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Serum Neurofilament Light Chain Levels and Neuropathy Severity in Diabetic Polyneuropathy
Sponsor: Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital
Summary
Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes mellitus and is characterized by peripheral nerve damage caused by long-term hyperglycemia. Progressive sensory loss and impairment of proprioception may lead to balance disturbances, gait instability, and an increased risk of falls. Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) has emerged as a potential biomarker of neuroaxonal injury in several neurological disorders. The aim of this observational cross-sectional study is to investigate the relationship between serum Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) levels and neuropathy severity, balance performance, and fall risk in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. Neuropathy severity will be evaluated using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) and electrophysiological findings, while balance performance and fall risk will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I).
Official title: Association Between Serum Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) Levels and Neuropathy Severity, Balance Performance, and Fall Risk in Diabetic Polyneuropathy
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
30 Years - 75 Years
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
80
Start Date
2026-03-25
Completion Date
2026-05-15
Last Updated
2026-03-18
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Blood Sample Collection and Clinical Assessment
Participants will undergo venous blood sample collection for measurement of serum Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) levels. Blood samples will be obtained after overnight fasting, centrifuged, and serum samples will be stored at -80°C until analysis. Serum NfL levels will be measured using a validated ELISA-based immunoassay. In addition, clinical assessments including the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), Berg Balance Scale, and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) will be performed to evaluate neuropathy severity, balance performance, and fall risk.