Electrodiagnosis of polyneuropathy, organmegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes syndrome patients with peripheral neuropathy and potential-related risk factors

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the correlation between classification and electrophysiology of polyneuropathy, organmegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes syndrome (POEMS)-related peripheral neuropathy (PN). Methods: We analyzed the data of 30 POEMS patients admitted to Zhongshan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University between February 2017 and February 2023. The degree of PN was determined according to its classification. All three groups of patients underwent neuroelectromyography, and the nerve conduction velocity and amplitude of the three groups were analyzed. Results: The compound motor active potentials (CMAP) of the peroneal, tibial, and ulnar nerves decreased significantly with increasing disease grade, and the motor conduction velocity of the peroneal, median, and tibial nerves decreased significantly in grade 3 compared with grade 1 and 2. The action potential of sensory nerves (sensory nerve action potential) and the conduction speed of sensory impulses (sensory conduction velocity (SCV) in the sural nerve in grade 3 were significantly lower than those in grades 1 and 2. Linear regression analysis showed that there was a linear correlation between CMAP of peroneal nerve and vascular endothelial growth factor. The SCV of the ulnar nerve significantly correlated with the course of the disease. Discussion: Neuroelectromyography can effectively evaluate the degree of PN in patients with POEMS, providing a reliable reference for further clinical treatment.