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Abnormalities of Peripheral Nerve Conduction in Relation to Thiamine Status in Alcoholic Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

Monique L. D'Amour ,
Julie Bruneau  and
Roger F. Butterworth
Monique L. D'Amour
Affiliation:
Detoxification Unit, André-Viallet Clinical Reserach Center, Hôpital Saint-Luc (University of Montreal), Montreal
Julie Bruneau
Affiliation:
Detoxification Unit, André-Viallet Clinical Reserach Center, Hôpital Saint-Luc (University of Montreal), Montreal
Roger F. Butterworth*
Affiliation:
Detoxification Unit, André-Viallet Clinical Reserach Center, Hôpital Saint-Luc (University of Montreal), Montreal
*
Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Hôpital St-Luc, 1058 rue St-Denis, Montréal, PQ H2X 3J4
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Abstract:

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Thiamine status was evaluated using the erythrocyte transketolase activation assay in 20 alcoholic patients admitted on a voluntary basis to a Detoxification Unit. Electromyographic evaluation revealed significant reductions of motor and sensory conduction velocities in the alcoholic group. 38% of alcoholic patients had at least one abnormal peripheral nerve conduction parameter. Findings were consistent with an axonal type of neuropathy. 30% of alcoholic patients showed significant erythrocyte transketolase activation deficits indicative of severe thiamine deficiency. In the case of peroneal nerve, reduced conduction velocities were negatively correlated with abnormal transketolase parameters. These findings are consistent with a contributory (but not exclusive) role of thiamine deficiency in the pathogenesis of alcoholic peripheral neuropathy. Deficiencies of other vitamins as well as direct neurotoxic effects of alcohol could also be involved in this phenomenon.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 18 , Issue 2 , May 1991 , pp. 126 - 128
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1991

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