Nerve conduction velocity and circulating immunocomplexes in Type 1 diabetic children

There is evidence from several laboratories of an increased prevalence of circulating immuno-complexes (CIC) in diabetic patients. It has also been suggested that CIC are pathogenetically related to chronic diabetic complications. The aim of this study was to assess peripheral nerve function in children with Type 1 diabetes and to evaluate the relationship between the neurophysiological abnormalities and the possible presence of CIC. The investigation was carried out in 25 Type 1 diabetic patients ranging in age from 7-19 years and in 20 normal controls. Neurophysiological assessment was performed to evaluate motor and sensory conduction velocity on median and tibial nerves. IgG-CIC were detected by the solid-phase C1q-binding and anti-C3 enzyme immuno-assay. The results of this study showed a greater slowing of median motor and sensory and tibial sensory conduction velocities in patients with CIC with respect to the patients without CIC, suggesting a possible role of immunological factors in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy.