Axonal polyneuropathy after acute dimethylamine borane intoxication.
OBJECTIVE
To study a patient with axonal polyneuropathy due to acute dimethylamine borane (DMAB) intoxication.


METHODS
Confusion and drowsiness in the acute stage, followed by cognitive impairments and polyneuropathy, are reported in a chemical factory worker after acute exposure to DMAB.


RESULTS
Nerve conduction studies indicated axonal polyneuropathy, particularly in the motor nerves. Sural nerve biopsy studies 3 months later revealed an axonal degeneration with a mild decrease of fiber density in the large myelinated fibers. Quantitative sensory testing also disclosed an impairment of pinprick, temperature, and touch sensations. Cutaneous nerve biopsy studies 9 months later demonstrated a moderate loss of epidermal nerves. During the follow-up period of 1.5 years, the clinical features and serial nerve conduction studies showed a steady improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
Since DMAB is a new product and has been widely used recently in the manufacturing of semiconductors and electronics, we conclude that DMAB intoxication may produce motor-predominant axonal polyneuropathy and that the establishment of a threshold limit value is warranted.
Kuo
Hung-Chou
HC
Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Huang
Chin-Chang
CC
Chu
Chun-Che
CC
Chu
Nai-Shin
NS
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001369:Axons / Q000473:pathology; D001880:Boranes / Q000506:poisoning*; D002617:Chemical Industry; D004123:Dimethylamines / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009431:Neural Conduction; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D011115:Polyneuropathies / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000473:pathology
D001880:Boranes; D004123:Dimethylamines