Comparing and analyzing the application value of F wave in the use of electrophysiological examination of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the application value of F wave by comparison with quantitative sensory testing (QST) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) in diabetes peripheral neuropathy(DPN). Methods Three hundred and fourteen diabetic patients with symptom of DPN were retrospectively analyzed, who were recruited and divided into four groups according the course of diabetes mellitus: ≤ 3 years group, 4-6 years group, 7-9 years group and >9 years group. The abnormal rates of QST, NCS and F wave were analyzed and compared. Results At earlier course of disease (≤ 3 years group, 4-6 years group), the abnormal rate of QST [76.54%(62/81), 91.67% (88/96)]>F wave [(48.15%(39/81), 64.58%(62/96)]>NCS [(32.10%(26/81), 47.92%(46/96)], and there were significant differences (P 9 years group had no significant differences (P > 0.05). The abnormal rate of QST in 4-6 years group [(91.67%(88/96)] was higher than that in ≤ 3 years group [(76.54%(62/81)], and decreased in 7-9 years group and >9 years group. The abnormal rate of NCS was increased with course of disease, and the range was obviously between close together group. The abnormal rate of F wave was increased with course of disease, but in 4-6 years group the range was obvious and the range was slow down. At earlier course of disease (≤3 years group, 4-6 years group), the abnormal rate of only F wave significantly increased the abnormal rate of NCS + F wave from 30.86%(25/81), 44.79% (43/96)to 46.91%(38/81), 61.46%(59/96) respectively, but in 7-9 years group and >9 years group, the abnormal rate of only F wave increased the abnormal rate of NCS + F wave from 69.44%(50/72), 84.61%(55/65)to 72.22% (52/72), 86.15%(56/65). Conclusions Although the abnormal rate of F wave is not as high as QST, it is still remarkable. Detection of F wave shows positive correlations with the course of disease, which can reflect the course of disease objectively and reliably. The added F wave detection can distinctly raise the abnormal rates on the base of NCS. Key words: Diabetic neuropathies; F wave; Quantitative sensory testing; Nerve conduction study; Comparative study