Prevalence and characteristics of diabetic polyneuropathy in Passo Fundo, South of Brazil.

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN) and associated characteristics among type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM2) patients in Passo Fundo, a city on Southern Brazil. BASIC PROCEDURES A cross-sectional study was conducted with 340 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Tests were performed to evaluate vibration (tuning fork), light touch (10-g monofilament), temperature, and pain (pinprick) sensations, as well as ankle reflexes and heel walking. The condition was classified as peripheral diabetic neuropathy when results in at least three of these tests were negative. The electrically induced Hoffmann reflex test was performed in a group of patients to define the criterion standard used in the assessment of clinical examination sensibility in the diagnosis of neuropathy. Sensitivity was 83%, specificity, 91%, positive predictive value, 63%, and negative predictive value, 90%. The monofilament, pinprick and deep tendon reflex were the most accurate tests in the diagnosis of neuropathy. MAIN FINDINGS Seventy-five patients (22.1%) had peripheral diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy in 29.5% and retinopathy in 28.8%. CONCLUSIONS Logistic regression revealed that only duration of diabetes, creatinine and glycated hemoglobin concentrations were significantly associated with neuropathy.