Application of quantitative sensory testing in diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the application of quantitative sensory testing (QST) to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods TSA 2001 thermal sensory analyzer and VSA 6003 vibratory sensory analyzer made in Israel were used for thermal, vibratory tests and sensory conduction velocity (SCV) at four different locations of extremities in 45 diabetics and 22 normal persons. Results The thermal threshold (TT) and vibratory threshold (VT) of the diabetics were higher than those of age matched normal controls. In diabetics the TT was more frequently abnormal than the VT, which suggested that the small nerve fibers were more vulnerable than large fibers. Quantitative thermal testing (QTT) was more sensitive than quantitative vibratory testing (QVT) and SCV in diabetic peripheral neuropathy, especially in subclinical neuropathy. There was no significant correlation between the TT or VT and blood glucose in diabetics. Conclusion QTT is a sensitive method for diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy.