Effectiveness of Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination for diabetic peripheral neuropathy screening in Ahvaz, Iran

Foot care prevention programs can reduce the occurrence of foot ulcerations and amputations. This investigation evaluated Effectiveness of Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination for diabetic peripheral neuropathy screening in Ahvaz, Iran. In this quasi-experimental design 150 patients with diabetes mellitus were recruited by purposive sampling. All patients were tested for sensory neuropathy using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Examination. In the next phase nerve conduction velocity was examined. The sensitivity of Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament 10 g was 38.5-61.5 at sites 1-8, whereas the specificity was 77.5-95.5. Monofilament was found to be simple, cheap and useful method and suitable for detection of sensory neuropathy in clinical examinations. Hence, we recommend screening of patients for neuropathy as soon as they are diagnosed with diabetes