Electrophysiological determinants of the clinical severity of axonal peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Electrophysiological diagnosis of axonal peripheral neuropathy (PN) is based on the attenuated amplitudes of nerve conduction studies (NCS), or a reduced sural/radial amplitude ratio (SRAR). We aimed to identify the electrophysiological determinants of the clinical severity of PN. METHODS: Patients with chronic axonal PN underwent detailed NCS. The clinical severity of PN was determined based upon the overall neuropathy limitations scale (ONLS). RESULTS: Ninety-five patients (71.6% males, mean age 71.9 ± 9.0 years) were recruited. Significant correlations were observed between the radial sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) and the ONLS total score (Spearman's rho -0.382, p < 0.001)

and between the tibial compound muscle action potential and the ONLS leg score (Spearman's rho -0.283, p = 0.005). No correlations between the SRAR and the ONLS scores were found. DISCUSSION: The radial SNAP is the strongest electrophysiological determinant of PN severity and might be useful for monitoring disease progression or response to treatment. Muscle Nerve 59:491-493, 2019.