Axonal polyneuropathy after acute dimethylamine borane intoxication.

OBJECTIVE

To study a patient with axonal polyneuropathy due to acute dimethylamine borane (DMAB) intoxication.

PATIENT

Confusion and drowsiness in the acute stage, followed by cognitive impairments and polyneuropathy, are reported in a chemical factory worker after acute exposure to DMAB.

RESULTS

Nerve conduction studies indicated axonal polyneuropathy, particularly in the motor nerves. Sural nerve biopsy studies 3 months later revealed an axonal degeneration with a mild decrease of fiber density in the large myelinated fibers. Quantitative sensory testing also disclosed an impairment of pinprick, temperature, and touch sensations. Cutaneous nerve biopsy studies 9 months later demonstrated a moderate loss of epidermal nerves. During the follow-up period of 1.5 years, the clinical features and serial nerve conduction studies showed a steady improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Since DMAB is a new product and has been widely used recently in the manufacturing of semiconductors and electronics, we conclude that DMAB intoxication may produce motor-predominant axonal polyneuropathy and that the establishment of a threshold limit value is warranted.