Simple Diagnostic Method of Diabetic Distal Polyneuropathy in Type 2 Diabetics

Kim, Chi Hak; Lee, Kyung Il; Han, Sang Gil; Heo, Jeong Ho; Lee, Kwang Jae

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of diabetic distal polyneuropathy, a common chronic complication of diabetes mellitus, is important in the management of diabetes mellitus. Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy Score(MDNS) is a good method for diagnosis of this complication but requires many check lists witb nerve conduction study, which may be troublesome in outpatients. This study was performed to investigate simple and convenient diagnostic means which can be substituted with MDNS.
METHODS
41 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were assessed with MDNS which include toe 128 Hz tuning fork test, 10 g filament test, pin wheel test and nerve conduction velocity(NCV). Additionally, l28 Hz tuning fork test, l0 g filament test, pin wheel test on fingers and Tacticon and vibration perception test with Bio-thesiometer on toes and fingers were performed.
RESULTS
Toe and finger 128 Hz tuning fork, Tacticon and Bio-thesiometer tests were highly concordant with MDNS(kappa>0.40). Also combined tests such as toe and finger 128Hz tuning fork- Tacticon test and Tacticon-Bio-thesiometer test were highly concordant with MDNS(kappa > 0.40) and more sensitive than single tests.
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that finger 128 Hz tuning fork - Tacticon combined test is good, simple and convenient in the diagnosis of diabetic distal polyneurapathy.