[Evaluation of neuropathy in workers predisposed to inhalation of N-hexane]

Workers who are exposed to inhalation N-hexane can gradually develop progressive polyneuropathy, sometimes results in paralysis and even death. Shoe workers, printers, rubber cement workers and every other job which use glue, are at risk of inhalation of N-hexane. The aim of this study was to compare variables related to neuropathy in these workers with healthy controls. We compared the results of nerve conduction study [NCS] on 30 N-hexane-exposed cases and 30 non-exposed healthy controls. All participants were male. Case group included 12 printers and 18 shoemakers. Their mean occupational experiences were 5.2 and 17 years, respectively. Mean of sural sensory nerve action potential [SNAP] and tibial compound muscle action potential [CMAP] amplitudes were significantly lower in exposed group [p value <0/05]. Mean of F-wave distal latencies significantly higher in the exposed individuals [p value<0/50]. Mean of sural SNAP and tibial CMAP-related distal latencies and tibial CMAP-related conduction velocities were not significantly different [P value >0/05]. This study showed peripheral nervous system involvement in glue-exposed workers. It seems that NCS is an effective method for diagnosis of subclinical and clinical neuropathy in N-hexane exposure. We can use this inexpensive and noninvasive method for screening and prevention of polyneuropathy in such persons

[How could FAIR test modify the H reflex in gastrocnemius muscle in patients with piriformis syndrome?]

Priformis syndrome [PS] is defined by a loose cluster of symptoms arising from entrapment of one or both divisions of the sciatic nerve as they pass the sciatic notch. This paper presents a method of using the H-reflex as an aid in the diagnosis of PS. Forcible pressure from the priformis muscle on the sciatic nerve can be induced by internal rotation of an affected limb in an adducted and flexed position [FAIR]. This pressure is reflected in a delay of the H-reflex. The length of delay seen in 15 legs of 14 patients who met the criteria for PS is compared with that seen in 7 unaffected contralateral limbs. Mean delay of H-reflex was 2.346 msec for affected legs and 0.368 msec for the combined control groups [p<0.01]. There were no significant differences in delay latency between control group and amplitude between all groups [p>0.05]