Diagnostics (Aug 2024)

The Association between the Severity of Distal Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy and Increased Carotid Atherosclerosis in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

  • Dong-Yi Hsieh,
  • Yun-Ru Lai,
  • Chih-Cheng Huang,
  • Chi-Ping Ting,
  • Wen-Chan Chiu,
  • Yung-Nien Chen,
  • Chia-Yi Lien,
  • Ben-Chung Cheng,
  • Ting-Yin Lin,
  • Hui Ching Chiang,
  • Cheng-Hsien Lu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14171922
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 17
p. 1922

Abstract

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Background: Diabetes contributes to a spectrum of complications encompassing microvascular and macrovascular disorders. This study aimed to explore the correlation between distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) severity and heightened carotid atherosclerosis among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Method: Participants underwent comprehensive assessments including nerve conduction studies (NCS), Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (TCNS) evaluations, assessment of cardiometabolic risk factors, and carotid sonography studies covering dynamic and morphological parameters. The resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) in both the common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and carotid plaque score (CPS) were also measured. Peripheral nerve function severity was assessed using composite amplitude scores (CAS) derived from NCS. Results: Individuals with DSPN exhibited lower EDV in the CCA and ICA (p p = 0.002), higher PI and RI in both CCA and ICA (all p p = 0.002). They also demonstrated a higher prevalence of retinopathy as an underlying condition, higher index HbA1c, and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (all p < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant associations where eGFR, ICA-PI, index HbA1c, waist circumference, and age were correlated with CAS. Meanwhile, diabetes duration, waist circumference, age, and index HbA1c showed significant associations with TCNS. Conclusions: Our study suggests that individuals with T2DM who exhibit more severe carotid atherosclerosis may not only be at increased risk of developing DSPN but also may experience greater severity of DSPN. PI in both the CCA and ICA, along with the CPS, serve as surrogate biomarkers for DSPN severity.

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