title: [The topographic diagnosis of the sympathetic nervous system lesions in Cuban epidemic neuropathy. The value of the sympathetic skin response].
abstract: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate from the electrophysiological point of view the existence of disorders of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and to deepen in the probable topography of the lesions. The sympathetic skin response (SSR) was studied in 37 patients with Cuban epidemic neuropathy (CEN) and in 29 sound individuals. The response to electrical stimulation with simultaneous registry in the 4 limbs was assessed. The latencies and amplitudes of the SSR registered in the lower limbs of patients were significantly different from those of the controls (p < 0.05). This difference between both groups was not observed in the upper limbs. These results are an objective and reproducible evidence of the injury of the ANS in the Cuban epidemic neuropathy. The highest intensity of affectation of the amplitudes of the SSR of lower limbs, with relative indemnity of those of the upper limbs, suggests a predominance of the axonal injury of the peripheral efferent branch towards the lower limbs that is congruent with the greatest affectation of the peripheral nerves in this localization.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba.
authors.forename: J V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sánchez
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ortega
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003462:Cuba / Q000453:epidemiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*