# Evaluation of Quantitative and Selective Sensory Fiber Dysfunction in Patients with Cirrhosis

## TL;DR

This study shows that patients with cirrhosis experience sensory nerve dysfunction, primarily affecting Aβ fibers, as revealed by current perception threshold testing.

## Contribution

The study identifies Aβ fiber dysfunction as the main sensory nerve issue in cirrhosis patients using the CPT test.

## Key findings

- Cirrhosis patients showed significantly higher CPT values at 2000 Hz and 250 Hz compared to healthy controls.
- No correlation was found between CPT values and blood biochemical indicators in cirrhosis patients.
- Sensory neuropathy in cirrhosis is primarily characterized by Aβ fiber dysfunction.

## Abstract

Chronic liver disease has been reported to be associated with peripheral neuropathy. However, which sensory fibers are affected remains unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the function of sensory nerve fibers in patients with cirrhosis using the current perception threshold (CPT) test, as well as the correlation between blood biochemical indicators related to cirrhosis and CPT values.

We recruited 44 patients with liver cirrhosis and 37 healthy controls of the same age and gender. The Neurometer® system for the CPT test was used to stimulate the median nerve on the right index finger, as well as the deep and superficial peroneal nerves on the right hallux, using three distinct parameters (2000 Hz, 250 Hz, and 5 Hz). Comparative analysis was performed on the CPT values of the sensory nerves. Additionally, the correlation between CPT values and biochemical blood indicators in the study participants was analyzed.

Under 2000 Hz electrical stimulation, there was a significant difference between the cirrhosis and healthy control groups in the median nerve as well as the deep and superficial peroneal nerves (p < 0.05). In addition, the median nerve CPT value of the cirrhosis group was significantly higher than that of the control group at an electrical stimulation frequency of 250 Hz (p = 0.005). There was no correlation between CPT values and blood biochemical indicators.

According to the results, the sensory peripheral neuropathy in liver cirrhosis is mainly manifested as Aβ fiber neuropathy.