Objective To analyze the characteristics of electroneuromyography (ENMG)of chronic occupational n-hexane poisoning cases, and to define the role of ENMG in n-hexane poisoning diagnosis.
Methods Nine n-hexane poisoning patients admitted into a hospital in April 2009 were investigated thouroughly, all the clinical and occupational history were collected, neurological examination and ENMG were taken periodically, and the exposed toxicant at workplace was identified.
Results The 9 cases were identified as having been exposed to n-hexane and their ENMG showed increased muscle spontaneous potential, abnormal phase emerged in muscle contraction, decreased nerve conduction velocity (P<0.01), extended distal latency (P<0.01), and decreased wave amplitude (P<0.05). After trophic treatment on nerve together with physical exercise, the status of illness was greatly improved.
Conclusion ENMG in chronic occupational n-hexane poisoning cases showed peripheral nerve injury, and the motor nerves were more vulnerable than the sensory nerves. Clinical recovery preceded the improvements of ENMG. It should be more focused on clinical recovery rather than manifestations of ENMG in the evaluation of restoring health.
DownLoad: