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The hot bath test among Malaysian multiple sclerosis patients
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Asian Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients show heat sensitivity, with 38% experiencing neurological changes during hot bath tests. This contrasts with Caucasian patients, indicating ethnic differences in MS symptom exacerbation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Uhthoff's phenomenon, the worsening of MS symptoms with increased body temperature, is well-documented in Caucasian populations.
Observation:
- This study investigated heat sensitivity in 13 Malaysian (Asian) patients with clinically definite MS.
- Patients underwent hot bath testing with electrophysiological assessments (VEPs, BAEPs, SSEPs) before and after heating.
Findings:
- Five patients (38%) exhibited new neurological signs or symptom exacerbation following the hot bath test.
- Observed changes included motor disturbances and visual deterioration, with one patient showing VEP changes.
- The positive rate for the hot bath test in this Asian cohort was lower than reported for Caucasian MS patients.
Implications:
- Asian MS patients demonstrate sensitivity to heat, similar to Caucasian patients, though potentially to a lesser degree.
- This study highlights potential ethnic variations in the clinical presentation and physiological responses in Multiple Sclerosis.
- Further research is warranted to explore these observed differences between Asian and Caucasian MS patient populations.