[A case of hyperglycemic neuropathy with possible dysfunction of axonal excitability]

Rinsho Shinkeigaku. 2006 Aug;46(8):540-3.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

A 66-year-old woman with SLE who recently started oral steroid was admitted to our hospital because of subacute numbness of the bilateral legs and gait disturbance, despite of the stable symptoms of SLE and its serology. Blood tests revealed hyperglycemia. Nerve conduction study showed decreased nerve conduction velocities consistent with demyelinative neuropathy. On initiation of insulin to control hyperglycemia, conduction velocities were rapidly increased in one week, suggesting hyperglycemic neuropathy. The rapid improvement of the conduction velocities was argued against mechanical "demyelination", rather suggesting axonal dysfunction, possibly associated with impaired function of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in hyperglycemic state.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Axons / physiology
  • Demyelinating Diseases / enzymology
  • Demyelinating Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Electrophysiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / complications*
  • Neural Conduction
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / enzymology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / physiology

Substances

  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase