Keywords
peripheral nervous system diseases
diagnosis
Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments
How to Cite
Abstract
Objectives: To identify the frequency of changes in the sensibility of hands and feet from leprosy patients through the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament in tertiary hospital. Method: Thirty patients of the Physiotherapy Service of Hospital das Clínicas FMRP-USP were evaluated from August to December 2004. The patients were clinically and epidemiologically evaluated. Afterwards, monofilaments were tested.
Results: The mean age was 48.4 years, 80% male and 70% came from the Ribeirão Preto region. Seventy percent of the patients were classified as multibacilary and 80% presented grade 1 of incapacity. Concerning to Semmes-Weinstein test on the upper limbs, the ulnar was the most impaired nerve on the paucibacillary patients (78%) and on the multibacillary (83%). On the lower limbs, the plantar medial branch from the tibial posterior nerve had been impaired in all patients. The protective sensation was absent on the hands in 26% on the paucibacillary group and 46% on the multibacillary, and on the feet in 44% on the paucibacillary and 56% on the multibacillary. Thirty seven percent of the patients have received late diagnosis, showing at least two nerves without protective sensation. Conclusions: The results showed the reliable use of Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments during the follow up of leprosy patients. This tool was able to identify sensitive changes in multiple nerves of the extremities, for paucibacilary and multibacilary patients, what clearly shows the severity of incoming patients in health tertiary care service.
References
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