Electroneurography and peripheral neuropathy in diabetic subjects in Lubumbashi

Abstract INTRODUCTION : The practice of electroneurography is not common in Congolese environment, which makes early diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies such as those due to diabetes difficult. OBJECTIVE To characterize the electroneurography parameters of diabetic subjects in relation to neuropathic pain in comparison with non-diabetic subjects, in the city of Lubumbashi. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 51 subjects, 25 of whom were diabetic and 26 non-diabetic. Symptoms of neuropathic pain were assessed using the diabetic neuropathy scale and electroneurography tracings were recorded with the Neuro-MEP Micro version 3 device. RESULTS Neuropathic pain was significantly more frequent in diabetic subjects compared to non-diabetic subjects. Electroneurography parameters (amplitude, distal latency and nerve conduction) were significantly altered in diabetics compared to non-diabetics, exhibiting patterns of demyelinating axonal sensory and motor polyneuropathy in the lower limbs as well as focal and multifocal neuropathies. Electroneurography abnormalities not associated with clinical neuropathic pain suggested the possible existence of subclinical forms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in diabetic subjects while those noted in non-diabetic subjects suggested neuropathic pain of other origins. CONCLUSION Electroneurography combined with the diabetic neuropathy scale can be used to classify diabetic peripheral neuropathy and detect subclinical neuropathic pain; its implementation is required in the Congolese environment. Further studies are needed to determine local references for electroneurography and electroneurography profiles in situations of multiple neuropathic exposures such as in the city of Lubumbashi.