Abstract

AIM
We systematically performed autonomic testing on patients with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein and skin changes syndrome (POEMS) to determine whether autonomic function is preserved in such patients.
METHODS
We studied 17 POEMS patients, 17 diabetic neuropathy (DN) patients and 17 age-matched normal subjects. Blood pressure responses to the head-up tilt test and heart rate variability were used to evaluate cardiovascular autonomic function. Sweat responses and cutaneous vasoconstriction to several stimuli were recorded via the finger tips to estimate cutaneous sympathetic function. In addition, motor nerve conduction studies were performed.
RESULTS
Although the results of the autonomic testing were normal in POEMS patients, motor disability was severe, and motor nerve conduction studies provided evidence of extensive axonal loss. The DN patients showed significantly impaired autonomic responses despite mild motor dysfunction.
CONCLUSIONS
Autonomic function was normal in POEMS patients, indicating the preservation of autonomic fibers and selective involvement of large fibers.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Fujinuma Y, Asahina M, Fukushima T, Katagiri A, Yamanaka Y, Misawa S, Kuwabara S

Institution

Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.

Source

Journal of the neurological sciences 318:1-2 2012 Jul 15 pg 131-4

MeSH

Adult
Aged
Autonomic Nervous System Diseases
Autonomic Pathways
Comorbidity
Disability Evaluation
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Neurologic Examination
POEMS Syndrome
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Sensitivity and Specificity

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22507753