[Occupational N-hexane neuropathy: clinical and neurophysiological investigation]

A group of 37 patients (26 men and 11 women), aged 18-49 (mean: 29.7) with subacute toxic polyneuropathy was investigated clinically and electrophysiologically. In all cases the disease was induced by occupational exposure to n-hexane in a small enterprise of purse makers. Toxicological investigations revealed a highly increased concentration of n-hexane in glue used in the manufacture process. The clinical course, including delayed worsening of symptoms after cessation of exposure, was typical when compared with previously reported cases of n-hexan-induced neuropathy after glue sniffing and industrial exposure. Electroneurographic (ENeG) studies showed a predominately decreased motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) with focal conduction block followed by dramatically diminished CMAPs. Recovery of EneG abnormalities paralled the clinical improvement.