[Statistical analysis of repetitive nerve stimulation test].
BACKGROUND
Statistical properties of Repetitive Nerve Stimulation test (RNS) are studied for different variables (forth to first potentials ratio of CMAP) together with two new variables (trends of area and amplitude for series of CMAP) OBJECTIVE: To compare the variables commonly used, in order to define the best statistical properties and, in the other hand, investigate if the new variables (trends in area and amplitude) could be useful for the study of neuromuscular transmission pathology.


METHODS
Statistical properties of voltage (V4/V1(V)), area of CMAP (V4/V1(a)) and slopes of regression lines of voltage (m(V)) and area (m(a)) measures are determined for runs of 3, 10, 15 and 20 Hz series of stimuli in 13 men and 17 women healthy volunteers.


RESULTS
1) The sample fits well to a normal distribution; 2) The variables that measure tendencies in CMAP series, can be reasonably fitted to linear regression functions; 3) Differences between sex and age have been not found; 4) Variables measuring tendencies have been the most stables, specially m(a); 5) The variable that fits better to normal distribution is m(V); 6) All variables behave linearly with respect frequency of stimulation.


CONCLUSIONS
1) Neuromuscular transmission is a particularly stable physiologic function; 2) The most used variable in clinical neurophysiology laboratories, V4/V1(V) have the worst statistical properties, showing a very significant variability; 3) Trends measures (m(a)) and m(V)) show very satisfactory statistical properties; this implies that these could be very useful for the study of neuromuscular transmission diseases.
Pastor
J
J
Servicio de Neurofisiología Clínica; Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, 28006, España. jpastor@hlpr.insalud.es
D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000502:physiology*; D020511:Neuromuscular Junction Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology
Análisis estadístico del test de estimulación nerviosa repetitiva.