Clinical, hematological and electrophysiologic study of megaloblastic anemias.

Thirty one cases of megaloblastic anaemia were studied clinically and electrophysiologically. Eight patients had clinical evidence of peripheral neuropathy. MNCV, distal sensory latency, la fibre conduction velocity, proximal conduction velocity and H-reflex amplitude and latency were compared with fourteen age and sex matched healthy controls. MNCV, proximal conduction velocity and H-reflex amplitude were significantly decreased in anaemic subjects while distal sensory latency was increased. No change was seen in la fibre conduction velocity and H-reflex latency. There was no correlation between severity of anaemia and the electrophysiologic abnormalities. MNCV and la fibre conduction velocity improved after correction of anemia.

Role of H-reflex latency studies in the diagnosis of subclinical diabetic neuropathy.

Motor conduction velocity (MCV) in the median, ulnar and peroneal nerves and H-reflex studies have been conducted in 50 diabetics aged 20-65 years and 25 controls. MCV in the upper limb was below the normal range in 16% of diabetics. 28% diabetics showed abnormal MCV in the peroneal nerve. H-reflex abnormality consisting of either prolonged latency or its complete absence could be observed in 54% of diabetics. The results indicate the greater sensitivity of H-reflex in the detection of sub-clinical diabetic neuropathy. Greater prevalence of neuropathy in the early onset diabetes than in the late onset type is also suggested.