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Cold pressor test in diabetic autonomic neuropathy
S Sayinalp1, T Sözen, M Ozdoğan
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University, School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
|November 1, 1994
Summary
The cold pressor test may help diagnose sympathetic dysfunction in diabetic patients. Diastolic blood pressure response was lower in diabetics, especially those with autonomic neuropathy or sympathetic dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Diagnosing sympathetic dysfunction in diabetic patients is challenging due to limited and insensitive tests.
- The cold pressor test (CPT) is a potent sympathetic stimulus, making it a potential diagnostic tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of the cold pressor test in diagnosing sympathetic dysfunction in diabetic patients.
- To compare CPT responses between diabetic patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- The cold pressor test was administered to 33 diabetic patients and 15 controls.
- Cardiovascular reflex tests (deep breathing, orthostatic hypotension) were used to categorize autonomic dysfunction.
- Systolic and diastolic blood pressure responses to CPT were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Diabetic patients showed a significantly lower diastolic CPT response compared to controls (7.7 vs. 12.0 mmHg).
- Patients with autonomic neuropathy and those with sympathetic dysfunction exhibited blunted diastolic CPT responses.
- Systolic CPT response did not differ between groups.
Conclusions:
- The diastolic cold pressor response is a sensitive indicator of sympathetic dysfunction in diabetic patients.
- CPT can aid in the diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy in diabetes.
- Further research may establish CPT as a valuable clinical tool for diabetic autonomic dysfunction.