Evaluation of F-wave study in assessment of neuropathy among hypothyroid patients with or without clinical neuro deficit- A case control study

Abstract

Introduction: Nerve conduction studies (NCS) assess neuropathy in thyroid dysfunction. Entrapment neuropathies and general sensorimotor polyneuropathies are often diagnosed in these patients. F waves are usually prolonged in generalized and entrapment neuropathies. Hypothyroid patients often present with carpel tunnel syndrome. Objective: To evaluate and compare F wave study variables in hypothyroid patients with normal subjects. To assess neuropathies in hypothyroid patients, by using Fwave study as an independent test. Materials and Methods: 23 hypothyroid and 23 normal participants were selected according to selection criteria underwent F wave study. Variables like F wave minimum, maximum and mean latencies were obtained from control and cases. Data was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 10.0 version. Unpaired t'test was used to evaluate significant difference between cases and controls if any. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: F wave study variables of 23 (twenty Three) hypothyroid cases were compared with 23 (twenty three) age and sex matched controls. Statistically significant difference (p value < 0.05) were observed between Median motor F wave minimum, maximum and mean latencies of control and cases. No significant difference was observed between Ulnar motor F wave minimum, maximum and mean latencies of control and cases (p value >0.05). Conclusion: Present study concluded that F wave study may be used as an independent electrodiagnostic (EDX) test to assess median neuropathy at wrist in hypothyroid cases with or without clinical neurodeficit.