Dorsal Sural Sensory Nerve Action Potential: A Study for Reference Values.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Clinical Electrophysiology
• Peripheral Neuropathy Research

Background:

• Dorsal sural sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) is a valuable tool for diagnosing early or subclinical peripheral neuropathy.
• Establishing normative data is essential for accurate clinical interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish reference data for dorsal sural SNAP amplitude, latency, and velocity in a healthy Indian population.
• To stratify reference values by age groups to account for age-related changes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 45 nerves from healthy participants aged 18-90 years.
• Participants stratified into three age groups: 18-40, 41-60, and >60 years.
• Statistical analysis using StataCorp 12.2, including ANOVA and regression analysis to determine reference values and predictive equations.

Main Results:

• Lower limits for amplitude and velocity decreased significantly with age, particularly in participants over 60.
• Age was identified as the covariate with the most significant effect on dorsal sural amplitude.
• A predictive equation was derived: (y) =3.338 + age (-0.0167) + height in meters (-0.209) + weight (0.001).

Conclusions:

• The study provides age-stratified reference data for dorsal sural SNAP in the Indian population.
• These reference values are critical for the accurate diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy.
• Age-related decline in SNAP parameters highlights the importance of age-adjusted normative data.