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Nerve conduction velocity and circulating immunocomplexes in type 1 diabetic children
B Fierro1, A Modica, F Cardella
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Palermo, Italy.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Circulating immune complexes (CIC) may worsen diabetic neuropathy in children with Type 1 diabetes. Detecting CIC in diabetic children revealed nerve function abnormalities, suggesting an immune system role in disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Increased prevalence of circulating immune complexes (CIC) observed in diabetic patients.
- CIC suggested to be pathogenetically linked to chronic diabetic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess peripheral nerve function in children with Type 1 diabetes.
- Evaluate the relationship between neurophysiological abnormalities and CIC presence.
Main Methods:
- Neurophysiological assessment of median and tibial nerve motor and sensory conduction velocities.
- Detection of IgG-CIC using solid-phase C1q-binding and anti-C3 enzyme immuno-assays.
- Study included 25 Type 1 diabetic patients (7-19 years) and 20 controls.
Main Results:
- Diabetic patients with CIC exhibited greater slowing of median motor and sensory conduction velocities compared to those without CIC.
- Tibial sensory conduction velocities were also significantly slower in diabetic patients with CIC.
- These findings suggest a correlation between CIC and neurophysiological deficits.
Conclusions:
- Immunological factors, specifically CIC, may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy in children.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms.
- Early detection and management of CIC could be beneficial in preventing diabetic neuropathy.