Value of electrophysiological follow-up for chronic N-hexane intoxication induced peripheral neuropathy

Objective To investigate the value of electrophysiological changes in follow-up of chronic N-he-xane intoxication induced peripheral neuropathy. Methods Fifteen patients with chronic N-hexane intoxication induced peripheral neuropathy were followed up for one year by electrophysiological examination. Standard sensory nerve, motor nerve conduction and somatosensory evoked potentials were performed. Results The motor conductive velocity(MCV) of the median nerve, ulnar nerve and the common peroneal nerve increased in all patients (P all 0.05). Increased compound muscle action potential (CAMP) amplitude of the ulnar nerve, shortening of distal motor latency(DML) of the posterior tibial nerve and N9 and N13 latency were also found (P 0. 05 or 0. 01). No change in the sensory nerve conduction and centra! conduction was seen (P all 0. 05). Conclusion The recovery of the chronic N-hexane intoxication induced peripheral neuropathy depends on the length of the nerve. The electrophysiological examination is useful for evaluating disease evolution with the early increase of MCV and shortening of N9 latency. Somatosensory evoked potentials are more sensitive than the sensory nerve conduction. (Shanghai Med J, 2007, 30:311-314)