Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Examination Research Articles

Diagnostic accuracy of the 5.07 monofilament test for diabetes polyneuropathy: influence of age, sex, neuropathic pain and neuropathy severity

IntroductionThere is a need for simple and cheap diagnostic tools for diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the 5.07/10 g monofilament test in patients referred...

#4639 AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF MICRO-VASCULAR COMPLICATIONS OF POST- TRANSPLANT DIABETES MELLITUS IN RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims The worldwide incidence of PTDM ranges between 2.5% and 20%. Although there is a good knowledge of PTDM pathogenesis, there is still uncertainty about its proper long-term management. DR, DKD and DSPN are microvascular complications frequently seen in type 1 and 2 DM. Few data are available regarding these complications in patients with PTDM. It remains unclear if the progression of chronic diabetic complications in transplant recipients is similar to that of patients with other types of diabetes. The study was conducted to assess micro-vascular complications in renal transplant recipients with ≥5 years duration of PTDM Method This is a retrospective and prospective observational study of PTDM patients conducted between November 2018 to December 2020, at a tertiary care hospital. All renal transplant recipients on follow up at the institute with ≥ 5 years duration of PTDM were included in the study. Patient characteristics and laboratory values were noted from patient files and electronic records. Fundus evaluation was done by direct ophthalmoscopy. If graft kidney biopsy was done for clinical indications, it was included in evaluation. DSPN was assessed through MNSI and 10-g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination. Results 115 patients with PTDM duration ≥ 5 years were included in the study. Mean PTDM duration was 8.7 ± 3.0 years. None presented findings of diabetic retinopathy at fundus examination by direct ophthalmoscopy. 37.4% patients had DSPN which was associated with PTDM duration (p value < 0.03, 95% CI, 1.53 to 29.17). The mean eGFR was 59.2 ± 21.8 ml/min/1.73 m 2, 53.9% patients had eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. 35.7% patients had proteinuria ≤ 300 mg/day. 23 (20%) patients with PTDM duration ≥ 5 years underwent graft kidney biopsy, 4 biopsies were reported as de-novo DKD, 6 biopsies were reported as suggestive of DKD. The patients with DKD had mean PTDM duration of 143.3±52.4 months, mean eGFR 44.8 ±21.8 of and a median proteinuria of 2653 mg (IQR 2758). In secondary analysis of the 23 biopsied patients PTDM duration was associated with DKD development (p value = 0.03, 95% CI, 0.93 to 0.99). Conclusion The initiation of microvascular complications does not seem to be as accelerated as previously supposed. DR may not be as strongly associated with de-novo DKD in PTDM patients as seen in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. PTDM seems to be a unique type of diabetes, and its consequences may be milder than expected in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of the immediate effects of plantar vibration of both feet with the plantar vibration of the affected foot on balance in patients with stroke: Preliminary findings

ObjectivePlantar vibration is one of the strategies to enhance balance in stroke patients. This study compared the effects of the plantar vibration of both feet and the plantar vibration of the most affected side in patients with stroke. MethodsThis study was a single-blind clinical trial. Post-stroke patients with balance impairment were enrolled in the study and underwent two treatment sessions with a one-week interval. They received both feet's plantar vibration in one session and plantar vibration of the most affected side in the other session (frequency 100 Hz, 5 min). Mini-BESTest, Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME) were used to evaluate balance, spasticity, and plantar sensation, before and after the treatment sessions. ResultsTen patients with a mean age of 52.9 (SD = 5.48) years were enrolled in the study. Mini-BESTest scores of balance and plantar flexor muscle spasticity were significantly improved after both feet plantar vibration and plantar vibration of the more affected side. There was no significant difference between the effectiveness of both sides plantar vibration and the most affected side plantar vibration. There were no significant improvements in SWME sensory scores after plantar vibration of either both sides or the most affected side. ConclusionPlantar vibration of both sides had no additional benefits in this group of patients with chronic stroke. Plantar vibration of more affected side can be used for improving balance and plantar flexor spasticity post-stroke. The Plantar vibration had no effects on the affected foot sensibility.

Automatic Segmentation of Monofilament Testing Sites in Plantar Images for Diabetic Foot Management.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, and it is the leading cause of foot ulceration and amputations. The Semmes–Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME) is a widely used, low-cost, evidence-based tool for predicting the prognosis of diabetic foot patients. The examination can be quick, but due to the high prevalence of the disease, many healthcare professionals can be assigned to this task several days per month. In an ongoing project, it is our objective to minimize the intervention of humans in the SWME by using an automated testing system relying on computer vision. In this paper we present the project’s first part, constituting a system for automatically identifying the SWME testing sites from digital images. For this, we have created a database of plantar images and developed a segmentation system, based on image processing and deep learning—both of which are novelties. From the 9 testing sites, the system was able to correctly identify most 8 in more than 80% of the images, and 3 of the testing sites were correctly identified in more than 97.8% of the images.

Safety and efficacy of a nerve matrix membrane as a collagen nerve wrapping: a randomized, single-blind, multicenter clinical trial.

A new nerve matrix membrane derived from decellularized porcine nerves has been shown to retain the major extracellular matrix components, and to be effective in preventing adhesion between the nerve anastomosis sites and the surrounding tissues in a rat sciatic nerve transection model, thereby enhancing regeneration of the nerve. The effectiveness of the membrane may be attributed to its various bioactive components. In this prospective, randomized, single-blind, parallel-controlled multicenter clinical trial, we compared the safety and efficacy of the new nerve matrix membrane with a previously approved bovine tendon-derived type I collagen nerve wrapping. A total of 120 patients with peripheral nerve injury were recruited from Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, and Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, China. The patients were randomly assigned to undergo end-to-end and tension-free neurorrhaphy with nerve matrix membrane (n = 60, 52 male, 8 female, mean age 41.34 years, experimental group) or tendon-derived collagen nerve wrapping (n = 60, 42 male, 18 female, mean age 40.17 years, control group). Patients were followed-up at 14 ± 5, 30 ± 7, 90 ± 10 and 180 ± 20 days after the operation. Safety evaluation included analyses of local and systemic reactions, related laboratory tests, and adverse reactions. Efficacy evaluation included a static 2-point discrimination test, a moving 2-point discrimination test, and a Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination. Sensory nerve function was evaluated with the British Medical Research Council Scale and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination. The ratio (percentage) of patients with excellent to good results in sensory nerve recovery 180 ± 20 days after the treatment was used as the primary effectiveness index. The percentages of patients with excellent to good results in the experimental and control groups were 98.00% and 94.44%, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the results of routine blood tests, liver and renal function tests, coagulation function tests, or immunoglobulin tests at 14 and 180 days postoperatively between the two groups. These findings suggest that the novel nerve matrix membrane is similar in efficacy to the commercially-available bovine-derived collagen membrane in the repair of peripheral nerve injury, and it may therefore serve as an alternative in the clinical setting. The clinical trial was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, China (approval No. 20160902) on October 8, 2016, the Institutional Ethics Committee of the First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, China (approval No. 160518-088) on December 14, 2016, and the Institutional Ethics Committee of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, China (approval No. 2016-10-01) on December 9, 2016. The clinical trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2000033324) on May 28, 2020.

The short term-effects of both feet plantar vibration in post stroke patients balance

Background and Aim: Balance disorder is a common problem in post stroke patients. Vibration therapy is one of the interventions that is used to treat this impairment in physiotherapy. There are several studies on the effects of more affected foot plantar vibration on balance, however according to the researchers this cerebral lesion causes bilateral side effects in the body. So the aim of this study was to investigate the shortterm effects of both feet plantar vibration on the balance of post stroke patients. Methods: This pretest-posttest clinical study included 12 post stroke patients (8 male and 4 female, mean age 52.41 ± 9.03 years). The participants received one session of 5-min vibration stimuli (frequency, 100 Hz) to the plantar region on both feet. Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) score and plantar cutaneous sensation by Semmes Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME) were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. Results: Mini-BESTest mean total score improved significantly (p ≤ 0.001) after both feet vibration and these results were supported by a large effect size (Cohen d = 2.83). Mean number of detected points by SWME decreased after vibration therapy (p = 0.06) but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The findings suggest that local vibration applied directly to the plantar region of both feet in post-stroke patients could be an appropriate physiotherapy intervention to improve their balance. Keywords: Vibration; balance; stroke

The Semmes -Weinstein monofilament examination as a single effective screening tool in the evaluation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy when compared to vibration perception threshold

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) leads to foot ulcers and non-traumatic amputation, which is a major cause for morbidity and disability in India. At present, no precise pharmacological agent has confirmed efficacy in preventing disease progression or reversing neuropathy symptoms. Clinically, it is crucial to find an effective screening tool for diagnosing DPN. Although vibration perception threshold (VPT) testing and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME) are considered as combined diagnostic tools to diagnose DPN, a single effective screening method to identify DPN is quite unavailable in India. Aim and Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the SWME in DPN when compared to VPT. Materials and Methods: Fifty control subjects and 50 DPN subjects aged between 30 and 70 years were included in the study. The anthropometric parameters, fasting blood sugar (FBS), duration of diabetes mellitus, VPT, and the SWME were recorded. Results: There was a significant difference in body mass index, FBS, VPT, and SWME in DPN subjects (P < 0.0001) when compared with control subjects. The increased duration of DPN increases the VPT (0.805) values and decreases the SWME (−0.488) values. In the kappa test, the measure of agreement between SWME and VPT was significant (0.960), meaning both tests are equally effective in screening DPN subjects. Conclusion: The present findings show that SWME can be used as a single effective screening tool in diagnosing DPN when compared with VPT. This can reduce the risk of ulceration and lower extremity amputation in DPN subjects at the earliest.

Effects of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Somatosensory Recovery After Stroke

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary somatosensory cortex on the recovery of somatosensation, motor function, and the activities of daily living in patients with subacute stroke. This study was a prospective, randomized sham controlled, double-blinded study. Patients with subacute stroke having somatosensory deficits (N = 24) were enrolled and assigned randomly to the anodal and sham stimulation groups. Patients received 10 consecutive anodal or sham transcranial direct current stimulations over the primary somatosensory cortex on the side of the stroke lesion. Before and after each stimulation session, Nottingham sensory assessments, Semmes Weinstein monofilaments examination, and manual function tests were performed, and modified Brunnstrom classification, modified Barthel index, and functional ambulation categories were assessed. Although there was no clear significant difference between the two groups, when the changes from baseline to posttreatment evaluation were compared between the groups, a partially significant improvement was observed in the anodal stimulation group compared with the sham stimulation group. Interestingly, the tactile sensation of the unaffected side also improved. Moreover, the greater improvement in activities of daily living function was observed in the anodal stimulation group too. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary somatosensory cortex may be a useful adjuvant therapy for the recovery of somatosensation and activities of daily living function in patients with sensory deficits after stroke.

The Necessity of the Simple Tests for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients without Neuropathic Symptoms in Clinical Practice.

Early recognition and appropriate management of diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy (DPNP) is important. We evaluated the necessity of simple, non-invasive tests for DPNP detection in clinical practice. We enrolled 136 randomly-chosen patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and examined them with the 10-g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination, the 128-Hz tuning-fork, ankle-reflex, and pinprick tests; the Total Symptom Score and the 15-item self-administered questionnaire of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Among 136 patients, 48 had subjective neuropathic symptoms and 88 did not. The abnormal-response rates varied depending on the methods used according to the presence of subjective neuropathic symptoms (18.8% vs. 5.7%, P<0.05; 58.3% vs. 28.4%, P<0.005; 81.3% vs. 54.5%, P<0.005; 12.5% vs. 5.7%, P=0.195; 41.7% vs. 2.3%, P<0.001; and 77.1% vs. 9.1%, P<0.001; respectively). The largest abnormal response was derived by combining all methods. Moreover, these tests should be implemented more extensively in diabetic patients without neuropathic symptoms to detect DPNP early.

Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Examination for Predicting Physical Performance and the Risk of Falls in Older People: Results of the Pro.V.A. Longitudinal Study

ObjectiveTo investigate whether the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME) was associated with, and could predict, measures of physical performance and the risk of fall in older people. DesignProspective study. SettingCommunity. ParticipantsOlder participants (N=2826) enrolled in the Progetto Veneto Anziani (Pro.V.A.) study and a subsample of persons (n=1885) who did not report falls at baseline for longitudinal analyses. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresFalls reported in the year preceding the assessment and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were recorded at baseline and again after 4.4 years. ResultsAt baseline, 830 participants (29.4%) had experienced falls in the previous year, with a higher prevalence of falls in those positive at SWME than in those negative at SWME (35.8% vs 28.0%; P=.001). Using logistic regression, participants positive at SWME had a (significant) 66% higher risk of presenting worse SPPB score (95% confidence interval, 1.51–1.83) and between 25% and 32% higher risks of having experienced ≥1 fall or recurrent falls than did those negative at SWME. The incidence of falls at follow-up was higher in the positive SWME group than in the negative SWME group (42.2% vs 30.7%; P=.001), and multinomial logistic regression showed that the former had a 13% higher risk of decline in SPPB scores (95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.25), particularly for gait and balance; 48% higher risk of having had 1 fall; and 77% higher risk of recurrent falls. At both baseline and follow-up, the larger the extension of neuropathy (negative SWME vs unilateral impairment in positive SWME vs bilateral impairment in positive SWME), the greater its negative effect on falls and physical performance. ConclusionsSMWE was associated with, and could predict, lower extremity physical performance and falls in older people.

Diabetic Polyneuropathy and Risk of Falls: Fear of Falling and Other Factors.

The aim of the study was to analyze postural stability, walking speed and fear of falling in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) in order to determine the risk factors for falls, as well as the effect of DPN characteristics as additional factors. A sample of 48 patients with type 2 diabetes and DPN were enrolled in this non-randomized observational study. The patients were divided into two groups of fallers and non-fallers. All subjects underwent evaluation with the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale (Tinetti FES) and 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). Neuropathy was quantified with the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI, Questionnaire part) and 5.07/10-g Semmes Weinstein monofilament examination (SW-ME). The 10MWT and SW-ME were significantly different between the faller and non-faller groups (p<0.05). Duration of DPN correlated positively with SW-ME (p=0.005) in the faller group. FES showed significant positive correlation with MNSI and negative correlation with 10MWT in the non-faller group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that SW-ME was significantly associated with the probability of falling (p=0.0076; OR=1.378). Study results suggested that the loss of protective sensitivity of foot could be a risk factor for falls in people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

RELACIÓN ENTRE EL NIVEL DE SENSIBILIDAD PERIFÉRICA, OBESIDAD Y LOS PARÁMETROS DE LA MARCHA Y DE EQUILIBRIO EN ADULTOS MAYORES CON DIABETES TIPO 2

Objective: To determine the relationship between feet sensitivity, body mass index (BMI), and gait and balance parameters in older adults between 65 and 75 years of age. Material and methods: A descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional study with a sample of 119 older adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (DT2). The following measurements were applied: the GAITRite® Electronic Walkway system for gait parameters, the Short Physical Performance Battery for balance, the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination, the North Coast Medical test using 10 grams for foot sensitivity and anthropometric measurements for BMI. A statistical analysis with non-parametric tests was performed. Results: Significant differences were found in speed, step length, stride length and balance between older adults who had decreased and normal sensitivity. Conclusion: Less foot sensitivity and a higher BMI are associated with a greater impairment reflected by the walking and balance parameters in older adults aged 65 to 75 with DT2.

Identifying early signs of peripheral neuropathy among patients with diabetes mellitus

This article aims to help nurse practitioners develop a best practice algorithm to identify the early signs of peripheral neuropathy (PNP) among individuals living with diabetes mellitus. This literature review also seeks to determine if there are better clinical testing methods than the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination to detect diabetes-related PNP.

English

Diabetes is a major public health problem. 285 million persons worldwide have diabetes, of these 51 million are in India. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a major microvascular complication of diabetes. Conventional methods used for the diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in clinical practice have limited effectiveness. Since peripheral sensory neuropathy is a pivotal element in the causal pathway to both foot ulceration and amputation, screening and early identification of neuropathy offer a crucial opportunity for the patient with diabetes to actively modulate the course of suboptimal glycaemic control to currently recommended targets, and to implement improved foot care before the onset of significant morbidity. This study was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of simple bed side screening modalities for peripheral neuropathy like vibration perception threshold measurement with biothesiometer, 10g semmes-weinstein monofilament, diabetic neuropathy examination and symptom scores and ankle reflex testing in patients with diabetes mellitus and to seek an optimal screening method in diabetic clinic. INTRODUCTION:Diabetes mellitus comprises a group of common metabolic disorders that share the phenotype of hyperglycaemia. The two broad categories of DM are designated as type 1 and type 2.Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a heterogenous group of disorders characterized by variable degrees of insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion and increased glucose production. The number of patients with type 2 diabetes is increasing by epidemic proportions in the world, particularly in India. There is a long presymptomatic phase before the appearance of symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, Type 2 diabetes is frequently not diagnosed until complications have already occurred. Complications of DM are subdivided into microvascular (retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy) and macrovascular complications (coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), cerebrovascular disease). Lower extremity disease, including peripheral neuropathy, foot ulceration, peripheral arterial disease, or lower extremity amputation, is twice as common in diabetic persons compared with non-diabetic persons and it affects 30 per cent of diabetic persons who are older than 40 yr 1 . Diabetic Neuropathy (DN) develops in about 4-10% of diabetic patients after 5 years and in 15% after 20 years 2 . AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usefulness of the diabetic neuropathy examination score (DNE), diabetic neuropathy symptom (DNS) score, 10-g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination, ankle reflex and measuring vibration perception threshold (VPT) with a biothesiometer in the detection of diabetic polyneuropathy in type 2 diabetes patients and to seek an optimal screening method in diabetic clinic in the detection of diabetic polyneuropathy in type 2 diabetes patients.

Peripheral neuropathy: a complication of systemic sclerosis

We performed bedside testing for peripheral neuropathy in our systemic sclerosis (SSc) population to determine whether foot care guidelines should be developed for SSc. Twenty consecutive SSc patients and 20 healthy control (HC) patients were evaluated for peripheral neuropathy in both feet using the 10-g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME) and 128 Hz vibration sensation using the on-off method. Independent, blinded, vibratory sensation, and SWME evaluations were performed on each subject by two investigators who had completed a training session to standardize each exam. An additional consecutive 20 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were examined by a diabetologist to compare with peripheral neuropathy prevalence in SSc patients. We examined the inter-rater variability using Cohen's kappa. We compared SWME and vibratory sensation in SSc to HC using Fisher's exact. The t test was used to compare duration of disease and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) for those with abnormal SWME or vibratory sensation. Two of 20 SSc patients reported sensory foot symptoms consistent with peripheral neuropathy prior to the examination. Inter-rater agreement for both SWME and vibratory sensation was strong (kappa: 0.72 and 0.83, respectively). Two HC and 12 SSc patients demonstrated abnormal vibratory sense (one-sided Fishers' exact, p < 0.002). No HC and four SSc patients had abnormal monofilament exams (one-sided Fisher's exact, p = 0.053). Neither mRSS (p = 0.28) nor duration of non-Raynauds (p = 0.07) symptoms differed between those with peripheral neuropathy and those without. Duration of Raynaud's symptoms were clinically significantly associated with presence of peripheral neuropathy (p = 0.04). The prevalence of sensory loss to monofilament in SSc was identical to DM patients (4/20). SSc patients have a considerable prevalence of pedal peripheral neuropathy as detected by loss of vibratory sensation or inability to sense the 10-g SWME. Further studies are indicated to determine if routine screening for neuropathy and subsequent podiatric care for SSc patients with abnormalities can reduce pedal complications.

The Semmes Weinstein monofilament examination is a significant predictor of the risk of foot ulceration and amputation in patients with diabetes mellitus

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is the leading cause of foot ulceration and lower extremity amputations (LEAs). The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate current evidence regarding the prognostic value of the Semmes Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME) in predicting foot ulceration and LEA in patients with DM. The MEDLINE/PubMed database was searched through November 2009 for articles pertaining to diabetic foot and SWME with no language or publication date restrictions. Prognostic studies with original data assessing the predictive value of SWME for foot ulceration or LEA in patients with DM were included in the selection. Data were systematically extracted and analyzed by two independent investigators. Absolute risks and relative risks were determined for each study. Of the 863 studies identified, nine articles were relevant, involving 11,007 patients with DM. Six studies were identified that assessed the prognostic value of SWME regarding diabetic foot ulceration. The relative risk for patients with a positive SWME result versus those with a negative result ranged from 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0 to 3.2) to 7.9 (95% CI, 4.4 to 14.3) in the identified studies with follow up between 1 and 4 years. Three of the studies assessed the risk of LEA with a positive SWME result. The relative risk for LEA ranged from 1.7 (95% CI, 1.1 to 2.6) to 15.1 (95% CI, 4.3 to 52.6) with follow-up between 1.5 and 3.3 years. All nine studies found SWME to be a significant and independent predictor of future foot ulceration or likely of future LEA as well in patients with DM. Therefore, SWME is an important evidence-based tool for predicting the prognosis of patients with diabetic foot, thus enabling improved patient selection for early intervention and management. More research should be conducted to elucidate the relationship between SWME and LEA.

A Comparative study of examination scores and quantitative sensory testing in diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy

Context:Many advances have taken place in the detection of diabetic polyneuropathy with respect to examination scores, electrophysiological techniques and quantitative sensory testing.Aim:This study aims to evaluate the discriminative power of the Diabetic Neuropathy Examination Score (DNE), 10-g Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Examination (SWME) and Quantitative Sensory Testing by Vibration Perception Threshold (VPT) in the diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy and seek an optimal screening method in diabetic clinic.Materials and Methods:Hundred consecutive patients with Type 2 diabetes were subjected to Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom Score, DNE score, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination, Vibration Perception Threshold and Nerve Conduction Studies; mean ± SD for the various characteristics were calculated. Sensitivity and specificity for the DNE, SWME and VPT were calculated, taking NCS as gold standard.Results:Seventy one of 100 subjects had evidence of neuropathy confirmed by Nerve Conduction Studies, while 29 did not have neuropathy. The DNE score gave a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 79%. The sensitivity of SWME was 98.5% and specificity was 55%. Vibration Perception Thresholds yielded a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 76%.Conclusions:A simple neurological examination score is as good as Vibration Perception threshold in evaluation of polyneuropathy in a diabetic clinic. It may be a better screening tool for diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy in view of the cost effectiveness and ease of applicability.

Cyclosporine A treatment of leprosy patients with chronic neuritis is associated with pain control and reduction in antibodies against nerve growth factor

Chronic neuritis (CN) is still a major problem in leprosy and is difficult to manage in patients who do not respond well to prednisone. In this study we (i) evaluate the efficacy of cyclosporine A (CyA) in controlling CN patients, and (ii) analyse the presence of anti-NGF antibodies in the sera of leprosy patients, and their behaviour during CyA treatment. This was an open, prospective, non-comparative study. Sixty-seven leprosy patients in three different institutions in Pará, Brazil were studied from January, 2001 to January, 2004. Of these, 47 had no CN and 20 were leprosy patients suffering from CN and taking at least 40 mg/day prednisone to control nerve impairment and pain. Patients received 12 months reducing course CyA starting at 5 mg/kg per day. The outcome measure was sensory impairment, assessed using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME), muscular force and spontaneous or palpation-related pain. Antibodies against NGF were detected in the sera of leprosy patients, which may explain the depletion of NGF in leprosy contributing to neuritis, inflammation and loss of cutaneous nociception. The levels of these antibodies in CN patients were slightly lower than in patients with no CN. However, anti-NGF titres in CN patients treated with CyA were lowered to levels similar to those in the normal subjects. There was also improvement in sensory impairment, muscular force and pain. These data suggest that anti-NGF antibodies are present in the sera of leprosy patients and may influence the outcome of neuritis, and that CyA might be a useful drug in controlling nerve impairment and pain in leprosy patients.

Effectiveness of Semmes–Weinstein monofilament examination for diabetic peripheral neuropathy screening

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Semmes–Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME) for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) screening at an outpatient clinic. Eighty-two type 2 diabetic outpatients were questioned about 13 subjective symptoms and tested for deep reflexes. They were examined using two types of quantitative sensory testing: SWME (using 4.31/2 g and 5.07/10 g monofilaments) and vibration testing (using the C-64 quantitative tuning fork). The patients were diagnosed with DPN when two of the following three criteria from both legs were met: (1) the presence of either pain, numbness, or paraesthesia; (2) a diminished or absent ankle reflex; or (3) a scale below 4 for their vibration perception thresholds (VPT). The most common subjective symptoms were muscle cramps and numbness in the extremities. SWME 4.31/2 g at the great toe or the plantar aspect of the fifth metatarsal was the most useful diagnostic test for DPN, providing 60.0% sensitivity and 73.8% specificity. SWME 4.31/2 g was correlated with lower limb VPT (P=.029) and three subjective symptoms including fainting. SWME 5.07/10 g was correlated with lower limb VPT (P=.011), the ankle reflex (P=.013), the knee reflex (P=.031), and two subjective symptoms. However, the sensitivity to diagnose DPN was low (30.0%). The abnormalities indicated by SWME correlated well with those identified by lower limb VPT. Moreover, SWME 4.31/2 g correlated with fainting, suggesting that it could detect abnormalities in the small fibers. Considering the minimal time for this examination, SWME 4.31/2 g is a useful examination in an outpatient setting along with lower limb VPT and ankle reflex testing.

Effectiveness of Semmes–Weinstein monofilament examination for diabetic peripheral neuropathy screening

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the Semmes–Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME) for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) screening at an outpatient clinic. Methods Eighty-two type 2 diabetic outpatients were questioned about 13 subjective symptoms and tested for deep reflexes. They were examined using two types of quantitative sensory testing: SWME (using 4.31/2 g and 5.07/10 g monofilaments) and vibration testing (using the C-64 quantitative tuning fork). The patients were diagnosed with DPN when two of the following three criteria from both legs were met: (1) the presence of either pain, numbness, or paraesthesia; (2) a diminished or absent ankle reflex; or (3) a scale below 4 for their vibration perception thresholds (VPT). Results The most common subjective symptoms were muscle cramps and numbness in the extremities. SWME 4.31/2 g at the great toe or the plantar aspect of the fifth metatarsal was the most useful diagnostic test for DPN, providing 60.0% sensitivity and 73.8% specificity. SWME 4.31/2 g was correlated with lower limb VPT ( P=.029) and three subjective symptoms including fainting. SWME 5.07/10 g was correlated with lower limb VPT ( P=.011), the ankle reflex ( P=.013), the knee reflex ( P=.031), and two subjective symptoms. However, the sensitivity to diagnose DPN was low (30.0%). Conclusions The abnormalities indicated by SWME correlated well with those identified by lower limb VPT. Moreover, SWME 4.31/2 g correlated with fainting, suggesting that it could detect abnormalities in the small fibers. Considering the minimal time for this examination, SWME 4.31/2 g is a useful examination in an outpatient setting along with lower limb VPT and ankle reflex testing.