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Detection of neuropathy using a sudomotor test in type 2 diabetes

Authors Gandhi P, Rao G, Maarek A

Received 15 October 2014

Accepted for publication 19 November 2014

Published 9 January 2015 Volume 2015:5 Pages 1—7

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/DNND.S75857

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 3

Editor who approved publication: Prof. Dr. Thomas Müller



Pratiksha G Gandhi,1 Gundu HR Rao2

1IPC Heart Centre, Mumbai, India; 2University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

Background: The sudomotor test is used to evaluate the postganglionic cholinergic sympathetic nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a sudomotor testing device to detect peripheral distal neuropathy (PDN) and cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and methods: A total of 133 type 2 diabetic patients were included in the study. The patients underwent examination at the IPC Heart Care Centre (Mumbai, India) in order to assess the diabetic neuropathy symptoms (DNS) score, using a questionnaire, and the CAN score, using heart rate variability analysis and Ewing tests. In addition, patients were given a sudomotor test using the SudoPath™ system. The diagnosis of PDN is based on the DNS score. A DNS score of 1 or higher is defined as a positive result for PDN. According to the DNS score, the patients were separated into two groups: Group 1 comprised 35 patients (21 males), with the mean age of 66 years (standard deviation [SD] =12.1), who had a DNS score ≥1. Group 2 comprised 98 patients (65 males), with the mean age of 56 years (SD =9.6), who had a DNS score =0. The SudoPath system is a galvanic skin response device that uses the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex approach to assess for small and unmyelinated fiber neuropathy. The system provides a sudomotor response (SMR) score based on these three measured sudomotor parameters. A statistical analysis was performed using the analysis of variance to compare mean differences between the groups as well as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, to determine the specificity and sensitivity of SMR score to detect PDN, comparing the diabetic groups 1 and 2, and the coefficient of correlation between the CAN score and the SMR score in all the subjects included in the study.
Results: When comparing the diabetes groups 1 and 2, the SMR Score had a sensitivity of 91.4% and specificity of 79.1% (cutoff number >3) to detect PDN (P=0.0001). Area under the ROC curve (AUC) =0.893. A correlation analysis of the CAN score and SMR score returned a coefficient of correlation r=0.68 (P<0.0001).
Conclusion: The SudoPath system is easy to use, operator-independent, and fast (3-minute testing time). This study shows that the device will be useful to assess the susceptibility of type 2 diabetes patients in developing PDN complications.

Keywords: peripheral distal neuropathy, cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, SudoPath system, diabetes treatment management

Corrigendum has been published  

Introduction

Sudomotor function (or sweat gland activity) is controlled by a division of the sympathetic system, the postsympathetic cholinergic nerve fibers, which release acetylcholine. The acetylcholine increases microvascular skin flow and provokes sweat output.1,2 The microcirculatory vessels (capillaries) mediate vasodilation (hyperemia), increased skin temperature, and sweat output.3

Sudomotor dysfunction is defined as decreased sudomotor activity. Similar to endothelial dysfunction in the prediction of atherosclerosis, the pathological state known as sudomotor dysfunction is the earliest clinically detectable stage of autonomic neuropathy.4 Sudomotor function is affected by the reduced C-fibers density of active sweat glands and/or microcirculatory disorders, which may be associated with chronic pain and/or tingling in the toes.5 The main cause of sudomotor dysfunction is diabetes. However, it has been found in different diseases (ie, vitamin deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hypothyroidism, kidney and liver diseases, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, and Guillain–Barré syndrome) and/or medication side effects, such as in cancer treatment, antihypertensive treatment (in particular, beta and alpha blockers, and calcium antagonists), and metformin treatment.

Peripheral distal neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of diabetes. The prevalence of PDN is around 22% in type 2 diabetes according to a cohort study, and it is associated with neuropathic pain or loss of sensation.6,7 PDN can lead to neuropathic ulcers, and it is a leading cause of amputation.810 Different types of peripheral neuropathy have been identified depending on the damage of the type of nerves (ie, motor, sensory, or autonomic).11 Therefore, PDN diagnosis is based on various symptoms and is determined by different medical devices and techniques used for testing, including:

  1. nerve conduction study to evaluate myelinated large fibers;
  2. touch and vibration, to measure the function of large myelinated A-alpha and -beta sensory fibers;
  3. thermal stimuli, to evaluate the pathology of small myelinated (A-delta) fibers; and
  4. the sudomotor test, a highly sensitive detection tool used in small unmyelinated nerve fibers or small C-fiber neuropathy.1

All of these tests are time-consuming, require special equipment and specialist interpretation, and, except in some specialized centers, are not available in daily practice at physician offices. Therefore, a fast diagnostic method to detect PDN has been created, based on the diabetic neuropathy symptom (DNS) score.12

A DNS score of 1 or higher indicates the presence of PDN. The DNS score is based on four validated symptoms to detect PDN with high predictive value, in diabetic patients.12 Symptoms of 1) unsteadiness in walking, 2) neuropathic pain, 3) paresthesia, and 4) numbness are elicited. The presence of one symptom is scored as 1 point, and a score of 1 or higher is defined as a positive result for PDN.

The prevalence of confirmed cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in diabetics is around 20%. However, prevalence can increase up to 65% with age and duration of diabetes.13 Institutional bodies use CAN as a risk marker of mortality and cardiovascular morbidity, and have noted CAN could promote diabetic nephropathy.13

CAN was also found to be associated with the risk of hypoglycemia during diabetes treatment.14 Symptoms of CAN may include dizziness and fainting upon standing, urinary problems, urinary incontinence, sexual difficulties, difficulty digesting food, sluggish pupil reaction, and exercise intolerance.15 Abnormal heart rate variability analysis results have been associated with the early stages of CAN.13

In the early 1970s, Ewing and Clarke proposed cardiac autonomic reflex tests based on the heart rate and blood pressure response to physiological maneuvers (eg, Valsalva maneuver, deep breathing, and change in posture) to diagnose CAN.16 According to the recommendation of the Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy Subcommittee of the Toronto Consensus Panel on Diabetic Neuropathy, the presence of two or three abnormal results of cardiac autonomic reflex tests (two for borderline, three for definite) was recommended as a criterion for CAN diagnosis based on a scoring system.13

The objective of this study performed in diabetic populations was to evaluate a new quantitative sudomotor test for the detection of PDN and CAN, using DNS and CAN scores.

Materials and methods

In the present study, a medical device managed by software was used: The SudoPath™ (LD Technology, Miami, FL, USA) (Figure 1). The SudoPath is a programmable electrochemical medical system. The hardware uses two pairs of large stainless steel electrodes connected with cables to the electronic box and placed on the skin where eccrine sweat gland density is very high (the palms of the hands and soles of the feet).

Figure 1 Photograph of the SudoPath™.

SudoPath background

Traditional neurophysiologic measurements of sudomotor function include different test modalities, such as quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing (QSART), thermoregulatory sweat testing, sympathetic skin response, and silastic sweat imprints. The SudoPath is a patented system, and it uses the QSART method, by electrical stimulation of the postsympathetic cholinergic fibers and the switching of polarity, which induces microcirculation vasodilation and the release of chloride ions (Cl) via the sweat ducts. The quantitative assessment is performed by measuring changes in conductance caused by electrochemical reactions on the bulk of the stainless steel tactile electrodes.

How does the SudoPath work?

The electronic box generates a low-voltage output (maximum 1.6 V) with a weak direct current (DC) current that is fed to the active electrode and then delivered to the contralateral electrode in two directions for each pathway.

In the general principles of electrolysis, the potential value to reduce Na+ ions to sodium is −2.71 V and to oxidize Cl ions to chloride is −1.36 V.17 The polarity of the contralateral electrode affects which ions are attracted and repelled, which either prevents or allows the output of ions through the sweat gland ducts.

The SudoPath provides three markers of sudomotor function measuring the electrochemical reactions on the bulk of electrodes: 1) peak conductance after the change in polarity (Peak C); 2) conductance at the cathode related to the water reduction; and 3) conductance at the anode related to the water and Cl oxidation.

Peak of conductance marker

During the measurement process, the polarity is alternated, which provokes an increase of heat, as well as the delivered voltage to the contralateral electrode (minimum 1.4 and maximum of 1.6 V) in the tissue surrounding the sweat glands, and mediate a peak of conductance. Because the heat and increased voltage induce a vasodilation of surrounding vessels, the resulting hyperemia increases skin temperature and thus sets up the sweat response.18

Conductance at the cathode marker

At the cathode, Cl ions cannot discharge, because they are electronegative. Additionally, due to the low potential generated, Na+ ions cannot be reduced at the cathode (as mentioned above, at the time of the switch of polarity the maximum voltage is 1.6 V). Considering this, only the water molecules in the secreted sweat can be reduced.17 Therefore, the reduction reaction occurring at the cathode is simply:

Because the conductance at the anode is only due to the vasodilation of surrounding vessels, the conductance measured from this phenomenon has been termed the electrochemical skin response – nitric oxide (ESRNO).

Conductance at the anode marker

The change in polarity during the measurement at the anode increases the voltage, and the Cl can be oxidized since the voltage is >1.31 V and the anode is of opposite polarity. Water molecules and Cl can be oxidized at the anode.17 The oxidation reaction at the anode is:

Because the released sweat at the anode contain Cl ions, we suggest the more probable assumption that the conductance measured at the anode will be related to the release of the Cl; for this reason, we called the measured conductance at the anode “electrochemical skin response Cl (ESRCl)” because at a voltage lower than 10 V, the stratum corneum acts as a capacitor.19 The only way for the Chloride ions to exit and react with the plate electrode is through the sweat ducts. Therefore, ESRCl could be a valid test of the sweat gland nerve density.

Normal range of the measurement and reproducibility

The normal range of the SudoPath markers was evaluated with a population supposedly without sudomotor dysfunction. In the tested population, it was found that test fluctuations did not exceed 7% between two measurements performed at 6-hour intervals.

Regarding the age of the patients, a study by Barontini et al showed a lower skin conductance when comparing young subjects (21 to 40 years) with elderly subjects (61 to 80 years) but not a significant difference of skin conductance when comparing a patient group between the ages of 40 and 80 years.20

Measurement protocol

The subjects were measured in a sitting position to avoid adrenergic sympathetic stimulation that is induced in the standing position. The temperature was maintained at comfortable range (from 73 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) in order to avoid the activation of sweat glands from the heat or vasoconstriction caused by the cold plates on the extremities.

SudoPath scoring system

The conductance analysis provides three markers, described in the section “SudoPath background” (Peak C, ESRNO, and ESRCl), from which a sudomotor response (SMR) score was calculated. Each parameter is scored 0= normal, 1= borderline, and 2= abnormal. A SMR score >3 or higher is defined as a positive result for sudomotor dysfunction.

Research plan

Subjects

A total of 133 type 2 diabetic patients were included in the study (Tables 1 and 2).

Experimental design

The patients underwent examination at the IPC Heart Care Centre (Mumbai, India) to assess the DNS score, using a questionnaire, and the CAN score, using heart rate variability analysis and blood pressure changes during the Ewing test. In addition, patients were given a sudomotor test using the SudoPath system.

The diagnosis of PDN is based on the DNS score. A DNS score of 1 or higher is defined as a positive result for PDN. According to the DNS score, the patients were separated into two groups:

  • group 1, comprised of 35 patients (21 males), with the mean age of 66 (range of 56–88) years, who had a DNS score ≥1; and
  • group 2, comprised of 98 patients (65 males), with the mean age of 56 (range of 26–85) years, who had a DNS score =0.

Patient characteristics are presented in Table 1 and patient statistics in Table 2. The patients were randomly measured by trained operators throughout the day, without concern of their fasting state.

Table 1 Patient characteristics
Note: Results were expressed as mean (SD).
Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index; DNS, diabetic neuropathy symptoms; NS, not significant; SD, standard deviation.

Table 2 Patients’ statistics

The inclusion criteria were:

  1. age >18 years;
  2. ability to provide written informed consent; and
  3. subject was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

The exclusion criteria were:

  1. diseases including: hypothyroidism, Raynaud syndrome, Alzheimer disease and Parkinson’s disease;
  2. treatment with alpha and beta blockers, chemotherapy and corticoids; or
  3. any contraindications to the use of the SudoPath systems; use of the system is contraindicated if the patient wears an automatic external defibrillator device or has any implanted electronic device.

The study was conducted according to the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. All of the subjects provided written informed consent, and confidentiality was maintained for all subjects.

Data analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance to compare mean differences between the groups, as well as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine the specificity and sensitivity of SMR scores to detect PDN, and the coefficient of correlation between the CAN score and SMR score in all the subjects included in the study.

Sample size calculation and statistical analysis

Based upon the preliminary study results, to have 90% power to detect a significant difference between subjects with the above mean and standard deviation (SD) at alpha =0.05, 25 subjects per group needed to be included. The sample size (n≥25 and α=05%) was determined using MedCalc® software (http://www.medcalc.org/publications/journals.php).

Results

MedCalc software was used to perform the statistical analysis.

Diabetes patients with a DNS score ≥1 (group 1) had significantly worse mean average scores for the three markers (Peak C, ESRNO, and ESRCl) for the feet and hands than did the diabetes patient group with a DNS score =0 (group 2). Table 3 shows the results of the SudoPath markers and CAN markers comparing the two groups.

Table 3 Results of mean and standard deviation of SudoPath and CAN parameters
Note: Results were expressed as mean (SD).
Abbreviations: CAN, cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy; CART, cardiac autonomic reflex test; DNS, diabetic neuropathy symptoms; ESRCI, electrochemical skin response Cl; ESRNO, electrochemical skin response – nitric oxide; HF, high frequency of the HRV spectral analysis; HRV, heart rate variability; K30/15, ratio of heart rate intervals standing at 30 seconds/heart rate intervals standing at 15 seconds; LF, low frequency of the HRV spectral analysis; NS, not significant; Peak C, peak conductance after the change in polarity; SD, standard deviation; SPRS, systolic pressure response to standing.

When compared with the normal range established in healthy people by SudoPath, more than 76% of the two groups of diabetic patients had a lower conductance for the three SudoPath markers.

When comparing the diabetes patient group with DNS score ≥1 (group 1) and the diabetes patient group with DNS score =0 (group 2), the SMR score had a sensitivity of 91.4% and specificity of 79.1% (cutoff >3) to detect PDN symptoms in diabetic patients (P=0.0001). Area under the ROC curve (AUC) =0.893 (Figure 2).

Figure 2 SMR score ROC curve and statistical analysis table comparing diabetic patients with peripheral distal neuropathy symptoms versus diabetic patients without peripheral distal.
Abbreviations: AUC, area under the ROC curve; ROC, receiver operating characteristic; SMR, sudomotor response.

A correlation analysis of the total study population returned a coefficient of correlation between the CAN score and SMR score r=0.68 (P<0.0001) (Figure 3).

Figure 3 Scatter diagram showing the correlation of CAN score/SMR score.
Abbreviations: CAN, cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy; SMR, sudomotor response.

Adverse events

No adverse events were reported with the use of the device during the study.

Discussion

In the present study, 26% of the diabetic patients were diagnosed with PDN, which is consistent with a cohort study.6

The characteristics of the diabetic groups were similar except for age (mean 66 versus 56 years). However, there was no significant difference in skin conductance measurements in this age range, as shown in the Barontini et al study.20 Therefore, when comparing similar-characteristic diabetic groups, the SudoPath had good sensitivity and acceptable specificity for detecting the PDN, with AUC =0.858. The lower specificity could be explained by the fact that sudomotor dysfunction is the earliest clinically detectable stage of PDN, and therefore the DNS score could be =0 at this stage. Also, we found a good correlation between the SMR score and CAN score in all the subjects included in the study.

The results are consistent with the findings of a study using another sudomotor testing device, named Sudoscan, showing that the methods have the ability to detect PDN, with AUC =0.86, and also CAN.21 The Sudoscan device uses the same sudomotor test method measuring the skin conductance values at the hands and feet. However, the sequence and voltage input are different than for SudoPath and only allow for the assessment of the sweat gland nerve density.

The Sudoscan device showed a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 92% to detect diabetic peripheral neuropathy.21 The high specificity of Sudoscan to detect PDN (92%) could be explained by the following reasons: 1) the control group comprised healthy subjects, 2) the mean age of the two groups was not provided in the study, and 3) the cutoff of the conductance was higher than for SudoPath.

In the present study we compared only diabetic patients and not healthy subjects because, as another study has shown, diabetic patients, even without PDN, have sudomotor dysfunction and lower skin conductance compared with healthy subjects, and could therefore have biased the result of the study.22

SudoPath uses a score which includes three components of sudomotor function (sweat output, microcirculation response, and sweat gland nerve density) and has a higher sensitivity than Sudoscan to predict the risk of neuropathy in diabetic patients; thus it will be useful as a screening tool before further time-consuming and expensive tests are performed.

The new guidelines from the American Diabetes Association and European Association for the study of Diabetes show the complexity of diabetes treatment and prevention of diabetes complications.23,24 The ACCORD study suggests that tight control actually increases the risk for mortality, due to hypoglycemia.25 In addition, a recent study on the 10-year follow up of type 2 diabetic patients has shown that CAN increased the risk of hypoglycemia during diabetes treatment.14 Therefore, in this context, the SudoPath is very important to consider when formulating and managing treatment regimens.

The SudoPath system is easy to use, operator-independent, and fast (3-minute test time), and it will be useful to assess the susceptibility of patients with type 2 diabetes to develop neuropathy. Furthermore, since glycemic target therapies must be individualized, according to the American and European diabetes associations, the SudoPath could help the physician in diabetes treatment management.

Conclusion

This study showed that the SudoPath system will be useful to assess the susceptibility of patients with type 2 diabetes to develop neuropathic complications, and also in diabetes treatment management.

These findings should be confirmed by large-scale studies using the SudoPath system and multiparametric analysis to obtain a score for peripheral neuropathy (eg, Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score).

Acknowledgment

The authors want to thank LD Technology for providing the medical devices that were used during the study.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.


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