Factores de riesgo asociados a Pérdida de Sensibilidad Protectora en pacientes con Diabetes en la Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Pie Diabético / Risk factors associated with Loss of Protective Sensitivity in Diabetes patients in the Multidisciplinary Unit of Diabetic Foot

Introducción: Identificar factores de riesgo para pérdida de la sensibilidad protectora es fundamental para prevenir el Pie Diabético. Objetivos: Analizar los factores de riesgo asociados a la pérdida de la sensibilidad protectora en pacientes con diabetes mellitus y sus complicaciones. Materiales y métodos: diseño observacional, de casos y controles. Se incluyó pacientes de ambos sexos, con diabetes mellitus; ≥ 18 años, a quienes se realizó el Test de monofilamento en la Unidad Multidisciplinaria Hospital de Clínicas, de enero 2014 a julio 2019. Factores de riesgo considerados: edad, años de diabetes mellitus, Hba1c, HTA, dislipidemia; se tuvo en cuenta las complicaciones: retinopatía, enfermedad arterial periférica = ITB <0,9 derecho e izquierdo, enfermedad renal= ClCr <60 ml/min/m2 (MDRD), amputaciones (mayores y menores). Resultados: De 100 pacientes; 33% con pérdida de la sensibilidad protectora; edad 59±9,7 años; 55% masculino. Factores de riesgo: edad: 57,7±1,0 años sin pérdida de la sensibilidad protectora y 61,2±9 años con pérdida de la sensibilidad protectora, p=0.08; años de diabetes mellitus 9,4±8,4 vs 11,5± 8,7 p=0,20; HbA1C 8,8± 2,7% vs 9,1±2% p=0,50; HTA 63,5% vs 75,6% p=0,20; dislipidemias 75,9% vs 57,69%, p=0,09; complicaciones con pérdida de la sensibilidad protectora: retinopatía 88% vs 57,5% OR=1,67, p=0,02. ClCr 84±40,3 ml/min vs 90,9±30,4, p=0,40. Enfermedad arterial periférica derecha 27,78% vs 11,1% OR=0,1, p=0,10; enfermedad arterial periférica izquierda 20% vs 7 15,5% OR=1 p=0,60; amputación 17,5% vs 7,9% OR=2,01, p=0,06. Conclusión: con pérdida de la sensibilidad protectora: la edad, años de diabetes mellitus fueron mayores. HTA fue más frecuente y Hba1c más elevada; nefropatía, enfermedad arterial periférica y amputación con mayor frecuencia, todas no significativas. La retinopatía fue más frecuente en forma significativa.

Introduction: Identifying risk factors for loss of protective sensitivity is essential to prevent Diabetic Foot. Objectives: To analyze the risk factors associated with the loss of protective sensitivity in patients with diabetes mellitus and its complications. Materials and methods: observational, case-control design. Patients of both sexes were included, with diabetes mellitus; ≥ 18 years, who underwent the Monofilament Test in the Multidisciplinary Unit Hospital de Clínicas, from January 2014 to July 2019. Risk factors considered: age, years of diabetes mellitus, Hba1c, HT, dyslipidemia; Complications were taken into account: retinopathy, peripheral arterial disease = ABI <0.9 right and left, kidney disease = CrCl <60 ml / min / m2 (MDRD), amputations (major and minor). Results: Of 100 patients; 33% with loss of protective sensitivity; age 59 ± 9.7 years; 55% male. Risk factors: age: 57.7 ± 1.0 years without loss of protective sensitivity and 61.2 ± 9 years with loss of protective sensitivity, p = 0.08; years of diabetes mellitus 9.4 ± 8.4 vs 11.5 ± 8.7 p = 0.20; HbA1C 8.8 ± 2.7% vs 9.1 ± 2% p = 0.50; HTN 63.5% vs 75.6% p = 0.20; dyslipidemias 75.9% vs 57.69%, p = 0.09; complications with loss of protective sensitivity: retinopathy 88% vs 57.5% OR = 1.67, p = 0.02. CrCl 84 ± 40.3 ml / min vs 90.9 ± 30.4, p = 0.40. Right peripheral arterial disease 27.78% vs 11.1% OR = 0.1, p = 0.10; left peripheral arterial disease 20% vs 7 15.5% OR = 1 p = 0.60; 17.5% amputation vs 7.9% OR = 2.01, p = 0.06. Conclusion: with loss of protective sensitivity: age, years of diabetes mellitus were older. HBP was more frequent and Hba1c higher; nephropathy, peripheral arterial disease and amputation with greater frequency, all not significant. Retinopathy was significantly more frequent.

Reliability of diabetic neuropathy symptom and diabetic neuropathy examination scoring system for the diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Background: This study aims to evaluate the reliability of the Diabetic Neuropathy Examination Score (DNE), 10-g Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Examination and Quantitative Sensory Testing by Vibration Perception Threshold (VPT) in the diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy and seek a cost effective and reliable screening method in diabetic OPD and IPD against the gold standard of NCV.Methods: This study was carried out in 50 confirmed type 2 diabetic patients matched for age, sex, duration and ABI >0.9 irrespective of the presenting complaints. Patients with either limb amputation, other reasons for peripheral neuropathy, ABI <0.9, critical and comatose were excluded. A complete neurological assessment using a symptom questionnaire, Semmes Weinstein monofilament, vibration and thermal threshold perception analyzer was done and recorded. A score was given out of 20. The patients were retrograde subjected to NCV by a blinded technician and the readings were then compared to the scores.Results: The level of significance between the total neuropathy score and the presence of neuropathy (by NCV) was very significant (p<0.0001) with an association of 0.932. In patients with a mean total neuropathy score of 3.28,10.80 and 15.37, there was no, mild and severe levels of neuropathy in NCV respectively.Conclusions: There is correlation between the total neurological scores and NCV. Therefore, it can be used to screen all diabetic patients for earliest signs of diabetic neuropathy with sustainable results.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Different Bedside Clinical Methods in Evaluation of Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients of Diabetes: Experience at a Tertiary Care Center

Background and Objectives: At present, the gold standard for diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is biothesiometry. Sincethe data are sparse comparing the biothesiometry with commonly used bedside tests, we conducted this study to evaluate theclinical accuracy of simple bedside clinical screening tools for evaluation of peripheral neuropathy in patients of diabetes mellitus.Materials and Methods: Atotal of 120 patients with diabetes mellitus referred from the endocrinology department, from August2014 to July 2017 were included in this study. A detailed clinical assessment including diabetic neuropathy symptom (DNS)score, diabetic neuropathy examination (DNE) score, ankle reflex, vibration sensation with a 128 Hz tuning fork, and 10 gSemmes-Weinstein monofilament, and biothesiometry was done in all the subjects.Results: The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 36% with biothesiometry. Only 33.33% of patients followed foot carepractices in the study population. Monofilament was the most sensitive and accurate of all the diagnostic tests for the evaluationof peripheral neuropathy in diabetes patients. On statistical analysis correlations observed between the biothesiometry andthe DNE score (r = 0.572, P < 0.00018) and DNS score (r = 0.436, P < 0.0004) and absent tuning fork sensation (r = 0.510;P < 0.0007), monofilament sensation (r = 0.713; P < 0.0002) and ankle reflex (r = 0.456, P = 0.0002) were significant.Interpretation and Conclusions: we concluded that simple bedside tests are useful for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy indiabetes patients including those in whom foot care practices are not followed.

Uso dos monofilamentos de Semmes Weinstein nos últimos cinco anos: revisão bibliográfica / Use of the Semmes Weinstein monofilament the past five years: Literature Review

O presente estudo teve por intuito revisar e analisar a bibliografia sobre a utilização dos Monofilamentos de Semmes Weinstein nos anos de 2010 à 2015, disponibilizada gratuitamente nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde - BVS e PubMed. A questão apresentada por esse trabalho indaga em quais patologias foi frequente o uso da referida técnica, além de apontar as considerações sugestivas para seu o uso. Na pesquisa de bancos de dados, após cumprir os critérios de inclusão estabelecidos, foram selecionados trinta e oito artigos. Após a revisão e análise dos mesmos, foi possível verificar em quais patologias há maior incidência no uso dos monofilamentos, bem como identificar aspectos sugestivos referentes ao uso do objeto de estudo. Para nós, terapeutas ocupacionais, faz-se necessário conhecer as diversas utilizações existentes sobre o uso dos monofilamentos para que possamos compreender e aprofundar técnicas e locais de aplicação em diversas patologias, ampliando assim, nossa atuação na detecção e tratamento das afecções sensitivas.

The present study was aimed to review and analyze the literature on the use of Monofilament of Semmes Weinstein in the years 2010 to 2015, available for free on Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde - BVS and PubMed. The question presented by this work to inquire under what conditions was the frequent use of that technique, while pointing out the suggestive considerations for its use. The database search, after meeting the inclusion criteria were selected thirty-eight articles. After review and analysis of the data, we found conditions in which there is greater emphasis on the use of monofilament and to identify aspects suggestive for the use of the subject matter. For us, occupational therapists, it is necessary to know the various existing uses on the use of monofilament so we can understand and deepen technical and application sites in various diseases, thus expanding our operations in the detection and treatment of sensory disorders.

Comparison of diagnostic method of evaluating vibration induced sensorineural impairment among shipyard’s grinders

The objectives of this study are to investigate diagnostic value of two different tests amongst tests highly recommended and used for diagnosis of HAVS of the sensorineural component; Semmes Weinstein Monofilament (SWM) and Purdue Pegboard (PP) tests using vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) test as standard objective quantitative test. For the method, a total of 176 grinders as vibration exposed respondent of a shipyard’s fabrication participated in this study. Questionnaire and vibration exposures data were collected for all respondents where 67 respondents further performed the three quantitative sensorineural testing. The result showed that mean acceleration magnitude of grinding tools used were 4.9 ms-2, exceeding recommendation by European Commission. Both cut-off point methods of mean plus two times standard deviation (mean + 2sd) and z-score (at 75th percentile) show significant difference among healthy and HAVS (p < 0.001). Correlation between SWM with VPT and PP with VPT was weak. However, results suggests progressive pathological damage to sensorineural component of the digits starts with fast-adapting II (FA II) mechanoreceptors indicated with significant correlation primarily at 125 Hz. Analyses of sensitivity and specificity found that monofilament at 0.16g force best discriminate HAVS from healthy. In the other hand, Purdue Pegboard test shows best diagnostic value of indicating HAVS at minimum insert of 16 pin and 14 pin respectively for dominant and non-dominant hand. Both Semmes Weinstein Monofilament and Purdue Pegboard tests has limited diagnostic value to be used as screening tools for early detection of HAVS.

Comparison between Monofilament Test and Light Touch Exam for Spinal Cord Injury / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To investigate the correlation between Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and light touch exam of international standard for spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods 84 inpatients with SCI were assessed with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and light touch exam of international standard to determine the SCI level. The results were recorded as right-side and left-side of the body respective-ly. Results The normal tactual level of monofilament test and the normal light touch level of International Standard of Spinal Cord Injury (ISSCI) was consistent in 36%result to the unilateral level of SCI. For the 45 cases with ASIA A injury, 71%of the key points below the SCI level lost the tactual sensation in monofilament test, and 84%lost in light touch exam of ISSCI. Conclusion The result of monofilament test is poorly consistent with light touch exam of SCI, which may result from tactile sensitization after SCI. It is recommended to combine these exam in practices.

Comparison between Monofilament Test and Light Touch Exam for Spinal Cord Injury / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the correlation between Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and light touch exam of international standard for spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods 84 inpatients with SCI were assessed with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and light touch exam of international standard to determine the SCI level. The results were recorded as right-side and left-side of the body respectively. Results The normal tactual level of monofilament test and the normal light touch level of International Standard of Spinal Cord Injury (ISSCI) was consistent in 36% result to the unilateral level of SCI. For the 45 cases with ASIA A injury, 71% of the key points below the SCI level lost the tactual sensation in monofilament test, and 84% lost in light touch exam of ISSCI. Conclusion The result of monofilament test is poorly consistent with light touch exam of SCI, which may result from tactile sensitization after SCI. It is recommended to combine these exam in practices.

Validation of bedside methods in evaluation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Background & objectives: Vibration perception threshold (VPT) is considered as a gold standard for diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. However, the data are sparse comparing the VPT with commonly used bedside modalities. This study was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of simple bed side screening modalities for peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 1044 patients with diabetes mellitus attending the Diabetes clinic from January 2007 to May 2008, were included in this study. All subjects had a detailed clinical assessment including Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom (DNS) score, Diabetic Neuropathy Examination (DNE) score, ankle reflex, vibration sensation with a 128 Hz tuning fork, 10g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and vibration perception threshold (VPT). Results: The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 34.9 per cent with VPT. Foot care practices were followed by only 214 (20.5%) of the study population. When compared with VPT, ankle reflex was the most sensitive (90.7%) but least specific (37.3%). The tuning fork and monofilament tests respectively had lower sensitivity (62.5 and 62.8%) but better specificity (95.3 and 92.9%) and accuracy (78.9 and 77.9%). Significant correlations were observed between the VPT score and the DNE (r = 0.532, P<0.001) and DNS (r = 0.546, P<0.001) scores and absent tuning fork sensation (r= 0.590; P<0.001), monofilament sensation (r= 0.573; P<0.001) and ankle reflex (r = 0.377, P= 0.01). Interpretation & conclusions: The present findings show that simple bed side tests are useful for assessing peripheral diabetic neuropathy, even in those subjects in whom foot care practices are not followed.

Avaliação convencional e estesiômetro: resultados controversos na avaliação sensitiva no câncer de mama / Evaluation Conventional & Esthesiometer: controversial results in sensory evaluation in breast cancer

Este estudo clínico, prospectivo e randomizado, foi realizado no período de agosto de 2004 a fevereiro de 2008,na amostra de conveniência de 60 mulheres, submetidas à cirurgia de mama com esvaziamento axilar, divididasem dois grupos (n=30): o GI (Orientação com Kit de diferentes texturas, para realização em domicilio) e oGII (Controle). O objetivo foi analisar o efeito da orientação domiciliar, em pacientes após cirurgia de câncer de mama com queixa de hipoestesia, pela avaliação convencional e com o uso do estesiômetro. A sensibilidade superficial foi avaliada pelos monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein e pela avaliação convencional utilizando dois tubos de ensaios com água quente (38 a 43°C) e fria (16 a 27°C), pincel e agulha. O GI foi submetido a dez sessões e ambos a avaliações em três momentos. O M1 (Pré intervenção), o M2 (Pós-intervenção) após dez sessões de intervenção fisioterapêutica e o M3 (washout) após três meses do segundo momento avaliativo. A região alvo de avaliação e intervenção sensitiva foi o dermátomo do nervo intercostobraquial. No teste de Goodman (avaliação convencional) houve melhora em ambos os grupos no P1, durante a avaliação térmica. No teste "t" de student (estesiômetro) houve melhora no P2 apenas no GI (p=0,003) entre os momentos ume dois mantendo no momento três (p=0,121 e p=0,733 respectivamente). Foi concluído que houve divergênciae resultados opostos, após analisado o efeito da orientação domiciliar no dermátomo do nervo intercostobraquial, pelas avaliações convencional e com uso do estesiômetro.

This study, clinical, prospective, randomized study was conducted from August 2004 to February 2008 in a convenience sample of 60 women who underwent breast surgery with axillary dissection, divided into two groups (n = 30). The GI (Guidance Kit with different textures, to perform at home) and GII (control). The objective was to analyze the effect of home orientation in patients after surgery for breast cancer complaining of numbness, evaluation, and the conventional esthesiometer. The surface sensitivity was assessed by monofilament Semmes-Weinstein and evaluation using conventional two test tubes with hot water (38 to 43°C) and cold (16 to 27°C), paintbrush, needle. The GI was subjected to 10 sessions and assessments in both 3times. The M1 (pre intervention), the M2 (post-intervention) after 10 sessions of physical therapy intervention and M3 (washout) after 3 months the second time for assessment. The region targeted for evaluation and intervention was the sensory nerve dermatome intercostobrachial. In the test of Goodman (conventional assessment) there was improvement in both groups, the P1, during the thermal evaluation. The t-test ofstudent (esthesiometer) there was improvement in P2 only in GI (p = 0.003) between points 1 and 2 while the time 3 (p = 0.121 and p = 0.733 respectively). It was concluded that there were divergent and opposite results after examining the effect of home orientation in the nerve dermatome intercostobrachial, evaluation, and the conventional esthesiometer.

Risk Determinants of Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus Attending Follow-Up Clinics at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC): A Cross-Sectional Study

Peripheral neuropathy is highly associated with foot complications among diabetics. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the development of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients and their association with degree of severity of peripheral neuropathy. A cross-sectional study was conducted in follow-up clinics at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Malaysia involving 72 diabetic patients and 19 controls. Exclusion criteria were those with amputated limbs, gross foot deformity and existing peripheral neuropathy. Controls were non diabetics who walked normally, had no history of foot problem and attended the clinic as subjects’ companion. Quantitative assessment of neuropathy was done using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament. Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) were used to quantify severity of diabetic neuropathy. Spearman’s Rank test and Mann-Whitney test were used to determine correlation between variables and their differences. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors associated with peripheral neuropathy. The mean HbA1c among diabetics was 8.6% + 4.1, and mean NDS was 7.0 + 6.0. A total of 79.1% demonstrated various level of neuropathy with presence of callus was associated with higher NDS scores. Older age (P=0.02), body weight (P=0.03), HbA1c (P=0.005) and duration of diabetes (P <0.005) showed positive correlation with NDS. Proper foot care program for diabetics should include recognition of the callus, with special emphasis given to those with heavier weight and increasing age.

The Experience of Cystocele Repair with Monofilament polypropylene Mesh

PURPOSE: The use of synthetic mesh to reinforce the anterior vaginal wall support for cystocele repair has been proposed to prevent recurrence. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of cystocele repair using monofilament polypropylene mesh (Gynemesh PS(TM)). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed in 53 patents who underwent cystocele repair using monofilament polypropylene mesh between January 2006 and January 2009. According to the ICS (International Continence Society) stage classification, 33, 17 and 3 women had stage II, III and IV cystocele. The operation were performed through the vaginal approach. Patients were followed up for 9 to 36 months. We defined the cure of cystocele as stage 0, improvement as stage I, and failed as stage II or greater RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 23.8 months. At follow-up, 41 women were anatomically cured (77.4%), 12 women were improved as stage I (22.6%) and no one was failed. Six cases were previously ICS stage II, 5 cases were stage III and 1 case was stage IV in improved group. No significant intraoperative complications occurred. The postoperative complications were de novo urgency (4 cases, 7.6%), erosion of mesh (2 cases, 3.8%) and anterior vaginal wall hematoma (1 case, 1.9%). CONCLUSION: The use of polypropylene mesh for correction of cystocele by transvaginal route with tension free technique seems to be a safe and effective procedure.

Comparison of E. coli Infiltration between New Synthetic Absorbable Sutures

PURPOSE: The proper selection of suture is very important to minimize infection after gastrointestinal anastomosis and closure, which is one of the causes of postoperative complications such as leakage and stricture, etc, in the surgical field. Thus this study focuses on which suture can reduce bacterial infection after surgical operation by comparing in vitro microbial infiltration rates of three synthetic absorbable sutures and that of silk - a relatively absorbable material, using E. coli. METHODS: Four different, sterilized kinds of absorbable sutures were used for two experiments. In experiment 1, the cut-off suture was directly applied to the standard method agar plate and cultured for observation. In experiment 2, the cut-off suture was diluted with 1 ml of tryptic soy broth to be smeared and cultured in the standard method agar plate and counted using a spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The first experiment revealed that bacterial growth was not observed in the monofilament and antibiotic-coated multifilament sutures, while the other sutures of multifilament structure were invaded by bacteria. In the second experiment, counting and averaging the colony from five plates of each test showed that the number of E. coli of monofilament suture, antibiotics-coated polyglactin, polyglactin and silk were 0+/-0, 39.3+/-14.4, 208.6+/-76.6, 59.4+/-26.7, respectively. CONCLUSION: Sutures of monofilament structure are believed to be a relatively safe material that can be used for gastrointestinal anastomosis and closure since it has lower bacterial infiltration rates than sutures of multifilament structure.

Umbral de sensibilidad de los nervios periféricos de la mano en pacientes con diabetes tipo II / Sensitivity theshold of peripheral nerves of hand in patients with diabetes type II

Las neuropatías periféricas en mano de los pacientes con diabetes tipo II son poco estudiadas por lo que esta investigación de tipo descriptivo se buscó establecer su manifestación mediante una prueba de sensibilidad con monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein (SWME) realizada a 66 pacientes que asisten a la Clínica de Diabetes del Hospital Militar Central de Bogotá (HOSMIC), en un período de 4 meses. Se tuvo en cuenta la edad, el género y la dominancia, las que se relacionaron con el umbral sensitivo en los territorios autónomos de los nervios radial, mediano y cubital. Las 132 manos evaluadas el mayor porcentaje presentó disminución del tacto ligero, así: 43% nervio radial, 36% nervio mediano y 42% nervio cubital. La disminución de la sensación protectiva mostró que el nervio radial se comprometió en el 29%, el nervio mediano en el 21% y el cubital en el 14%. Las mujeres tienen el mayor porcentaje de normalidad en el tacto con 42%, mientras que los hombres lo presentaron en la disminución del tacto ligero en un 43%. En cuanto a edad, el mayor compromiso se presentó en usuarios mayores de 70 años en un 26% y no hubo notoria diferencia entre la sensibilidad de la mano dominante y la no dominante.

Peripheral neuropathies in hand of patients with diabetes are poorly studied so this research is a descriptive cross, find their expression through a sensitivity test to Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWME) performed to 66 patients attending to the Diabetes Clinic of the Central Military Hospital in Bogotá (HOSMIC), over a period of 4 months. The variables that were considered were age, gender and dominance which were related to sensory findings in the autonomous territories of the radial nerve, median and ulnar. It was established that 132 of the hands evaluated provided the highest percentage decrease in light touch, and 43% radial nerve, median nerve 36% and 42% ulnar nerve. The decrease of the protective sensation showed that the radial nerve was committed at 29%, the median nerve in 21% and the ulnar in 14%. It was concluded that women have the highest percentage of normalcy in touch with 42% while men showed a decrease in light touch by 43%. Regarding age, the greater was present in users over 70 years by 26% and there was no noticeable difference between the sensitivity of the dominant hand and non-dominant.

Sensory Thresholds of Normal Human Feet Using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament

OBJECTIVE: To obtain the sensory thresholds of the feet from healthy adult using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. METHOD: Twenty male and twenty female volunteers aging from 24 to 38 years old were selected. There were no known medical conditions associated with decreased foot sensation and history of previous injury to the foot. The subjects were blindfolded with the leg resting on a chair as 14 plantar and 5 dorsal locations were tested on each foot. Each site on the foot had the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments applied to it first, in an order of increasing stiffness, then repeated in decreasing order. A positive threshold response was recorded when the subject could feel the filament and could accurately locate where on the foot the stimulus had been applied. RESULTS: The mean sensitivity for all sites was 3.41+/-0.17. Sensation in the plantar surface of greater toe, 5th toe, arch, and dorsal surface of 1st web space, 3rd toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint level, 5th metatarsal head were the most sensitive. The least sensitive regions were the heel pad, lateral plantar midfoot, and medial and lateral heel. CONCLUSION: Normal data of sensory threshold using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament could be used for the early detection of peripheral neuropathy or loss of protective sensation.

Improvement of diabetic peripheral neuropathy using monochromatic infrared energy / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To observe the effect of monochromatic infrared energy(MIRE)on diabetic periphe- ral neuropathy(DPN).Methods Seventy-four subjects with diabetic peripheral neuropathy who were tested by Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments(SWM)were randomized into 2 groups:a conventional management group and a conventional management plus MIRE group.Then the patients'sensory function and other DPN symptoms were evalu- ated by the SWME and the score of Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument.Results After treatments,there was a decrease(P＜0.01)in the number of the sites insensitive to SWME(grade 5.07),and MNSI scores were sig- nificantly decreased(P＜0.01).The MIRE management was more effective than conventional management.Con- clusion Monochromatic infrared energy is perhaps a safe,non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive method for the treat- ment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Safety and Usefulness of Synthetic Absorbable Monofilament, Glycoside-epsilon-caprolactone- trimethylene Carbonate Interpolymer, in Gastrointestinal Anastomosis and Closure

PURPOSE: Synthetic absorbable monofilaments offer excellent glide characteristics and cause minimal tissue trauma as a result of their smooth monofilament structure and gradual absorption within the healing tissues. For these reasons, these suture materials are commonly used in various surgical fields such as gastroenterology, urology, gynecology, and plastic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and usefulness of a new synthetic absorbable monofilament, Glycoside-epsilon-caprolactone-trimethylene carbonate interpolymer (GCT), in gastrointestinal anastomosis and closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 55 gastrointestinal anastomoses and closures using GCT (MONOSYNR, B. Braun, Germany) in 47 patients who underwent gastric surgery between December 2001 and May 2002 at Seoul National University Hospital. Patient's characteristics, operative procedure, surgeon's opinion of handling properties of GCT, and suture-related complications were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 34 males and 13 females (M:F= 2.6:1) with an average age of 54.2 years old. Forty-five cases of gastrointestinal anastomosis (20 gastrojejunostomies and 25 jejunojejunostomies) and 10 cases of intestinal closure (7 gastrostomy closures and 3 duodenal stump closures) were performed in 41 cases of stomach cancer, three of peptic ulcer disease, two of GIST, and one MALToma. The handling properties of GCT according to the criteria of knot breaking load, knot security, and placing property were always scored with 7 to 9 points (10=excellent, 1=very poor). Two cases of postoperative complications (3.6%) were noted. One was a leak of the gastrojejunostomy site which was successfully managed conservatively, and the other was a stricture of the gastrojejunostomy site which was managed by reoperation (side-to-side jejunojejunostomy). CONCLUSION: GCT seems to be an applicable suture material for various gastrointestinal anastomoses and closures.

Nerve Conduction Study Findings and Risk Category of Diabetic Foot Screening Test

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between the risk categories of diabetic foot screening test by 5.07 Semmes- Weinstein monofilament and the findings of standard nerve conduction studies of upper and lower extremities. METHOD: We studied 74 patients who were consulted to our department to rule out the diabetic neuropathy. We classified the patients to 4 risk groups by foot screening test using 5.07 Sememes-Weinstein monofilament, and performed the standard nerve conduction studies of upper and lower extremities. The risk categories of foot screening tests were compared to the findings of the nerve conduction studies. RESULTS: When the risk category becomes higher, there were more delay in latencies (motor and sensory potentials of median and ulnar nerve, sensory potentials of sural and superficial peroneal nerve, median and peroneal F-wave), slower conduction velocities (median, ulnar, peroneal, posterior tibial nerve) and lower amplitudes (motor and sensory potentials of media and ulnar nerve, peroneal and posterior tibial nerve, sural nerve) (p<0.05). Except for the amplitude of ulnar nerve and the latencies of peroneal and ulnar nerve, there were significant differences in the nerve conduction study data between the risk group 3 and the risk group 0 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We confirmed that the risk category of diabetic foot screening test by Semmes-Weinstein monofilament can meaningfully reflect the severity of diabetic neuropathy. We also suggest that it is necessary to pay attention to the nerve conduction study in the patients with history of foot ulcer.

Foot Screening Tests with Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament in Diabetic Inpatients

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of each risk category for diabetic foot ulcer by foot screening test with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and to evaluate the correlation of the risk category with clinical data in diabetic inpatients. METHOD: Foot screening tests with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament was performed in 90 diabetic inpatients to determined the risk category for diabetic foot ulcer. An average age of patients was 55 years, and an average duration of the disease was 11 years. The correlation of risk category was evaluated with age, duration of the disease, FBS (fasting blood glucose) level, HbA1c value, and complications of diabetes including retinopathy, peripheral polyneuropathy, and renal failure. RESULTS: Patients with risk category 0 had no loss of protective sensation in 34.4% of cases. Patients with risk category 1, 2, and 3 had loss of protective sensation in 16.7%, 28.9% and 20% of cases, respectively. The older a patient was and the longer the duration of the disease was, the higher the risk category was significantly (p<0.05). There was no significant correlation of risk category with FBS level and HbA1c value. Among the complications associated with diabetes, retinopathy and peripheral polyneuropathy significantly correlated with risk category (p<0.05), but renal failure was not significantly associated. CONCLUSION: The foot screening test with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament should be helpful for proper management of diabetic foot in inpatient.

The Value of the Medial Plantar Sensory Nerve Conduction Study in Diabetic Patient

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to obtain the reference values of latency and amplitude of the medial plantar sensory nerve action potential(SNAP) in normal controls and to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity of medial plantar sensory nerve conduction study(NCS) in diabetic neuropathy. METHOD: Thirty healthy controls(mean age, 48.7 years; range, 38~59 years) and 33 diabetic patients(mean age, 50.8 years; range, 37~64 years) were included in this study. The inclusion criteria for diabetic patients were subjects with the normal peroneal and tibial compound muscle action potentials, obtainable sural SNAPs and intact pressure-perception to Semmes-Weinstein monofilament 5.07. RESULTS: The medial plantar sensory nerve action potentials were obtainable in all control subjects and the reference values of onset latency and peak to peak amplitude were 4.29+/-0.49 msec and 3.1+/-1.34 V, respectively. All 33 diabetic patients showed the normal latency and 3 of them showed the low amplitude in sural SNAPs. The medial plantar SNAPs were obtainable in 24 diabetic patients. Among 9 patients with unobtainable medial plantar SNAPs, 6 showed the normal sural SNAPs and 3 showed the low sural SNAPs. The sensitivities of medial plantar SNAPs to sural nerve and sural SNAPs to medial plantar sensory nerve were 100%(3/3) and 27.3%(3/11) respectively. CONCLUSION: We concluded that medial plantar sensory NCS was more valuable in the early diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy than the sural NCS and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (North Coast Medical Inc, USA).