Neuropathy patterns differ in patients with diabetic complications.
OBJECTIVE
Diabetic polyneuropathy (PNP) is an important risk factor for foot ulcers. Diabetic dermopathy is more frequent in patients with diabetic neuropathy. We compared clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of PNP localizations/recurrences of foot ulcers, and diabetic dermopathy (DD) between sexes.


METHODS
Eighty-eight diabetic patients (44 men, 44 women) had an evaluation regarding detailed history of their diseases, lesion-related data, and clinical examination. Nerve conduction velocities (NCV), compound motor action potentials (CMAP), distal latencies (DL), and sensory nerve action potentials were assessed from the right and left peroneal, right median/ulnar nerves.


RESULTS
The presence of DD was more common in men (p < 0.001). The mean NCV of ulnar nerves was slower (p < 0.001); mean CMAP values were lower (p = 0.006); and mean DL was longer in men with compared to women (p = 0.003). Although EMG features of peroneal nerves showed no significant difference, diabetic men had more common and severe peroneal nerve involvement (p = 0.004). Carpal tunnel syndrome was more common in women, though not significant. Patients with right-sided ulcers had lower CMAP amplitudes on the right peroneal nerves in regard to left peroneal nerves (p = 0.009).


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that ulnar nerves are more commonly involved in men, with lower CMAP slower NCV values, and longer DL values.
Kiziltan
M E
ME
Istanbul University Cerrahpasa, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey.
Benbir
G
G
D000200:Action Potentials; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000503:physiopathology; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009431:Neural Conduction; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology