SUBACUTE UREMIC AND DIABETIC POLYNEUROPATHY

We present 4 patients who had a subacute, predominantly motor polyneur opathy associated with diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease. Electrophysiological studies and muscle biopsy indicated a primary axo nal degeneration of nerve with secondary segmental demyelination, and mild to moderate, acute and chronic denervation of muscle. A relative absence of denervation potentials on needle electromyography was an un usual feature. Three of our patients improved with a switch from conve ntional to high-flux hemodialysis. We speculate on possible mechanisms . (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.