Peripheral neuropathy caused by severe hypothermia. 2013

S Løseth, and A Bågenholm, and T Torbergsen, and E Stålberg
Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway. sissel.loseth@unn.no

OBJECTIVE To report follow-up data in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathy in a 29-year old female after accidental deep hypothermia (13.7°C) in 1999. METHODS Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) were performed 20 days after the accident and again after 5 months and 1, 3, 5 and 11 years. Macro EMG was performed after 3, 5 and 11 years. To evaluate small fiber function, RR-interval, sympathetic skin response, quantitative sensory testing and skin biopsy for quantification of intra-epidermal nerve fiber density were performed in 2009. RESULTS In the intensive care unit sensory and motor responses were absent except for the tibial nerves, and EMG showed profuse denervation. Improvement of amplitudes and conduction velocities was seen during the first 5 years. Muscular atrophy of hand muscles persisted. Large fibers were involved more extensively than small fibers. CONCLUSIONS A severe axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy developed in the intensive care unit following severe hypothermia. The mechanism was most likely cold injury to peripheral nerves. CONCLUSIONS The clinical picture and the laboratory findings indicate that even multi-organ dysfunction and, of specific interest in this study, a severe axonal degeneration may come to a good restitution after long time.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007035 Hypothermia Lower than normal body temperature, especially in warm-blooded animals. Hypothermia, Accidental,Accidental Hypothermia,Accidental Hypothermias,Hypothermias,Hypothermias, Accidental
D009133 Muscular Atrophy Derangement in size and number of muscle fibers occurring with aging, reduction in blood supply, or following immobilization, prolonged weightlessness, malnutrition, and particularly in denervation. Atrophy, Muscle,Neurogenic Muscular Atrophy,Neurotrophic Muscular Atrophy,Atrophies, Muscle,Atrophies, Muscular,Atrophies, Neurogenic Muscular,Atrophies, Neurotrophic Muscular,Atrophy, Muscular,Atrophy, Neurogenic Muscular,Atrophy, Neurotrophic Muscular,Muscle Atrophies,Muscle Atrophy,Muscular Atrophies,Muscular Atrophies, Neurogenic,Muscular Atrophies, Neurotrophic,Muscular Atrophy, Neurogenic,Muscular Atrophy, Neurotrophic,Neurogenic Muscular Atrophies,Neurotrophic Muscular Atrophies
D009431 Neural Conduction The propagation of the NERVE IMPULSE along the nerve away from the site of an excitation stimulus. Nerve Conduction,Conduction, Nerve,Conduction, Neural,Conductions, Nerve,Conductions, Neural,Nerve Conductions,Neural Conductions
D010523 Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Diseases of the peripheral nerves external to the brain and spinal cord, which includes diseases of the nerve roots, ganglia, plexi, autonomic nerves, sensory nerves, and motor nerves. Peripheral Nerve Diseases,Peripheral Neuropathies,PNS (Peripheral Nervous System) Diseases,PNS Diseases,Peripheral Nervous System Disease,Peripheral Nervous System Disorders,Nerve Disease, Peripheral,Nerve Diseases, Peripheral,Neuropathy, Peripheral,PNS Disease,Peripheral Nerve Disease,Peripheral Neuropathy
D004576 Electromyography Recording of the changes in electric potential of muscle by means of surface or needle electrodes. Electromyogram,Surface Electromyography,Electromyograms,Electromyographies,Electromyographies, Surface,Electromyography, Surface,Surface Electromyographies
D005260 Female Females
D005500 Follow-Up Studies Studies in which individuals or populations are followed to assess the outcome of exposures, procedures, or effects of a characteristic, e.g., occurrence of disease. Followup Studies,Follow Up Studies,Follow-Up Study,Followup Study,Studies, Follow-Up,Studies, Followup,Study, Follow-Up,Study, Followup
D006225 Hand The distal part of the arm beyond the wrist in humans and primates, that includes the palm, fingers, and thumb. Hands
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults

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