Peripheral nerve dysfunction in adult patients with cystic fibrosis

Peripheral nerve dysfunction in adult patients with cystic fibrosis

Irish Journal of Medical Science

Volume 164, Number 3 / July, 1995

J. I. O’Riordan1, J. Hayes2, M. X. Fitzgerald3 and J. Redmond1 Contact Information
(1) Department of Neurology, Vincent’s Hospital and University College Dublin, Elm Park, Dublin 4
(2) Department of Respiratory Medicine, St. Vincent’s Hospital and University College Dublin, Elm Park, Dublin 4
(3) Department of Cystic Fibrosis, St. Vincent’s Hospital and University College Dublin, Elm Park, Dublin 4


The prevalence of peripheral nerve dysfunction was assessed in 24 randomly selected adult patients with cystic fibrosis. Median, peroneal and sural nerves were studied. In 15 patients (62%), one or more electrical abnormality were detected. In the median nerve, conduction velocity was slowed in 29% of sensory studies and 12.5% of motor studies; compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitudes were normal. The CAMP was low in 17% of peroneal studies with motor conduction velocity slow in 8%. The sural SNAP was low in 17% and sensory nerve conduction velocity slow in 25%. Using a multiple regression analysis only age at diagnosis was identified as a significant predictor of peripheral nerve dysfunction (multiple R = 0.55; p<0.01).