Mehlika PANPALLI ATEŞ, Umur POYRAZ, Mustafa YURTDAŞ, Emin GEMCİOĞLU
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences - 2026;56(5):1470-1475
Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate early findings in patients exposed to n-hexane while working in a shoe factory. Materials and methods: Twenty-four patients exposed to n-hexane were evaluated by physical examination and electroneuromyography 2-5 weeks after the onset of paresthesia symptoms. The examination and electrophysiological results of these patients were assessed by different physicians who were blinded to both examinations. Results: Among patients who had weakness, it was particularly obvious in the proximal muscles of the lower extremities. Nerve conduction studies showed decreased motor nerve conduction velocity, conduction block, prolonged distal latency, and prolonged F-wave latency in 20 patients. Sural sparing was a noteworthy common feature. Conclusion: Both demyelination and axonal polyneuropathies occur in the early stages of n-hexane toxicity. This finding may suggest an observational impression, not formally tested, of a relationship between the duration of n-hexane exposure and electrophysiological findings, as well as possible nodal/paranodal involvement.
