Sensitivity of non-conventional electro-diagnostic techniques to detect neuropathy in patients with hepatitis “C” viral infection

Abstract

BackgroundHepatitis “C” virus (HCV) infection has become a growing global health concern. Chronic HCV infection is usually accompanied by extra-hepatic manifestations. Peripheral neuropathies are the most common neurological complications. Electrophysiological tests play an important role in diagnosing polyneuropathy and identifying its pathophysiology. This study aimed at highlighting the sensitivity of non-conventional, quantitative, electrophysiological techniques in the detection of neuropathy in patients having HCV infection. Forty-five HCV patients were recruited for this study. Conventional motor and sensory conduction studies (NCS) were initially performed followed by interference pattern analysis (IPA). Two quantitative nerve conduction scores were also studied: motor amplitude score (MAS) and sensory amplitude score (SAS).ResultsIn the two patients’ subgroups (having numbness versus having no numbness), MAS showed a significant difference, while the SAS showed a non-significant difference. In the two subgroups (with normal NCS versus those with abnormal/suspected NCS), the MAS and the SAS mean values were significantly different. Also, there was a positive significant correlation found between the IPA mean amplitude and the SAS parameter. Finally, we presented the results of the diagnostic performance of the MAS and the SAS in detecting abnormal NCS.ConclusionsMAS and/or SAS scores could be used as good screening tools for the detection of neuropathy. We here recommend expanding the non-conventional NCSs to other etiologies of polyneuropathy.