To evaluate the development of autonomic neuropathy, 23 patients with a moderate (group A) and 18 patients with a long (group B) duration of diabetes and without symptoms of autonomic neuropathy were re-investigated 6 yr after the initial studies. Autonomic nerve function was evaluated from heart reactions to deep breathing (E/I ratio) and to a rapid 90° tilt (acceleration and brake indices). Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy (SAN) developed in 18 patients (nine in each group) who showed a low mean E/I ratio and brake index in both studies. In group A, but not in group B, patients with SAN showed a decrease in the acceleration index and most SAN patients (8/9) in group A had an abnormal acceleration index in the follow-up study. We conclude that in both groups SAN developed rapidly and was preceded by decreases in E/I ratio and brake index.
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Original Articles|
March 01 1985
Autonomic Neuropathy in Diabetes Mellitus: A Follow-up Study
Göran Sundkvist, M.D.;
Göran Sundkvist, M.D.
Departments of Medicine and Clinical Physiology, University of Lund, Malmö General Hospital
Malmö, Sweden
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Bo Lilja, M.D.
Bo Lilja, M.D.
Departments of Medicine and Clinical Physiology, University of Lund, Malmö General Hospital
Malmö, Sweden
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Address reprint requests to Dr. G. Sundkvist, Dept. of Medicine, Malmö General Hospital, S-214 01 Malmö, Sweden.
Citation
Göran Sundkvist, Bo Lilja; Autonomic Neuropathy in Diabetes Mellitus: A Follow-up Study. Diabetes Care 1 March 1985; 8 (2): 129–133. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.8.2.129
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