[Sensorimotor and autonomous polyneuropathies in diabetic children and adolescents]

In 28 juvenile and adolescent diabetics (14 males, 14 females) ranging in age between 9 and 20 years (mean: 14.9) we investigated several electrophysiological parameters, the vibration threshold and the cardiovascular reflexes in order to determine the incidence of sensomotor and autonomic polyneuropathy. 6 patients showed evidence of sensomotor polyneuropathy, 2 more had signs of autonomic polyneuropathy. Both groups with polyneuropathy did not differ significantly from the whole group of diabetics concerning the mean onset of illness and several metabolic parameters. The mean duration of illness and the average age was clearly higher in the patients with sensomotor polyneuropathy than in the whole group. Out of 5 patients with diabetic retinopathy 3 had signs of sensomotor polyneuropathy. No patient was clinically affected by polyneuropathy. In 1 patient the distal latency and the amplitude of the compound muscle action potential of the peroneal nerve showed pathologic values, in a second patient the maximal conduction velocity of the median nerve was slowed. 4 patients had abnormally high vibration threshold. The heart rate variation during rest was reduced in 2 patients. Significant differences between the diabetics and the controls could only be found concerning the maximum conduction velocities of the peroneal and the median nerve. Our results will be compared and discussed.