Frequency and Determinants of Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetic Children in Sohag, Egypt

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication among children with TIDM and is related to poor glycemic control. The aim of the study is to determine prevalence and determinants of diabetic neuropathy in diabetic children. Material& Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted on 50 children having Type I diabetes mellitus for more than year presented to Pediatric Neurology and Endocrinology Outpatient Clinics, Sohag University Hospital, Sohag, Egypt, during one year duration (2017). Children were subjected to detailed neurological examination and electrophysiologic studies in addition to recording of socio demographic and laboratory findings with special regard to level of HbA1c. Results: The mean age of the studied children was 10.5 ± 0.3 years ranging from 5 to 18 years. 22 cases (44%) were younger than 10 years, 27 children (54%) were females. DPN was diagnosed in 12% of the studied children. No significant relation was found as regard age, gender, family history, consanguinity and duration of the diseases. Significant association was found between the HbA1c level and development of DPN in the studied children. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, 12% of the studied diabetic children had DPN of whom more than 16% had subclinical neuropathy indicating the need for annual screening of neuropathy using Nerve Conduction Study. Moreover strict glycaemic control is needed to prevent rapid development of diabetic among these children.