Disulfiram polyneuropathy

Abstract

Disulfiram in generally accepted maintenance doses in alcoholism may produce a rather severe polyneuropathy. In addition to the 39 literature cases, 5 personal patients were examined. Detailed clinical findings are given and the frequent permanent sequelae are emphasized. In 2 patients sural nerve biopsies were studied (including electromicroscopical examination) revealing a primary axonal lesion. In the treatment of alcohol addiction one should be aware of this complication.