evoked potentials revealed abnormalities in all HIV positive neuropathy patients, while standard nerve conduction testing was abnormal in eight patients only. Pain-related evoked potential latencies and amplitudes strongly correlated with intraepidermal nerve fiber density. The method of pain-related evoked potential conduction appears to be a sensitive, fast, non-invasive technique for the detection of small-fiber neuropathy and may prove to become a valuable diagnostic asset.     

皮肤交感反应早期诊断糖尿病周围神经病的价值分析

目的探讨皮肤交感反应(SSR)对糖尿病周围神经病(DPN)的早期诊断价值。方法 2型糖尿病患者200例,其中有周围神经损害症状组(有症状组)100例、无周围神经损害症状组(无症状组)100例,正常对照组60例,均进行四肢感觉、运动神经传导检测(NCS)和SSR检测。结果糖尿病患者感觉神经异常比例高于运动神经,下肢神经损害的程度重于上肢(均P0.05);四肢NCS正常的52例糖尿病患者中SSR异常率达67.3%(35/52)。无症状组与有症状组SSR异常率比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.01);糖尿病患者单独应用SSR检测的总异常率为81.5%,应用NCS检测的总异常率为74.0%,两种检测技术异常率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);糖尿病患者SSR联合NCS检测的总异常率高达90.0%,有症状组、无症状组联合检测的异常率均明显高于单独使用NCS检测的异常率(均P0.05)。结论糖尿病患者在无症状早期即存在不同程度的周围神经病变,感觉神经、运动神经、自主神经均可受累,且以小纤维神经受累为主,随症状出现周围神经损害进一步加重。NCS是诊断DPN的基本检查,将其与SSR联合进行检测,能明显提高亚临床型DPN的早期检出率。     

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy and depressive symptoms: the association revisited

OBJECTIVE: We examined the association between severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and depressive symptoms and investigated the potential mediators of this association. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess depressive symptoms in 494 patients (mean age 62 years; 70% male; 72% type 2 diabetic) with diabetic neuropathy diagnosed by the Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) and the Vibration Perception Threshold (VPT). Diabetic neuropathy symptoms, activities of daily living (ADLs), and social self-perception were measured by the neuropathy and foot ulcer-specific quality-of-life instrument, NeuroQoL; perceptions of diabetic neuropathy symptom unpredictability and the lack of effective treatment were assessed by the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire. RESULTS: Both the NDS and VPT were significantly associated with the HADS after controlling for demographic and disease variables. Although diabetic neuropathy symptoms mediated this association, with unsteadiness being most strongly associated with HADS, the relationship between foot ulceration and depression was nonsignificant. The association between diabetic neuropathy symptoms and HADS was partially mediated by two sets of psychosocial variables: 1) perceptions of diabetic neuropathy symptom unpredictability and the lack of treatment control and 2) restrictions in ADLs and changes in social self-perception. CONCLUSIONS: These findings establish the association between diabetic neuropathy and depressive symptoms and identify potential targets for interventions to alleviate depressive symptoms in persons affected by diabetic peripheral neuropathy.     

Can motor nerve conduction velocity predict foot problems in diabetic subjects over a 6-year outcome period?

OBJECTIVE: This study examined motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and other peripheral nerve and vascular tests as predictors for foot ulceration, amputation, and mortality in diabetes over a 6-year follow-up period. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We recruited 169 diabetic subjects (without significant peripheral vascular disease with an ankle brachial pressure index [ABPI] >/=0.75) for the study and separated them into groups (to ensure diversity of nerve function). The control group consisted of 22 nondiabetic people. At baseline, all subjects underwent assessment of MNCV; vibration, pressure, and temperature perception thresholds; peripheral vascular function; and other diabetes assessments. RESULTS: Over the 6-year outcome period, 37.3% of the diabetic subjects developed at least one new ulcer, 11.2% had a lower-limb amputation (LLA) (minor or major), and 18.3% died. Using multivariate Cox's regression analysis (RR [95% CI] and removing previous ulcers as a confounding variable, MNCV was found to be the best predictor of new ulceration (0.90 [0.84-0.96], P = 0.001) and the best predictors of amputation were pressure perception threshold (PPT) (5.18 [1.96-13.68], P = 0.001) and medial arterial calcification (2.88 [1.13-7.35], P = 0.027). Creatinine (1.01 [1.00-1.01], P < 0.001), MNCV (0.84 [0.73-0.97], P = 0.016), and skin oxygen levels (14.32 [3.04-67.52], P = 0.001) were the best predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that MNCV, which is often assessed in clinical trials of neuropathy, can predict foot ulceration and death in diabetes. In addition, tests of PPT and medial arterial calcification can be used in the clinic to predict LLA in diabetic subjects.     

Management of carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects approximately 3 percent of adults in the United States. Pain and paresthesias in the distribution of the median nerve are the classic symptoms. While Tinel's sign and a positive Phalen's maneuver are classic clinical signs of the syndrome, hypalgesia and weak thumb abduction are more predictive of abnormal nerve conduction studies. Conservative treatment options include splinting the wrist in a neutral position and ultrasound therapy. Orally administered corticosteroids can be effective for short-term management (two to four weeks), but local corticosteroid injections may improve symptoms for a longer period. A recent systematic review demonstrated that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pyridoxine, and diuretics are no more effective than placebo in relieving the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. If symptoms are refractory to conservative measures or if nerve conduction studies show severe entrapment, open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release may be necessary. Carpal tunnel syndrome should be treated conservatively in pregnant women because spontaneous postpartum resolution is common.     

The forefoot-to-rearfoot plantar pressure ratio is increased in severe diabetic neuropathy and can predict foot ulceration

OBJECTIVE: We have previously demonstrated that high plantar pressures can predict foot ulceration in diabetic patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate both the relationship between forefoot and rearfoot plantar pressure in diabetic patients with different degrees of peripheral neuropathy and their role in ulcer development. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Diabetic patients of a 30-month prospective study were classified according to the neuropathy disability score: scores of 0, 1-5, 6-16, and 17-28 are defined as absent (n = 20), mild (n = 66), moderate (n = 95), and severe (n = 57) neuropathy, respectively. The F-Scan mat system was used to measure dynamic plantar pressures. The peak pressures under the forefoot and the rearfoot were selectively measured for each foot, and the forefoot-to-rearfoot ratio (F/R ratio) was calculated. RESULTS: Foot ulcers developed in 73 (19%) feet. The peak pressures were increased in the forefoot of the severe and moderate neuropathic groups compared with the mild neuropathic and non-neuropathic groups (6.2 +/- 4.5 and 3.8 +/- 2.7 vs. 3.0 +/- 2.1 and 3.3 +/- 2.1 kg/cm(2) [mean +/- SD], respectively; P < 0.0001). The rearfoot pressures were also higher in the severe and moderate neuropathic groups compared with the mild neuropathic and non-neuropathic groups (3.2 +/- 2.0 and 3.2 +/- 1.9 vs. 2.5 +/- 1.3 and 2.3 +/- 1.0, respectively; P < 0.0001). The F/R ratio was increased only in the severe group compared with the moderate and mild neuropathic and non-neuropathic groups (2.3 +/- 2.4 vs. 1.5 +/- 1.2, 1.3 +/- 0.9, and 1.6 +/- 1.0, respectively; P < 0.0001). In a logistic regression analysis, both forefoot pressure (odds ratio 1.19 [95% CI 1.11-1.28], P < 0.0001) and the F/R ratio (1.37 [1.16-1.61], P < 0.0001) were related to risk of foot ulceration, whereas rearfoot pressure was not. CONCLUSIONS: Both the rearfoot and forefoot pressures are increased in the diabetic neuropathic foot, whereas the F/R ratio is increased only in severe diabetic neuropathy, indicating an imbalance in pressure distribution with increasing degrees of neuropathy. This may lend further evidence toward the concept that equinus develops in the latest stages of peripheral neuropathy and may play an important role in the etiology of diabetic foot ulceration.     

Relationships between presynaptic inhibition and static postural sway in subjects with and without diabetic neuropathy

[Purpose] Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can often lead to balance impairment. The spinal reflex is a mechanism that is reportedly important for balance, but it has not been investigated in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients. Moreover, inhibitory or facilitatory behavior of the spinal reflex—known as presynaptic inhibition—is essential for controlling postural sway. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in as presynaptic inhibition and balance in subjects with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy to determine the influence of presynaptic inhibition on balance in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients. [Subjects and Methods] Presynaptic inhibition and postural sway were tested in eight patients (mean age, 58±6 years) and eight normal subjects (mean age, 59±7 years). The mean percent difference in conditioned reflex amplitude relative to the unconditioned reflex amplitude was assessed to calculate as presynaptic inhibition. The single-leg balance index was measured using a computerized balance-measuring device. [Results] The diabetic peripheral neuropathy group showed lower presynaptic inhibition (47±30% vs. 75±22%) and decreased balance (0.65±0.24 vs. 0.38±0.06) as compared with the normal group. No significant correlation was found between as presynaptic inhibition and balance score (R=0.37). [Conclusion] Although the decreased as presynaptic inhibition observed in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients may suggest central nervous system involvement, further research is necessary to explore the role of presynaptic inhibition in decreased balance in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients.Key words: Presynaptic inhibition, Static postural sway, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy     

Physical therapy management of entrapment of the superficial peroneal nerve in the lower leg: A case report

This case report describes a 40-year-old male who presented with complaints of pain in the left lower lateral one-third of the leg. Tenderness was elicited 9.7?cm above the lateral malleoli with a positive Tinel's sign at the same site causing radiating pain into the foot (visual analog scale (VAS) score of 6.3?cm). Physical diagnosis for entrapment of the superficial peroneal nerve at the site of the peroneal tunnel was entertained based on clinical examination and three positive provocation tests. Conventionally, treatment for this type of entrapment has been surgical decompression by splitting the crural fascia, with successful outcomes. This is potentially a first-time report describing physical therapy management of entrapment mechanical interface with pain modalities, soft tissue mobilization, and neural mobilization. Reduction of pain was noted in this patient (VAS score of 0?cm by the sixth session) with complete pain resolution maintained at a six-month follow-up.     

铺灸疗法治疗糖尿病周围神经病变的临床研究

目的分析铺灸疗法治疗糖尿病周围神经病变的临床疗效。方法按照随机数字法选择2015年6月—2016年10月本院分泌科收治的120例糖尿病周围神经病变患者进行研究,随机分为对照组(60例)和观察组(60例)。对照组患者采用口服甲钴胺药物治疗,观察组采用痹症组方的铺灸治疗。记录患者通过神经肌电图测定治疗前后感觉及运动神经传导速度,并调查统计患者的SF-36生活质量表(BP)评分、VAS评分及治疗有效率。结果治疗前,2组患者的运动及感觉神经传导速度无显著差异(P0.05);治疗后,2组患者的运动及感觉神经传导速度有明显改善,但观察组运动神经传导速度、感觉神经传导速度明显优于对照组(P0.05)。治疗前,2组患者的VAS评分、BP评分无显著差异(P0.05);治疗后,2组患者的VAS评分、BP评分均有所好转,但观察组的VAS评分、BP评分明显优于对照组(P0.05)。观察组治疗后的总有效率明显高于对照组(P0.05)。结论采用铺灸疗法治疗糖尿病周围神经病变的患者,凸显了中医优势,减轻患者糖尿病周围神经的损伤程度,提高患者的临床治疗效果,改善患者的生活质量,具有良好的临床应用前景。     

α-硫辛酸联合前列腺素E_1治疗糖尿病性周围神经病变疗效观察

目的评价α-硫辛酸联合前列腺素E1对2型糖尿病合并周围神经病变的治疗效果。方法将60例糖尿病性周围神经病变患者随机分为2组,治疗组给予α-硫辛酸600 mg、前列腺素E110μg治疗2周,对照组每日给予前列腺素E110μg治疗2周。治疗前后分别进行神经病变症状TSS评分及感觉定量比较。结果经过2周治疗后,两组患者的TSS评分及感觉定量明显改善(P<0.05),无严重药物不良反应。与对照组相比,治疗组改善更明显(P<0.05)。结论临床使用α-硫辛酸联合前列腺素E1治疗糖尿病合并周围神经病变安全有效。     

Pupil signs of sympathetic autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: Pupillary autonomic neuropathy is considered an early sign of the development of systemic autonomic neuropathy. Sympathetic denervation is related to the duration of diabetes and the development of systemic autonomic dysfunction. We investigated pupil responsiveness to directly and indirectly acting sympathomimetics in type 1 diabetic patients with and without long-term complications, defined as cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN), peripheral sensomotor neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy, and in healthy subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 47 randomly chosen type 1 diabetic patients and 20 healthy subjects were selected for this study. Patients were divided into groups determined by whether they had long-term diabetic complications. Pharmacological tests were performed with cocaine 4%, epinephrine 1%, and pholedrine 5% eye drops. Horizontal pupil diameter (HPD) was measured at the beginning of the pharmacological tests and at defined time points after instillation of the eye drops. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed a significantly smaller HPD in the patients before instillating eye drops (P = 0.011). In particular, the HPD was significantly smaller in the patient group without CAN when compared with healthy subjects (P = 0.004). Maximal cocaine reaction was diminished in the complication group (P < 0.001). Epinephrine test, visual acuity, ocular pressure, and HbA(1c) did not differ in patients with or without long-term complications. The noncomplication group showed no significant differences in pupillary responses as compared with healthy subjects. The complication group showed a smaller HPD (P = 0.022), reduced pupillary responses in the cocaine (P = 0.037) and pholedrine tests (P < 0.001), and anisocor pupil sizes after instillation of the eye drops (P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Our results clearly show that sympathetic denervation does exist in the pupil of diabetic patients and that it can be rapidly assessed using the cocaine test. These data and the results of the epinephrine test suggest a mixed pre- and postganglionic dysfunction of the sympathetic plexus. The significant smaller HPD in patients without CAN compared with that of healthy subjects could be a sign for early involvement of the pupil function before cardiac manifestation of systemic autonomic diabetic neuropathy.     

Peripheral vascular and nerve function associated with lower limb amputation in people with and without diabetes

Multiple factors, including peripheral vascular disease and neuropathy, contribute to the development and perpetuation of complications of the lower extremities in diabetes. The main aim of the present study was to assess the peripheral vascular and nerve status of diabetic and non-diabetic subjects that had undergone lower limb amputation. Various non-invasive tests of peripheral vascular and nerve function were carried out on subjects who had undergone unilateral lower limb amputation and were now attending a Rehabilitation Centre. The control group (n=23), the diabetic amputee group (n=64) and the non-diabetic amputee group (n=32) were age-matched. Only the diabetic amputee group had evidence of medial arterial calcification. Transcutaneous oxygen levels were significantly lower in the diabetic amputee group (median 43 mmHg; interquartile range 33-49 mmHg) than in the control (59; 56-74 mmHg) and non-diabetic amputee (57; 43-65 mmHg) groups (control compared with diabetic amputee group, P<0.001; diabetic amputee compared with non-diabetic amputee group, P<0.01). The same trend was found for carbon dioxide levels in the skin [mmHg: diabetic amputees, 25 (21-37); controls, 38 (32-42); non-diabetic amputee, 34 (31-39)] (control compared with diabetic amputee, P<0.01; diabetic amputee compared with non-diabetic amputee, P<0.05). Vibration and pressure perception measurements (which assess Abeta nerve fibre function) showed that both the diabetic amputee and non-diabetic amputee subjects had significantly greater impairment than the controls. However, measures of Aalpha and C nerve fibre function were abnormal only in the diabetic amputee group. Thus the peripheral vascular and nerve functions of age-matched diabetic and non-diabetic subjects having undergone lower limb amputation show specific differences, with non-diabetic amputees exhibiting signs of neuropathy. This indicates that factors characteristic of diabetes (such as hyperglycaemia and non-enzymic glycation) are associated with calcification, lower oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the skin, and abnormal Aalpha and C nerve fibre function.     

Comparing neighborhood-based indices of socioeconomic risk factors and potentially preventable emergency department utilization

BackgroundNeighborhood stress score (NSS) and area deprivation index (ADI) are two neighborhood-based composite measures used to quantify an individual's socioeconomic risk based on home location. In this analysis, we compare the relationships between an individual's socioeconomic risk, based on each of these measures, and potentially preventable acute care utilization.MethodsUsing emergency department (ED) visit data from two academic medical centers in Boston, Massachusetts, we conducted adjusted Poisson regressions of ADI decile and NSS decile with counts of low acuity ED visits, admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs), and patients with high frequency ED utilization at the census block group (CBG) level within the greater Boston area.ResultsBoth NSS and ADI decile were associated with elevated rates of utilization, although the associated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for NSS were higher than those for ADI across all three measures. NSS decile was associated with IRRs of 1.11 [95% CI: 1.10–1.12], 1.16 [1.14–1.17], and 1.22 [1.19–1.25] for ACSC admissions, low acuity ED visits, and patients with high frequency ED utilization, respectively; compared with 1.04 [1.04–1.05], 1.11 [1.10–1.11], and 1.10 [1.08–1.12] for ADI decile.ConclusionADI and NSS both represent effective tools to assess the potential impact of geographically-linked socioeconomic drivers of health on potentially preventable acute care utilization. NSS decile was associated with a greater effect size for each measure of utilization suggesting that this may be a stronger predictor, however, additional research is necessary to evaluate these findings in other contexts.     

Corrected QT interval in relation to the severity of diabetic autonomic neuropathy

The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent the existence of objective signs of diabetic autonomic neuropathy affects the corrected QT interval (QTc) in diabetic subjects. A total of 105 diabetic subjects (type 1, n  = 53; type 2, n  = 52) as well as 40 matched (by age and sex) control subjects were studied. All subjects underwent the battery of five Ewing tests. Autonomic neuropathy was diagnosed if two of the five tests were abnormal. In addition, the result of each test was considered as normal (grade = 0), borderline (grade = 1) or abnormal (grade = 2), and on the basis of the sum of the scores we calculated a total score for autonomic neuropathy. The QTc interval was measured at rest, and a value > 440 ms was considered abnormal. The QTc interval was significantly more prolonged in diabetic persons with autonomic neuropathy than in those without neutopathy and in control subjects: 408.4 ± 24.2 ms vs. 394.6 ± 27.9 ms and 393.6 ± 25.5 ms respectively ( P  = 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate analysis controlling for age, sex, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist–hip ratio (WHR), smoking, type and duration of diabetes, type of treatment, HBA_1c and total score of autonomic neuropathy eliminated the role of all these factors as potential confounders except for the total score of autonomic neuropathy, which was found to affect QTc interval independently and significantly ( P  = 0.012). In summary, the present study confirmed the well-known relation between autonomic neuropathy and QTc interval; in addition, it showed that QTc prolongation is associated with major degrees of autonomic neuropathy.