The sympathetic nervous system in alcoholic neuropathy. A clinical and pathological study.

Tests of autonomic function were performed on 12 subjects with alcoholic neuropathy. Abnormal sweat patterns occurred in 8/8 (100 per cent) and an abnormal Valsalva ratio in 2/9 (22 per cent). Postural hypotension and denervation hypersensitivity were absent in all patients examined. A quantitative assessment of baroreceptor function was made. The resting heart period, heart period range and mean gain of alcoholics were within the control range. Quantitative histological studies were performed on the greater splanchnic nerves removed at autopsy in 4 alcoholic subjects. The myelinated fibre density fell within the control range. The absence of significant disturbance of blood pressure control correlates well with the absence of pathology in the greater splanchnic nerve.