Accuracy of Ipswich Touch Test (IpTT) to detect small fiber neuropathy and large fiber neuropathy as a risk factor of diabetic foot ulcers in public health centers

Abstract

Objective

This study was to determine the accuracy of using Ipswich Touch Test (IpTT) in detecting neuropathy in patients with small fiber and large fiber neuropathy.

Method

This was a cross sectional multisite study approach. The number of samples in this study were one hundred participants. The data collection process in this study was performed by assessing nerve sensation in the legs with IpTT technique compared to the Golden Standard for Small Fiber Neuropathy and Large Fiber Neuropathy. The Golden Standard is used for the examination of Small Fiber Neuropathy, Pinprick, and for large Fiber Neuropathy using Monofilament, Tuning Fork 128 Hz, and Ankle Reflex.

Results

We found sensitivity of IpTT against Pin prick test was 80.0%, with specificity 88.0% in detection small fiber neuropathy. Meanwhile, sensitivity of IpTT to detect large fiber neuropathy in comparison with Monofilament (80.0%), Tuning Fork 128 Hz (40.0%), and Ankle Reflex (20.0%).

Conclusion

There is no difference between the IpTT against the golden standard small fiber neuropathy large fiber neuropathy.