[Possible factors associated with epidemic neuropathy in Cuba]

Of the 115 patients who suffered from epidemic neuropathy and received attention from March 16 de April 30, 1993, at the Center for Medical and Surgical Research (CMSR), in Havana City, 114 controls were selected at random in the community. In the univariate analysis it was found a significant association mainly with the smoking habit (odds ratio = 3.45 [95% confidence interval 1.85 to 6.35)] and with the consumption of edible fat of uncertified procedence (odds ratio = 2.77 [95% confidence interval 1.34 to 5.8]). All were ratified in the multivariate logistical regression analysis. Association (odds ratio = 8.8 [95% confidence interval 2.58 to 30.55] with the presence of antibodies against the Coxsackie virus A-9 strain 47 was also found among the 182 individuals who had serological test. It seems that the toxic factor derived from the smoking habit, together with the deficiency of some nutrients due to the changes occurred in the diet, as well as the contact with the isolated virus in one of the patients facilitated the clinical expression of this disease and therefore in the origin of the epidemics.