Autonomic dysfunction and peripheral nerve involvement in patients with Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic illness which damages central and peripheral nervous system. The presence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in PD, it has been suggested to be the effect of treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate autonomic cardiac control in PD patients with normal serum levels of vitamin B12 by means of spectral analysis of short-term heart rate variability (HRV) and also to assess the prevalence of PN using electrophysiological examinations. Methods: 30 (18 male and 12 female) with PD were compared to 20 ageand sex-matched control subjects. Short-term ECG was used to calculate time domain and spectral parameters of HRV. The stimulodetection examination was realized in the motor fibers of median, peroneal and tibial nerves, and in the sensitive fibers of median and sural nerve according to the standard procedures. Results: Low and high frequency were lower in PD patients than in controls (LF: 332.±288.4 ms2 PD vs 723.9±348.2 ms2 C; HF: 283.72±241.97 ms2 PD vs 530.54±226.5 ms2 C, p<0.01). No differences between LF/HF ratio of PD and controls appeared. Sensory nerve action potential in sural nerve was reduced in PD patients. No differences between sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities of PD and controls appeared. Conclusions: PD causes dysfunction of autonomic cardiovascular regulation and peripheral nerve involvement.