foot-test-for-peripheral-neuropathy

Relationship Between Glycated Hemoglobin and Vibration Perception Threshold in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

by with One Comment Neuropathy

Abstract

Foot ulcers, infections, and deformity are some of the major sources of mortality and morbidity among the diabetic population. The relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has been well established. There is a dearth of literature on the relationship between vibration perception threshold (VPT) and HbA1c values. So, the objective of the study was to determine the strength of linear relationship between HbA1c levels and vibration perception threshold in DPN. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, and diabetic foot screening camps held at various parts of Udupi district.

Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal (IEC:281/2017). A total of 534 participants ranging from 30 to 70 years of age and were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus on medications were included in the study. Neuropathy assessment consisting of monofilament and vibration perception threshold was done using Neurotouch beta version (Yostra Labs, Bengaluru, India). HbA1c measurement was done using turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay technique (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). Pearson correlation coefficient showed a moderate to good correlation between HbA1c and VPT (r = .0.753, P < .001). Linear regression result has shown a significant relationship of VPT with HbA1c (4.033 [95% confidence interval = 3.67-4.39]). The present study has concluded that there is strong relationship between HbA1c values and VPT and could be a predictor for complications in the foot following DPN

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NEURO TOUCH: A novel digital device for assessment and screening of peripheral neuropathy

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Abstract : Background

Most of the patients suffering from diabetes develop Sensory neuropathy which proceeds with development of painful neuropathy. This can lead to formation of ulcers in later stages. Currently, available Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) devices take more time to perform and are expensive. NEURO TOUCH is such device which combines four parameters of QST in one unit. Its portable, battery operated and handy device with real time display of results along with data storage and data transfer facility. It can perform tactile sensation threshold, vibration and thermal testing threshold along with skin temperature measurement. This study was undertaken to establish the diagnostic validity, reproducibility and repeatability for early detection of peripheral neuropathy.

Methods

A total of 317 subjects were recruited for QST assessment with NEURO TOUCH; Tactile threshold sensation, vibration perception and thermal threshold testing along with skin temperature. A subset of 30 subjects in each group were considered for repeatability and reproducibility test.

Results

The mean difference for vibration perception threshold was 0.6 when compared with gold standard device. Regarding the cold and warm perception threshold the mean difference was 1.1 and 2 °C respectively when compared with gold standard device. For skin temperature measures there was a mean difference of 1.2 °C with respect to standard device.

Conclusions

The NEURO TOUCH device was easy-to-use, compact and provided an efficient multimodality approach which can help for screening of peripheral neuropathy patients with type 2 diabetes.