Normative values of quantitative sensory testing in Hispanic Latino population

Background: Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) is more often used because of the increasing recognition of small fiber neuropathy. Methods: We studied QST in a systematic way in an age-stratified cohort of 83 neurological-free Hispanic Latinamerican patients. Predefined standardized stimuli were applied using the method of limits. Results: WDT range from 2.2 to 3.3 degrees C in hands, and from 4.0 degrees C up to 6.6 degrees C in feet. Cold detection threshold range from 2.2 to 3.6 degrees C in hands, and from 2.6 degrees C to 4.5 degrees C in feet. Heat-induced pain (HP) was induced at lower temperatures than previously reported, with a range from 41.8 degrees C to 44.5 degrees C in hands and from 43.2 to 45.7 degrees C in feet. Similar to HP, cold pain was also induced at much higher temperatures, between 21.4-17.3 degrees C in hands and 21.5-16.5 degrees C in feet. Vibratory stimuli ranged from 0.8 to 1.7/sec in hands and from 1.4 to 3.5/sec in feet. Conclusion: Temperature and vibration thresholds were similar to those previously reported in other populations except for pain thresholds that were lower in this population than in the Caucasian population.