01645nas a2200205   4500000000100000008004100001653002500042653001500067653002200082653001200104100001600116700001500132700001200147700001500159700001400174700001400188245018600202520103700388022001401425       2016                            d10aNeurosensory testing10aNeurolysis10aNerve compression10aleprosy1 aBaltodano P1 aRochlin DH1 aNoboa J1 aSarhane KA1 aRosson GD1 aDellon LA00aPrevalence of leprous neuropathy determined by neurosensory testing in an endemic zone in Ecuador: Development of an algorithm to identify patients benefiting from early neurolysis.3 a<p>The success of a microneurosurgical intervention in leprous neuropathy (LN) depends on the diagnosis of chronic compression before irreversible paralysis and digital loss occurs. In order to determine the effectiveness of a different approach for early identification of LN, neurosensory testing with the Pressure-Specified Sensory Device™ (PSSD), a validated and sensitive test, was performed in an endemic zone for leprosy. A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze a patient sample meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for Hansen's disease. The prevalence of LN was based on the presence of ≥1 abnormal PSSD pressure threshold for a two-point static touch. A total of 312 upper and lower extremity nerves were evaluated in 39 patients. The PSSD found a 97.4% prevalence of LN. Tinel's sign was identified in 60% of these patients. An algorithm for early identification of patients with LN was proposed using PSSD testing based on the unilateral screening of the ulnar and deep peroneal nerves.</p>
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