An early diagnostic method for diabetic neuropathy using $TcpO_2$

$TcpO_2$를 이용한 신경병성 당뇨환자 조기진단

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common diabetic complications. In clinical practices, nerve conduction velocity (NCV) has been used as a standard method for diagnosing diabetic neuropathy. However, it applies maximum of 100mA electric stimulus to nerves causing stress and pain to patients. In this study. as a non-invasive method, $TcpO_2$ was utilized to investigate the difference and relationship between $TcpO_2$ and $SpO_2$ of normal and diabetic neuropathy subjects. In addition, a new method of diagnosing diabetic neuropathy using $TcpO_2$ is suggested. 50 normal subjects and 50 diabetic patients with neuropathy diagnosed by NCV participated in this study. Parameters used in this study were $TcpO_2,\;TcpCo_2$, and $SpO_2$. As a result of the $TcpO_2$ measurements, statistical significances were found from $TcpO_2$ of hands and feet from normal and patients group (p<0.01). $SpO_2$ measured from index finger of normal and patient groups showed no statistical significance (p>0.05). On the other hand, $SpO_2$ measured from great toes of normal and patient group showed statistical significance (p<0.01). Correlation coefficient between $SpO_2$ of finger and $TcpO_2$ of hand was 0.400 (p<0.01) and $SpO_2$ of toe and $TcpO_2$ of foot was 0.471 (p<0.01). Both correlation values were statistically significant. Sensitivities and specificities of the $TcpO_2$ method were found to be 66 % and 92 %, respectively. If suggested $TcpO_2$ method is used periodically. prevention and early diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy is possible.