Examination with Two Types of Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments as Screening Tools for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the more common complications plaguing individuals with type 2 diabetes. The development and progression of such complications are responsible for much of the morbidity and mortality related to this disease. This investigation evaluated accuracy of lily and Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments examination for diabetic peripheral neuropathy screening. Our study population consisted of 150 patients treated for diabetes mellitus at the Diabetes Clinic of the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. The samples were chosen on the basis of a non-randomized sampling. All patients were tested for sensory neuropathy using two types of monofilament (Semmes Weinstein monofilament examination 8, and 10-grams). In the next phase EMG-NCV were examined. Sensitivity and specificity two types of monofilaments were analyzed. The 10-g monofilaments had a sensitivity ranging from 38.5% to 51.3% at sites 1-4, and specificity between 73 to 87.4 the sensitivity and specificity of the 8-g monofilament were 41 to 51.3% and 72.1 to 86.5% respectively. Two types of monofilaments at with 51.3 and 74.8% sensitivity and specificity respectively sites 1 and 4 was the most useful diagnostic test for DPN. These data suggest that the monofilaments may be the optimum methodology for identifying individuals at risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Hence, we recommend screening of patients for neuropathy as soon as they are diagnosed with diabetes.