Electrodiagnostic functional sensory evaluation of patients with generalized vulvodynia: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To objectively evaluate vulvodynia by the current perception threshold (CPT) neurometer.


METHODS
Neuroselective CPT measures of the pudendal nerve were obtained at the perineum by a neurometer (Neurotron, Inc, Baltimore, MD), using constant alternating sinusoid waveform electrical stimulus at 2,000-, 250-, and 5-Hz frequencies, in 20 healthy volunteers and 38 women with vulvodynia. The mean +/- SD CPT values in vulvodynia and healthy (control) women were analyzed with the Student t test.


RESULTS
Women with vulvodynia showed lower mean CPT values (p <.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Results of this study support a neuroselective sensory dysfunction in generalized vulvodynia. The field is opened for CPT measures in vulvodynia in selecting therapy strategy, monitoring response to treatment, and assessing vestibulodynia. Assessment of threshold values in a greater number of controls is needed to set a cutoff in CPT values for diagnosis and to grade the severity of the diseases.
Murina
Filippo
F
Outpatient Department of Vulvar Disease, V. Buzzi Hospital-Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. filippomurina@tin.it
Bianco
Vanda
V
Radici
Gianluigi
G
Felice
Raffaele
R
Signaroldi
Maria
M
D000328:Adult; D004568:Electrodiagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D056650:Vulvodynia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*