H-reflex latency in pellargic subjects, correlation with motor nerve conduction velocity and clinical findings

ABSTRACT

The material of the present work comprised 12 normal subjects and 51 pellagric patients. Complete neurological examination was performed and electrodiagnostic studies were done including the determination of H-reflex latency and motor nerve conduction velocities of both median and lateral popliteal nerves. Delayed motor nerve conduction velocity was proportional to the peripheral neurological affection. Again shortening of the H-reflex latency was closely related to pyramidal tract affection. Electrodiagnostic tests can therefore be taken as an early diagnostic tool for either of the two ways of affection of the nervous system by pellagra when only one of them is evident clinically. Comparison of such results in the follow up of patients can give a clear idea of the progress of patients either improving in response to treatment or not