Method: Nerve conduction studies were performed in 23 patients with chronic renal failure. We not only measured distal latencies, amplitudes, and conduction velocities of median and ulnar motor nerves but also measured same parameters of radial sensory nerves at both upper limbs. In case of pateints with suspected peripheral polyneuropathy, we checked peripheral nerves at one lower limb. The results of nerve conduction studies and the frequency of cubital tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome were compared between arteiovenous fistula side and non-arteiovenous fistula side.

Results: The amplitudes of median motor, ulnar motor nerves and radial sensory nerve in arteiovenous fisula side are statistically lower than those in non-arteiovenous fisula side (p＜0.05). In the 14 patients with peripheral polyneuropathy, the difference is also statistically significant between two sides (p＜0.05). Compared arteiovenous fisula side with non-arteiovenous fisula side, the frequency of cubital tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome was not different between two sides.

Conclusion: Arteiovenous fisula may damage to the peripheral nerve in patients with chronic renal failure. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2003; 27: 85-89)

Keywords :Arteiovenous fistula, Chronic renal failure, Nerve conduction study, Peripheral polyneuropathy