Point Prevalence of Peripheral Neuropathy in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the point prevalence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to determine their predictors.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, children aged 8-18 y with T1DM on insulin therapy for > 2 y and free from acute complications were enrolled. All participants were evaluated for symptoms of PN with diabetic neuropathy symptom (DNS) score and underwent a detailed neurological examination. Assessment of nerve dysfunction was done using nerve conduction studies (NCS). The disease-related factors that increase the risk of PN were determined.

RESULTS

Fifty children (52% boys) were enrolled with mean age of 12.2 ± 2.8 y and duration of diabetes 5.1 ± 2.1 y. No subject had clinical evidence or DNS score suggestive of PN. Twenty-eight (56%) children demonstrated subclinical neuropathy on NCS. Proportion of children with pure motor, pure sensory, and mixed motor-sensory neuropathy was 40%, 2%, and 14%, respectively. The peroneal nerve was the most common motor nerve affected. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 9%) and longer duration of diabetes (> 5 y) were significantly associated with the risk of PN (p value < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A large proportion of children with T1DM have subclinical PN. Poor glycemic control and longer duration of diabetes are risk factors for nerve dysfunction. Neurophysiological studies should be performed in these children to facilitate early detection.