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Fernandez A, Graf G, Lasserre A, Daeppen JB, Chu Sin Chung P, Berna C, Suter MR. Somatosensory profiling of patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal: Do neuropathic pain and sensory loss represent a problem? J Peripher Nerv Syst 2023; 28:490-499. [PMID: 37419872 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic heavy alcohol use is known to cause neurological complications such as peripheral neuropathy. Concerning the pathophysiology, few sural nerve and skin biopsy studies showed that small fibers might be selectively vulnerable to degeneration in alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy. Pain has rarely been properly evaluated in this pathology. The present study aims at assessing pain intensity, potential neuropathic characteristics as well as the functionality of both small and large nerve sensitive fibers. METHODS In this observational study, 27 consecutive adult patients, hospitalized for alcohol withdrawal and 13 healthy controls were recruited. All the participants underwent a quantitative sensory testing (QST) according to the standardized protocol of the German Research Network Neuropathic Pain, a neurological examination and filled standardized questionnaires assessing alcohol consumption and dependence as well as pain characteristics and psychological comorbidities. RESULTS Nearly half of the patients (13/27) reported pain. Yet, pain intensity was weak, leading to a low interference with daily life, and its characteristics did not support a neuropathic component. A functional impairment of small nerve fibers was frequently described, with thermal hypoesthesia observed in 52% of patients. Patients with a higher alcohol consumption over the last 2 years showed a greater impairment of small fiber function. DISCUSSION Patients report pain but it is however unlikely to be caused by peripheral neuropathy given the non-length-dependent distribution and the absence of neuropathic pain features. Chronic pain in AUD deserves to be better evaluated and managed as it represents an opportunity to improve long-term clinical outcomes, potentially participating to relapse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Fernandez
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Integrative and Complementary Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Guillaume Graf
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Lasserre
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry-Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Bernard Daeppen
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry-Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paul Chu Sin Chung
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Berna
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Integrative and Complementary Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marc R Suter
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Igharo D, Thiel JC, Rolke R, Akkaya M, Weis J, Katona I, Schulz JB, Maier A. Skin biopsy reveals generalized small fibre neuropathy in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:719-728. [PMID: 36437696 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are hereditary disorders of connective tissue that are characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and tissue fragility. The most common subtype is the hypermobile type. In addition to symptoms of small fibre neuropathy (SFN) due to damage to the small peripheral nerve fibres, with degeneration of the distal nerve endings, autonomic disorders such as postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) are frequently reported features in patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). To date, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are still not completely understood. STUDY PURPOSE To better understand pathophysiological mechanisms of small fiber neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. METHODS We prospectively investigated 31 patients with hEDS compared to 31 healthy controls by using skin biopsy, quantitative sensory testing, tilt-table testing, the painDetect, Small Fibre Neuropathy Screening List and the COMPASS-31 (Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31) questionnaire. RESULTS Nineteen (61%) patients with hEDS were diagnosed with SFN, and 10 (32%) fulfilled the criteria for PoTS. Patients with hEDS had significantly higher heart rates than controls. According to quantitative sensory testing, these patients had generalized thermal and tactile hypesthesia. Skin biopsy revealed significantly reduced intraepithelial nerve fibre density proximally (thigh) and distally (lower leg) in patients compared to controls. This was consistent with various complaints of pain and sensory disturbances in both the proximal and distal body regions. CONCLUSION These results confirm histologically proven SFN as a common feature in patients with hEDS, revealing a generalized distribution of nerve fibre loss. Regarding the frequently reported autonomic and neuropathic dysfunctions, the findings support SFN as an important, but not the only, underlying pathomechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denver Igharo
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Joana C Thiel
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Roman Rolke
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Merve Akkaya
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Joachim Weis
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Istvan Katona
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andrea Maier
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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The Role of Neuropathy Screening Tools in Patients Affected by Fibromyalgia. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061533. [PMID: 35329860 PMCID: PMC8953231 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (sFM) is one of the most common causes of chronic pain. This study aimed to assess the presence of small and large fiber impairment in fibromyalgic patients by applying validated scores used in the screening for diabetic neuropathy. The endpoints for the study were the assessment of neuropathy prevalence in sFM patients using the NerveCheck Master (NCM), the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), the Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom (DNS) and the Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4). The sample was composed of 46 subjects: subjects with sFM (n = 23) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 23). The positivity rates in each group for DN4 were significantly different (p < 0.001), with a prevalence in symptomatic subjects of 56.3% (n = 9) among sFM individuals. A similar difference was also observed with the DNS total score (p < 0.001). NCM and MNSI did not disclose significant differences between the two groups. This finding seems to confirm the data regarding the prevalence of a neuropathic pain in sFM patients.
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Corneal Confocal Microscopy in the Diagnosis of Small Fiber Neuropathy: Faster, Easier, and More Efficient Than Skin Biopsy? PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2021; 29:1-8. [PMID: 35366285 PMCID: PMC8954271 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology29010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain may affect 30–50% of the world’s population and an important cause is small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Recent research suggests that autoimmune diseases may be one of the most common causes of small nerve fiber damage. There is low awareness of SFN among patients and clinicians and it is difficult to diagnose as routine electrophysiological methods only detect large fiber abnormalities, and specialized small fiber tests, like skin biopsy and quantitative sensory testing, are not routinely available. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid, non-invasive, reproducible method for quantifying small nerve fiber degeneration and regeneration, and could be an important tool for diagnosing SFN. This review considers the advantages and disadvantages of CCM and highlights the evolution of this technique from a research tool to a diagnostic test for small fiber damage, which can be a valuable contribution to the study and management of autoimmune disease.
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Peng Y, Liu YS, Wu MY, Chen CN, Li CQ, Jiang AQ, Li CX, Wang Y, Tian G, Pan SY, Xu LL. Evaluation of the Degree of Agreement of Four Methods for Diagnosing Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy. Front Neurol 2021; 12:637099. [PMID: 34113304 PMCID: PMC8185195 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.637099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There are many methods to diagnose diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN); however, often, the various methods do not provide consistent results. Even the two methods recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines, Ewing's test and heart rate variability (HRV), sometimes give conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of agreement of the results of the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS-31), skin sympathetic reaction (SSR) test, Ewing's test, and HRV in diagnosing DAN. Methods: Patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited and each received the COMPASS-31, SSR, Ewing's test, and HRV for the diagnosis of DAN. Patients were categorized as DAN(+) and DAN(–) by each of the tests. Kappa consistency tests were used to evaluate the agreement of diagnosing DAN between any two methods. Spearman's correlation test was used to evaluate the correlations of the severity of DAN between any two methods. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to evaluate the diagnostic value and the cutoff value of each method. Results: A total of 126 type 2 diabetic patients were included in the study. The percentages of DAN(+) results by HRV, Ewing's test, COMPASS-31, and SSR were 61, 40, 35, and 33%, respectively. COMPASS-31 and Ewing's test had the best agreement for diagnosing DAN (κ = 0.512, p < 0.001). COMPASS-31 and Ewing's test also had the best correlation with respect to the severity of DAN (r = 0.587, p < 0.001). Ewing's test and COMPASS-31 had relatively good diagnostic values (AUC = 0.703 and 0.630, respectively) in the ROC analyses. Conclusions: COMPASS-31 and Ewing's test exhibit good diagnostic consistency and severity correlation for the diagnosis of DAN. Either test is suitable for the diagnosis of DAN and treatment follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Peng
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying-Shan Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min-Yi Wu
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chu-Na Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chu-Qiao Li
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - An-Qi Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chong-Xin Li
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ge Tian
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Su-Yue Pan
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling-Ling Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Yang J, Wang H, Yuan Y, Fan S, Li L, Jiang C, Mao C, Shi C, Xu Y. Peripheral synucleinopathy in Parkinson disease with LRRK2 G2385R variants. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:592-602. [PMID: 33527742 PMCID: PMC7951097 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Recent studies demonstrated cutaneous phosphorylated α synuclein (p‐syn) deposition in idiopathic and some monogenetic Parkinson disease (PD) patients, suggesting synucleinopathy identical to that in the brain. Although the LRRK2 Gly2385Arg (G2385R) variant is a common PD risk factor in the Chinese population, the pathogenesis of PD with G2385R variant has not been reported. We investigated whether synucleinopathy and small fiber neuropathy (SFN) are associated with the G2385R variant. Methods We performed genotyping in 59 PD patients and 30 healthy controls from the skin biopsy database. The scale of SFN was assessed, as well as bright‐field immunohistochemistry against antiprotein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) and double‐labeling immunofluorescence with anti‐PGP9.5 and anti‐p‐syn. Results (1) p‐syn deposited in the skin nerve fibers of G2385R carrier PD patients, which was a different pattern from noncarriers, without no difference observed between proximal and distal regions; (2) decreased distal intraepidermal nerve fiber density was found in both the G2385R carrier and the noncarrier PD group, and was negatively correlated with composite autonomic symptom score‐31 item (COMPASS‐31) scores; (3) PD patients with the G2385R variant showed a more peculiar clinical profile than noncarriers with a higher nonmotor symptoms scale, COMPASS‐31 score, and levodopa equivalent dose, in addition to an increased prevalence of certain autonomic symptoms or rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorders. Interpretation Synucleinopathy is related to the LRRK2 G2385R genotype and implies a different pathogenesis in G2385R variant carriers and noncarriers. This study also extended the clinical profiles of PD patients with the G2385R variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yanpeng Yuan
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.,Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Shiheng Fan
- Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Lanjun Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Chenyang Jiang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Chengyuan Mao
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Changhe Shi
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yuming Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.,Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
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Abstract
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a prevalent neurologic syndrome. Testing methods have emerged in recent years to better diagnose it, including autonomic tests and skin punch biopsy. SFN can present in a non-length-dependent fashion and can be mistaken for syndromes such as fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome. SFN is caused by a variety of metabolic, infectious, genetic, and inflammatory diseases. Recently treatments have emerged for TTR amyloid neuropathy and Fabry disease, and novel biomarkers have been found both in genetic and inflammatory SFN syndromes. Ongoing trials attempt to establish the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin in inflammatory SFN syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence A Zeidman
- Neuromuscular-EMG Division, Department of Neurology, Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine, 2160 South First Avenue, Maguire Building - Room 2700, Maywood, IL 60153-3328, USA.
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Voortman M, Beekman E, Drent M, Hoitsma E, De Vries J. Determination of the smallest detectable change (SDC) and the minimal important difference (MID) for the Small Fiber Neuropathy Screening List (SFNSL) in sarcoidosis. SARCOIDOSIS VASCULITIS AND DIFFUSE LUNG DISEASES 2020; 35:333-341. [PMID: 32476921 PMCID: PMC7170121 DOI: 10.36141/svdld.v35i4.7260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Previous studies found that 40-60% of the sarcoidosis patients suffer from small fiber neuropathy (SFN), substantially affecting quality of life. SFN is difficult to diagnose, as a gold standard is still lacking. The need for an easily administered screening instrument to identify sarcoidosis-associated SFN symptoms led to the development of the SFN Screening List (SFNSL). The usefulness of any questionnaire in clinical management and research trials depends on its interpretability. Obtaining a clinically relevant change score on a questionnaire requires that the smallest detectable change (SDC) and minimal important difference (MID) are known. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the SDC and MID for the SFNSL in patients with sarcoidosis. Methods: Patients with neurosarcoidosis and/or sarcoidosis-associated SFN symptoms (N=138) included in the online Dutch Neurosarcoidosis Registry participated in a prospective, longitudinal study. Anchor-based and distribution-based methods were used to estimate the MID and SDC, respectively. Results: The SFNSL was completed both at baseline and at 6-months’ follow-up by 89/138 patients. A marginal ROC curve (0.6) indicated cut-off values of 3.5 points, with 73% sensitivity and 49% specificity for change. The SDC was 11.8 points. Conclusions: The MID on the SFNSL is 3.5 points for a clinically relevant change over a 6-month period. The MID can be used in the follow-up and management of SFN-associated symptoms in patients with sarcoidosis, though with some caution as the SDC was found to be higher. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2018; 35: 333-341)
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareye Voortman
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.,Department of Pulmonology, Division of Heart & Lungs, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands.,ild care foundation research team, Ede, The Netherlands
| | - Emmylou Beekman
- Research Centre for Autonomy and Participation of Persons with a Chronic Illness, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Heerlen, The Netherlands.,Physiotherapy-multidisciplinary centre, ParaMedisch Centrum Zuid, Sittard, The Netherlands.,Department of Family Medicine, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary care, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Drent
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, FHML, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,ild care foundation research team, Ede, The Netherlands
| | - Elske Hoitsma
- Department of Neurology, Alrijne Hospital, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda De Vries
- ild care foundation research team, Ede, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Psychology, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital Tilburg, Tilburg, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Contact heat evoked potentials in knowledge workers and unskilled labors. Chin Med J (Engl) 2020; 133:537-541. [PMID: 32142493 PMCID: PMC7065863 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000000681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Whether occupation has an impact on contact heat evoked potential (CHEP) results has not been investigated. In this study, we investigated the difference of CHEP parameters between knowledge workers and unskilled labors. Methods: A total of 137 healthy participants were recruited between November 20, 2014 and December 31, 2016. All participants underwent neurologic examination, laboratory examination, and nerve conduction studies. CHEP was performed on four body sites: the upper border of the distal third of the volar forearm, the upper border of the distal third of the lateral leg, the spinous process of seventh cervical vertebrae (C7), and the spinous process of 12th thoracic vertebrae (T12). Independent t test and nonparametric test were performed using SPSS software to compare the difference of the CHEP parameters between knowledge workers and unskilled labors. Results: The “N2 latency/height” (Z = −2.290, P = 0.022) and “P2 latency/height” (Z = −2.020, P = 0.043) on the volar forearm of unskilled labors significantly increased than those of knowledge workers. The “N2 latency/height” (F = 6.348, P = 0.016) and “P2 latency/height” (F = 5.920, P = 0.018) in the distal leg of unskilled labors significantly prolonged than those of knowledge workers. The N2-P2 amplitude (F = 5.797, P = 0.020) in the distal leg of unskilled labors significantly decreased than those of knowledge workers. Conclusions: Our study found that significantly prolonged N2 latency and P2 latency and significantly decreased N2-P2 amplitude in the distal leg and the volar forearm in unskilled labors as to knowledge workers.
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Small-fiber neuropathy definition, diagnosis, and treatment. Neurol Sci 2019; 40:1343-1350. [PMID: 30968230 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-019-03871-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the last 30 years, improvement of diagnostic methods enabled routine evaluation of small A-delta and C nerve fibers impairment, which results with the clinical condition known as a small-fiber neuropathy (SFN). This syndrome develops as a result of metabolic, toxic, immune-mediated, or genetic factors. The main clinical features include neuropathic pain and autonomic disturbance, which are occasionally disclaimed due to outstanding fatigue, daily performance decline, anxiety, and depression. As clinical, neurological, nerve conduction, and electromyography studies are commonly normal, diagnosis often depends on the finding of decreased intra-epidermal density of nerve fibers, per skin biopsy. This review highlights the etiology, clinical, diagnostic aspects, and SFN treatment.
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