Sequelae following sural nerve biopsy in type 1 diabetic subjects.
OBJECTIVE
To detect post-operative sequelae of sural nerve biopsy.


METHODS
A questionnaire mailed to type 1 diabetic patients (n = 24; male/female 23/1; reply n = 23) 2 years after biopsy.


RESULTS
Type 1 diabetic patients (age 56 [11]; median [interquartile range]) had a long duration of diabetes (DM; 20 [19] years) and all had neuropathy. Three out of 24 patients developed infection (two superficial and one deep) and one had a post-operative bleeding. Less frequent pain among the patients were reported from one centre. About one-third or more of the patients still complained of pain, mostly mild, in the biopsy area and paraesthesia in the foot 2 years after surgery. More than two-thirds of the patients were reluctant for further biopsy; a crucial information in drug trial planning.


CONCLUSIONS
Sequelae of a sural nerve biopsy occur in type 1 DM. The risk for wound infections should be considered.
Dahlin
L B
LB
Department of Clinical Sciences, Hand Surgery, University Hospital Malmö, Malmö, Sweden. Lars.Dahlin@med.lu.se
Lithner
F
F
Bresäter
L-E
LE
Thomsen
N O B
NO
Eriksson
K-F
KF
Sundkvist
G
G
D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000473:pathology*; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires