Subacute uremic and diabetic polyneuropathy.
We present 4 patients who had a subacute, predominantly motor polyneuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease. Electrophysiological studies and muscle biopsy indicated a primary axonal degeneration of nerve with secondary segmental demyelination, and mild to moderate, acute and chronic denervation of muscle. A relative absence of denervation potentials on needle electromyography was an unusual feature. Three of our patients improved with a switch from conventional to high-flux hemodialysis. We speculate on possible mechanisms.
Bolton
C F
CF
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
McKeown
M J
MJ
Chen
R
R
Toth
B
B
Remtulla
H
H
D000368:Aged; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D014511:Uremia / Q000503:physiopathology*