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[Disulfiram neuropathy].
1Neurologische Klinik, Städtischen Krankenhauses Emden.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|August 21, 1992
Summary
High doses of disulfiram can cause severe polyneuropathy in patients addicted to alcohol. This nerve damage, characterized by axonal damage, may persist long after disulfiram treatment cessation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Disulfiram is a medication used to deter alcohol consumption by causing unpleasant side effects when alcohol is ingested.
- Chronic alcohol addiction presents significant health challenges, often requiring pharmacotherapy.
Observation:
- Two patients with chronic alcohol addiction developed severe polyneuropathy while on high-dose disulfiram therapy.
- One patient experienced proximal tetraparesis, while the other had a predominantly distal motor neuropathy.
- Electrophysiological testing revealed axonal damage, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis ruled out Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Findings:
- The observed polyneuropathy was severe and characterized by axonal damage.
- Neurological deficits persisted in both patients for extended periods (6 months and 2.5 years) after disulfiram discontinuation.
- Electrophysiological abnormalities remained evident 2.5 years post-treatment.
Implications:
- Disulfiram, particularly at high doses, carries a risk of severe neurological side effects, including persistent polyneuropathy.
- Lowest effective disulfiram dosages should be employed to minimize potential toxicity.
- Clinicians should be vigilant for signs of polyneuropathy in patients undergoing disulfiram treatment for alcohol addiction.