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Nephrologists use sNCT/CPT studies to evaluate patients with kidney disease
to assist in determining when to commence dialysis therapy. The study is
prescribed when clinical examination findings suggest development of an
impairment in distal sensory function and an objective evaluation is
required to confirm and evaluate a diagnosis of polyneuropathy. Typically,
the distal great toe test site is tested bilaterally and if a polyneuropathy
is detected then dialysis therapy may be considered to attempt to reverse
the condition and/or prevent its progression. Normal sNCT/CPT evaluation
results indicate that no further sNCT/CPT testing is necessary unless a
change in the clinical condition suggesting sensory dysfunction requires an
evaluation. Nephrologists also prescribe the sNCT/CPT study to be
administered to endstage renal disease patients to provide an index of the
long-term adequacy of dialysis therapy.
Additionally, sNCT/CPT studies of the distal phalanges of the fingers may
assist in the diagnosis of suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) in
dialysis patients. Fifty percent of patients receiving dialysis for six
years or more develop CTS without experiencing the classical CTS symptoms
due to concurrent upper extremity polyneuropathy. Left untreated, patients
with CTS may suffer significant impairment of the affected hand.
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