[Value of electromyography for the detection of peripheral neuropathies in the course of chronic hepatopathies].

It has recently been noted that peripheral nerve fibres are involved in the course of chronic liver disease. The existence of hepatic polyneuropathy is still a matter of debate. A series of 29 subjects (not including diabetics or alcoholics) were examined clinically and electromyographically. Signs of distal lower extremity polyneuritis (paresthesia, hypoesthesia and osteotendinous hypo-areflexia) were noted in 31%. Latent neuropathy was observed in the form of slow maximum and minimum motor conduction rates in clinically unimpaired nerves. Electromyographical alterations were more evident in subjects with frankly chronic as opposed to barely chronic liver disease.