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Peripheral neuropathy in subclinical hypothyroidism
A Misiunas1, H Niepomniszcze, B Ravera
1Service of Endocrinology, Complejo Médico (P.F.A.) Churruca-Visca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Summary
Subclinical hypothyroidism may affect peripheral nerves, even with normal thyroid hormone levels. Electrophysiologic studies reveal nerve abnormalities in early stages of thyroid dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Clinical Physiology
Background:
- Peripheral nerve alterations are known in overt myxedema.
- Limited data exists on nerve changes in subclinical hypothyroidism.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) hyperresponsiveness to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) indicates early thyroid dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate peripheral nerve abnormalities in subclinical hypothyroidism.
- To assess electrophysiologic changes in patients with normal serum total T4 and TSH hyperresponsiveness to TRH.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiologic studies including distal motor latencies, motor and sensory amplitudes, and nerve conduction velocities.
- Median, external sciatic popliteal (ESP), and sural nerves were assessed.
- Three groups studied: Hypothyroidism Stage I, Hypothyroidism Stage II, and a healthy Control Group.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in nerve conduction velocities (CV) were found across all groups.
- Further analysis of motor and sensory parameters is needed to identify subtle nerve changes.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism warrants further investigation for potential peripheral nerve involvement.
- Electrophysiologic testing may reveal early signs of neuropathy in thyroid dysfunction.