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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2008; 116(2): 135-138
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-984455
Short Communication

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

A Comparison of the New Indicator Test for Sudomotor Function (Neuropad®) with the Vibration Perception Threshold and the Clinical Examination in the Diagnosis of Peripheral Neuropathy in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes

N. Papanas 1 , K. Papatheodorou 1 , D. Papazoglou 1 , C. Monastiriotis 1 , D. Christakidis 2 , E. Maltezos 1
  • 1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
  • 2Diabetic Department, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
Further Information

Publication History

received 01.05.2005 first decision 12.06.2007

accepted 18.06.2007

Publication Date:
20 December 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Peripheral neuropathy remains a major cause of morbidity and is a cardinal factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic foot ulceration. The aim of the present study was to compare the new indicator test for sudomotor function (Neuropad®) with the vibration perception threshold (VPT) and the clinical examination in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in subjects with type 2 diabetes. This study included 154 type 2 diabetic patients (76 men) with a mean age of 64.3±7.3 years and a mean diabetes duration of 12.8±4.3 years. Neuropathy was diagnosed clinically using the Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS). The VPT was measured with a neurothesiometer, values25Volts being classified as abnormal. Sudomotor function was evaluated by the indicator test. Sensitivity of the indicator test for neuropathy was 97.8% and specificity was 67.2%. Sensitivity and specificity of VPT for neuropathy were 78.9% and 85.9% respectively. A significant correlation was shown between time to colour change of the indicator test and VPT (rs=0.889, p<0.001).

Conclusions: Both the indicator test and the VPT have a high sensitivity for neuropathy. Sensitivity is higher with the indicator test, but specificity is higher with VPT. Time until complete colour change of the indicator test shows a positive correlation with VPT. Thus, the indicator test appears to be a useful additional diagnostic tool of neuropathy, particularly suitable for screening and self-examination, in type 2 diabetes. The correlation between time to colour change of the indicator test and VPT is interesting and merits investigation in a prospective study.

Key words

Diabetes mellitus - diabetic foot - diabetic neuropathy - sudomotor function

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Correspondence

Dr. N. Papanas

Ethnikis Antistasis 44

68100 Alexandroupolis

Greece

Phone: +30/255/108 49 72

Fax: +30/255/107 47 23

Email: papanasnikos@yahoo.gr