Concordance between sudomotor disorder and the clinical diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, according to various clinical guidelines

Abstract

Aim: To assess the concordance between variations in Neuropad® results and the those in different diagnostic criteria of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, according to various clinical guidelines.

Methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted of 111 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The criteria for inclusion in the study were that patients should be aged 18 years or more and have at least 10 years' history of diabetes mellitus.

Results: 73 (65.8%) were male and 38 (34.2%) were female. Their mean age was 57.92 ± 13.24 years (95% CI 55.45-60.38). Healthy Neuropad® findings were obtained for 35 right feet (31.5%) and 31 left feet (27.9%).

Conclusion: Neuropad® is an effective instrument for detecting macro and microvascular complications such as early-stage neuropathy, although its use should always be accompanied by a clinical examination of the foot.

Keywords: Clinical guidelines; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic peripheral neuropathy; Neuropad.