RISK FACTORS FOR LOSS OF PLANTAR SENSITIVITY IN DIABETICS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY IN ENDOCRINOLOGY OUTPATIENT CLINIC

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluates retrospectively the loss of plant sensitivity and its risk factors in outpatients assisted in a university hospital in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, where many diabetic patients have been treated, but there is no knowledge about the prevalence of risk of developing this condition. Objective: To evaluate the risk factors for loss of plantar protective sensitivity in diabetic outpatients at the University Hospital Lauro Wanderley (HULW), as well as to correlate this loss with neuropathic symptoms. Material and Methods: This was a case-control study involving patients with signs of diabetic neuropathy (cases), diabetic patients without neuropathy and non-diabetic patients (controls) attending the outpatient clinics of Endocrinology, HULW. It was applied the Neuropathy Symptom Score (ESN), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the test of Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (10 g). Results and Conclusion: The sample consisted of 90 patients divided into three groups: 16 type II diabetics with neuropathy (cases; GDN), and two control groups: a control-group 1 consisting of 42 type II diabetics without ND (GDND) and control-group 2 with 32 non-diabetic adults (GND). Age, diabetes duration and blood glucose levels were significantly higher in GDN. An odds ratio of 5 was found for GDN and GDND, pointing to an association between the presence of neuropathy and time since diabetes was diagnosed. The diagnosis of PDN by monofilament test was not related to neuropathic symptoms. DECRIPTORS Diabetes mellitus. Diabetic Neuropathies. Diabetic foot.