Clinical Usefulness of the Two-site Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test for Detecting Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

The present study was done to validate the two-site Semmes-Weinstein (SW) monofilament test in identifying patients at risk of lower-extremity complications in clinical setting. The SW monofilament test and nerve conduction study were conducted on type 2 diabetic patients (n=37) at Pusan National University Hospital in Korea. As the duration of diabetes mellitus was longer, neuropathy identified by nerve conduction study and complications of diabetes were more severe (p<0.01). The number of sites unable to perceive SW monofilament (p<0.001) was larger in patients with lower-extremity neuropathy symptoms than those without symptoms. Sensitivity and specificity at two sites (the third and fifth metatarsal head sites) were 93% and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, the two-site SW monofilament test was a sensitive, specific, simple, and inexpensive screening tool for identifying diabetic peripheral neuropathy in clinical setting.

Incidence of Influenza-like Illness after Influenza Vaccination in the Elderly

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to assess the efficacy of influenza vaccination against influenza-like illness and the common cold in the elderly. METHODS: A total of 62 subjects, aged 60 years or older, were evaluated, who visited the Un-bong Welfare center, Bansong, Pusan. Attack rate of influenza-like illness and the common cold during winter, before and after influenza vaccination, was assessed by means of interview. RESULTS: After influenza vaccination, the attack frequency of influenza-like illness during winter was 0.07 0.31. This differed with 0.81 1.17 before vaccination (P<0.000). After influenza vaccination, the attack frequency of the common cold during winter was 1.22 1.61. This differed with 2.71 2.35 before vaccination (P<0.000). After influenza vaccination, the attack rate of influenza-like illness during winter was 45.2%. This differed with 4.8% before vaccination (P<0.000). After influenza vaccination, the attack frequency of common cold during winter was 87.1%. This differed with 48.4% before vaccination (P<0.000). The only side effect of influenza vaccination was pain (1.6%). CONCLUSION: In the elderly, influenza vaccination may reduce the incidence of influenza-like illness and the common cold during winter.