Evaluation of neuropathy in workers predisposed to inhalation of N-hexane

Introduction and Workers who are exposed to inhalation N-hexane can gradually develop progressive polyneuropathy, sometimes results in paralysis and even death. Shoe workers, printers, rubber cement workers and every other job which use glue, are at risk of inhalation of N-hexane. The aim of this study was to compare variables related to neuropathy in these workers with healthy controls. Methods and materials: We compared the results of nerve conduction study (NCS) on 30 N-hexane-exposed cases and 30 non-exposed healthy controls. All participants were male. Case group included 12 printers and 18 shoemakers. Their mean occupational experiences were 5.2 and 17 years, respectively. Mean of sural sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) and tibial compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes were significantly lower in exposed group (p value<0/05). Mean of F-wave distal latencies significantly higher in the exposed individuals (p value<0/05). Mean of sural SNAP and tibial CMAP-related distal latencies and tibial CMAP-related conduction velocities were not significantly different (P value >0/05). This study showed peripheral nervous system involvement in glue-exposed workers. It seems that NCS is an effective method for diagnosis of subclinical and clinical neuropathy in N-hexane exposure. We can use this inexpensive and noninvasive method for screening and prevention of polyneuropathy in such persons.