Abstract Details

Title Electrophysiological Features of Demyelination and Axonal Loss in POEMS Syndrome: Distribution and Relation to Weakness

Topic Clinical Neurophysiology

Presentation(s) P02 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 221

Objective

Background BACKGROUND: POEMS syndrome is a rare cause of demyelinating and axonal mixed neuropathy. The distribution of axonal loss and demyelination has rarely been studied in POEMS syndrome. The correlation between electrophysiological abnormalities and weakness in patients with POEMS syndrome has not yet been investigated.

Design/Methods DESIGN/METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 89 patients with POEMS syndrome for the pattern of weakness and electrophysiological abnormalities.

Results RESULTS: Axonal loss was prominent in distal lower-limb nerves. Conduction slowing consistent with demyelination was more predominant in proximal and intermediate nerve segments; Conduction block (CB) was detected in 18.1% of nerves and more frequently in proximal nerve segments. Motor conduction velocity compatible with definite demyelination, CB and axonal loss were independently correlated with each other. Furthermore, axonal loss was an independent determinant of weakness.

Conclusions CONCLUSIONS: Both CB and axonal loss occur in POEMS syndrome and correlate with each other. Pathophysiological mechanisms leading to axonal loss play an important role in weakness in the patients. Our results suggest the importance of more extensive studies of arm nerves and also provide insight into the inter-relations of electrophysiological parameters with regard to POEMS syndrome.

Authors/Disclosures
Zhangyu Zou, MD, PhD (Fujian Medical University Union Hospital) PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Liying Cui, PhD (Peking Union Medical College Hospital)	No disclosure on file

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