H reflexes as a measure for uremic polyneuropathy. A longitudinal study in patients treated with dialysis or renal transplantation

Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1994 Aug;93(4):276-80. doi: 10.1016/0168-5597(94)90029-9.

Abstract

Assessment of peripheral nerve function in end stage uremia by clinical and conventional nerve conduction velocity studies was compared to that using H reflex measurements. The latter proved to be the most sensitive technique. The results of the test correlated well with clinical and with other neuro-physiological measures. Nerve function as evaluated by H reflexes remained stable during the first 2 years of dialysis, but deteriorated later on. H reflex latencies shortened after renal transplantation. The results of H reflex measurements did not correlate with biochemical parameters, which makes the test a less attractive overall measure for the efficiency of therapy in uremia. In the follow-up of patients under treatment for uremic polyneuropathy, however, recording of H reflexes provides an important measure.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Electromyography
  • H-Reflex / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscles / physiopathology
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory*
  • Renal Dialysis*
  • Uremia / complications
  • Uremia / physiopathology*
  • Uremia / therapy