Current Perception Threshold and Sympathetic Skin Response in Diabetic and Alcoholic Polyneuropathies

Objective Correlation between current perception threshold and sympathetic skin response was investigated in patients with diabetic or alcoholic polyneuropathy. Methods Current perception threshold was measured using Neurometer CPT/C, and the sympathetic skin response was measured using Neuropack Σ. Patients Fourteen patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and 10 patients with alcoholic polyneuropathy were studied. Results There was a significant negative correlation between the current perception threshold to 5 Hz stimulation and the amplitude of sympathetic skin response. Conclusion Since both current perception threshold to 5 Hz stimulation and sympathetic skin response are related to C fibers, these two are considered to be impaired concurrently in diabetic and alcoholic polyneuropathies. (Internal Medicine 41: 819-822, 2002)