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Cutaneous thermal sensitivity in diabetic neuropathy
Fabio Batista1, Michael S Pinzur, Caio A S Nery
1Universidade Federal de Sao Paolo Orthopaedic Surgery, Sao Paolo, Brazil.
Foot & Ankle International
|November 29, 2005
Summary
Cold and copper thermal sensitivity effectively identified peripheral neuropathy in diabetic individuals, even those with normal Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test results. This simple method aids early diabetes complication detection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Diabetology
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes.
- Assessing neuropathy often relies on tests like the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament.
- Diabetic subjects can be sensate to monofilaments yet still have neuropathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if cutaneous thermal sensitivity can discriminate peripheral neuropathy in diabetic subjects.
- To compare thermal sensitivity with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing.
Main Methods:
- Sixty adult subjects (30 controls, 26 diabetic) underwent thermal sensitivity testing.
- Testing utilized custom copper, steel, glass, and plastic probes, plus heated/cooled water.
- Thermal sensitivity was assessed in hand and foot dermatomes.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation was found between cold perception and copper probe stimulation.
- This correlation was observed in the radial nerve and superficial peroneal dermatomes.
- Thermal sensitivity showed a relationship with neuropathy in diabetic patients.
Conclusions:
- Thermal sensitivity, particularly to cold with a copper probe, may be a more sensitive indicator of neuropathy than the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament.
- This simple thermal testing method shows potential for early detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.