title: Feasibility of contact heat evoked potentials for detection of diabetic neuropathy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The involvement of small myelinated fibers in the early stages of diabetic neuropathy (DN) has been suggested, but few objective methods can identify minimal neuropathy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in contact heat evoked potential (CHEP) parameters between healthy adults and diabetics with and without lower limb symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  CHEP was recorded at the midline channels. A peak stimulating temperature of 51°C was applied to the dorsum of the foot and at a point 10 cm proximal to the lateral malleolus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant difference in N1-P1 amplitude in the three groups after stimulation of the dorsum of the foot (P = 0.028) and the point 10 cm proximal to the lateral malleolus (P = 0.006).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CHEP can help to detect early A-delta fiber damage in diabetic patients with minimal neuropathy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Tung Wah College, Homantin, Kowloon, Hong Kong. wongmc0829@yahoo.com.hk
authors.forename: Man-Chun
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Joanne W Y
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Chung
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory / Q000502:physiology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged