Electrophysiological disturbances in patients with peripheral neuropathies induced by nitrous oxide abuse: Study carried out at the pontoise hospital in France

Background and Objective: Nitrous oxide abuse is common among young people. The objective are to report the electrophysiological characteristics of patients hospitalized for peripheral neuropathy due to nitrous oxide toxicity. Methods: We carried out a retrospective study with a descriptive aim from January 1, 2021 to April 30, 2023 at the Pontoise neurophysiological laboratory. We collected data on nerve conductions, needle detection and electroneuromyogram. The study of the conductance of small nerve fibers was carried out using SUDOSCAN. RESULTS: We recruited 15 patients. 12 electroneuromyogram completed. 9 anomalies on the ENMG. 8/9 had axonopathy. 6/8 had sensorimotor axonopathy. 2/8 had purely motor axonopathy. 9/15 SUDOSCAN carried out including 6 abnormal. 1 SUDOSCAN was abnormal with normal electroneuromyogram. Conclusion and Implications for Translation : Sensory-motor axonopathy is the dominant profile. The SUDOSCAN abnormality indicates associated damage to large and small fibers. This study shows the seriousness of nitrous oxide responsible for the neurological consequences objectified by the electrophysiological study