Peripheral neuropathy and visual evoked potential changes in workers exposed to n-hexane

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Toxicology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• n-Hexane is a solvent commonly used in industries like shoe manufacturing.
• Occupational exposure to n-hexane can lead to neurotoxicity, including peripheral neuropathy.
• Visual evoked responses (VERs) can be affected by neurotoxic exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate clinical and electrophysiological changes in patients with peripheral neuropathy due to n-hexane exposure.
• To assess the recovery of neurological function after cessation of n-hexane exposure.
• To investigate changes in visual evoked responses (VERs) following n-hexane exposure.

Main Methods:

• Clinical and electrophysiological assessments were performed on 18 shoe factory workers with acute or subacute neuropathy.
• Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and visual evoked potential (VEP) tests were conducted.
• Follow-up evaluations were repeated 9 to 12 months after exposure cessation.

Main Results:

• Nerve conduction studies showed reduced motor and sensory conduction velocities.
• 83.3% of patients achieved complete clinical recovery within 9-12 months post-exposure.
• Electrophysiological studies indicated improvement in nerve conduction velocities, and VEP P100 latencies showed significant improvement (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Peripheral neuropathy and associated electrophysiological abnormalities from n-hexane exposure are often reversible.
• Clinical and subclinical neurological deficits can improve significantly after cessation of exposure.
• The prognosis for patients exposed to n-hexane is generally good, with potential for full recovery.