Assessment of Peripheral Neuropathy Using Current Perception Threshold Measurement in Patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3

Abstract

Background Peripheral neuropathy (PN) identified as a significant contributor to disability in SCA3 patients. Objectives This study seeks to assess the utility of current perception threshold (CPT) measurements in evaluating PN in individuals with SCA3 and aims to identify factors influencing CPT values in SCA3 and ascertain whether these values correlate with the severity of ataxia. Methods Ninety-four patients diagnosed with SCA3 and 44 healthy controls were recruited for this investigation. All participants were performed standard CPT assessments. Comparative analysis was conducted on CPT variables between the groups. Multivariable linear regression models were employed to identify potential risk factors influencing CPT values, and to investigate the association between CPT values and the severity of ataxia in SCA3. Results The case group exhibited significantly higher values across all CPT variables compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Peripheral neuropathy was prevalent among SCA3 patients, with lower limb nerves demonstrating greater susceptibility than upper limb nerves. Increasing age at onset (AAO) (β = 17.652, P = 0.01) and heightened ataxia severity (β = 33.47, P = 0.011) as predictors of poorer CPT values. Gender also emerged as a predictor of CPT values. Furthermore, CPT values (β = 0, P = 0.011) and disease duration (β = 0.105, P = 0.000) were found to influence the severity of ataxia. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the CPT test holds promise for assessing peripheral neuropathy in SCA3 patients and that CPT values may serve as indicators of disease severity in this population.