[Examination of peripheral sensibility. Vibration test is more sensitive than monofilament test].
Diabetes mellitus is often attended by complications such as neuropathy. A standardized examination method can presumably facilitate identification of patients with peripheral neuropathy. A study was carried out for the purpose of evaluating monofilament examination as a compliment to vibration testing in the workup of peripheral sensibility. 236 adult patients, mainly with type-2 diabetes, were examined by diabetes nurses. These examinations entailed analysis of potential variations in correlation between neuropathy, age and duration of diabetes. The results showed a difference between the two test methods, with vibration testing showing greater sensitivity. There was a clear association between neuropathy on the one hand, and both increased age and longer duration of diabetes on the other. Even if the monofilament instrument did not show as great a sensitivity as tuning-fork/Biothesiometer in this study it should nonetheless be used as a complement in the neuropathy workup of the diabetic patient.
Sörman
Elisabeth
E
Diabetesmottagningen, Bålsta vårdcentral. elisabeth.sorman@dv.pv.lul.se
Edwall
Lise-Lotte
LL
D000328:Adult; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000502:physiology; D014732:Vibration