Abstract
BackgroundThe quantitative measurement of current perception threshold (CPT) has been used as a method to assess the function of nerve fibers in neuropathy diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability measuring CPT using the circular pin electrodes for assessing the function of cutaneous thin nerve fibers.MethodsCPT measurement was repeated on two separate days with at least one-week interval in 55 volunteers. Superficial blood flow (SBF) and skin temperature (ST) were measured on the skin in an around area concentric to the circular pin electrodes after the process of finding CPTs. The coefficient of variation (CV) and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. The correlation between each two of CPT, SBF increment and ST increment was analyzed.ResultsNo significant differences were found for CPT, SBF and ST between two sessions. SBF was found to be significantly increased after the process of finding CPT. CPT values of males were found to be higher than females. SBF increment was found to be positively correlated with ST increment. The ICC values for CPT, SBF and ST were 0.595, 0.852 and 0.728, respectively. The CV values for CPT, SBF and ST were 25.53%, 12.59% and 1.94%, respectively.ConclusionsThe reliability of CPT measurement using circular pin electrodes is fair, and need consistence of measurements in longitudinal studies.
Highlights
The quantitative measurement of current perception threshold (CPT) has been used as a method to assess the function of nerve fibers in neuropathy diseases [1, 2]
No significant differences were found for CPT, superficial blood flow (SBF) and skin temperature (ST) between two sessions
SBF was found to be significantly increased after the process of finding CPT
Summary
The quantitative measurement of current perception threshold (CPT) has been used as a method to assess the function of nerve fibers in neuropathy diseases [1, 2]. CPT measurement was used to selectively test the functional integrity of different fiber types by different stimulation paradigms, such as the Neurometer device (2000 Hz for A-β fibers, 250 Hz for A-δ fibers, 5 Hz for C-fibers) [1, 2]. Small fiber neuropathy may be reversed or significantly improved with appropriate intervention by early diagnosis with CPT examination. CPT test can be used to observe the development of neuropathy [5] This can help to take timely intervention and improve the prognosis. The quantitative measurement of current perception threshold (CPT) has been used as a method to assess the function of nerve fibers in neuropathy diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability measuring CPT using the circular pin electrodes for assessing the function of cutaneous thin nerve fibers
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