[The alcohol-chlorpropamide test. Study and diagnostic value of changes in cutaneous temperature]

In 30 chlorpropamide-alcohol flushers baseline malar temperature was lower, maximal temperature higher and rise in temperature above baseline higher than in 97 non- flushers . A negative correlation between baseline temperature and temperature rise was found in both groups. Temperature rise is inadequate as objective indicator of flush, since its sensitivity and specificity were about 70%, even with a difference of 1.4 degrees C in temperature. The Wilkin index seems to be preferable, but it has a weak positive predictive value. At present, the results of the chlorpropamide-alcohol flush test can only be evaluated on clinical data.