Tzatha E, Chin RL. Small fiber abnormalities in skin biopsies of patients with benign fasciculations.
J Clin Neuromuscul Dis 2014;
16:12-14. [PMID:
25137510 DOI:
10.1097/cnd.0000000000000047]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether patients with benign fasciculations have evidence for axonal loss in skin biopsies.
METHODS
Epidermal sensory and sweat gland nerve fiber densities were quantified in skin biopsies of 11 patients with benign fasciculations and no other known cause for neuropathy.
RESULTS
Nine of the 11 patients (82%) had significantly reduced epidermal or sweat gland nerve fiber densities at the calf or thigh, in comparison with control values.
CONCLUSIONS
The presence of reduced epidermal and sweat gland nerve fiber density indicates the presence of axonal loss in patients with benign fasciculations.
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