Ponce D, Zamoner W, Balbi AL and Resende LA
Peripheral neuropathy is a well-known complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Objective: The aim of this study was to analysis the abnormalities in trigeminal nerve conduction in patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) and to determine the relationship between this parameter and death.
Methodology: The cross-sectional study included 20 non-diabetic non-alcoholic patients with CKD stage 5 undergoing HD. Conduction of trigeminal nerve was performed using blink reflex.
Results: We found clinical evidence of trigeminal neuropathy in 20% of patients and blink reflex abnormalities in 60%. Blink reflex alterations were associated with dialysis time longer and death after one year of follow up (72 ± 19 months and 46 ± 17 months, p=0.03 and 75 vs. 37.5%, p=0.04, respectively).
Conclusion: The trigeminal nerve conduction study is useful to detect the abnormalities in peripheral nerves of the ureamic patients under chronic HD and the late response may be associated with death.