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Burgess J, Marshall A, Rapteas L, Riley D, Matsumoto K, Boon C, Alchawaf A, Ferdousi M, Malik RA, Marshall A, Kaye S, Gosal D, Frank B, Alam U. Idiopathic Distal Sensory Polyneuropathy and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Comparative Phenotyping Study. Pain Ther 2024:10.1007/s40122-024-00646-x. [PMID: 39264538 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-024-00646-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Painful idiopathic distal sensory polyneuropathy (IDSP) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) are cryptogenic chronic pain syndromes. The contribution of small fibre pathology (SFP) in FMS remains controversial. This study aims to quantify small nerve pathology in participants with IDSP and FMS and identify relationships of SFP with sensory phenotypes. METHODS In this study, 73 individuals (FMS: 25, IDSP: 23, healthy volunteers: 25) underwent comprehensive assessment, including neurological exams, questionnaires, sensory tests, and corneal confocal microscopy. RESULTS IDSP participants displayed lower wind-up ratio (WUR) relative to FMS (p < 0.001), loss of function to thermal and mechanical stimuli and elevated neuropathy disability scores compared to FMS and healthy volunteers (all p < 0.001). FMS participants demonstrated gain of function to heat and blunt pressure pain responses relative to IDSP, and healthy volunteers (heat: p = 0.002 and p = 0.003; pressure: both p < 0.001) and WUR (both p < 0.001). FMS participants exhibited reduced corneal nerve fibre density (p = 0.02), while IDSP participants had lower global corneal nerve measures (density, branch density, and length) relative to healthy volunteers (all p < 0.001). Utilising corneal nerve fibre length, SFP was demonstrated in 66.6% of participants (FMS: 13/25; IDSP: 22/23). CONCLUSION Participants with SFP, in both FMS and IDSP, reported symptoms indicative of small nerve fibre disease. Although distinctions in pain distributions are evident between individuals with FMS and IDSP, over 50% of participants between the two conditions displayed both a loss and gain of thermal and mechanical function suggestive of shared mechanisms. However, sensory phenotypes were associated with the presence of SFP in IDSP but not in FMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Burgess
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Clinical Sciences Centre, Aintree University Hospital, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool, L9 7AL, UK.
| | - Anne Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Leandros Rapteas
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Riley
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Aintree Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kohei Matsumoto
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Aintree Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Cheng Boon
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
| | | | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Division of Medicine, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, The Walton Centre, Liverpool, UK
- Pain Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Life Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephen Kaye
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Gosal
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Bernhard Frank
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Walton Centre, Liverpool, UK
- Pain Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Life Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Uazman Alam
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Pain Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Life Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
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Konecki C, Francou B, Chappell K, Augey L, Beaudonnet G, Cauquil C, Dimitri-Boulos D, Not A, Adam C, Poinsignon V, Verstuyft C, Adams D, Echaniz-Laguna A, Labeyrie C. Nonamyloidogenic TTR gene variants c.76G>A and c.337-18G>C are not associated with idiopathic small-fiber neuropathy. Eur J Neurol 2024:e16461. [PMID: 39230471 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) affects only unmyelinated and thin myelinated fibers. It may be caused by amyloidogenic mutations of the transthyretin (TTR) gene, but not all TTR gene variants are pathogenic. The nonamyloidogenic c.76G>A (rs1800458) and c.337-18G>C (rs36204272) variants of TTR were recently reported to be associated with SFN. We investigated this putative association by analyzing TTR gene sequencing data retrospectively for two cohorts of patients, one with SFN and a control group. METHODS In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed the frequency of the c.76G>A and c.337-18G>C TTR gene variants in a cohort of patients meeting a strict definition of SFN, with or without dysautonomia, a control cohort of patients investigated for nonneurological conditions, and the gnomAD international database. RESULTS We included 55 SFN patients in this study, 17 of whom had dysautonomia. The allelic frequencies of the two variants in our cohort of 55 SFN patients were 7.27% for c.76G>A TTR and 5.25% for c.337-18G>C. The frequencies of both variants were statistically similar in the 337 control patients and the gnomAD database. CONCLUSIONS The c.76G>A and c.337-18G>C TTR gene variants are not associated with SFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Konecki
- Génétique Moléculaire Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Bruno Francou
- Génétique Moléculaire Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Kenneth Chappell
- Génétique Moléculaire Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Lucie Augey
- Génétique Moléculaire Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Guillemette Beaudonnet
- Referral Center for Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy and Other Rare Peripheral Neuropathies and Department of Neurology, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Cécile Cauquil
- Referral Center for Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy and Other Rare Peripheral Neuropathies and Department of Neurology, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Service de Neurologie, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Dalia Dimitri-Boulos
- Service de Neurologie, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Adeline Not
- Service de Neurologie, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Clovis Adam
- Referral Center for Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy and Other Rare Peripheral Neuropathies and Department of Neurology, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Vianney Poinsignon
- Génétique Moléculaire Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Céline Verstuyft
- Génétique Moléculaire Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - David Adams
- Referral Center for Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy and Other Rare Peripheral Neuropathies and Department of Neurology, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Service de Neurologie, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Andoni Echaniz-Laguna
- Referral Center for Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy and Other Rare Peripheral Neuropathies and Department of Neurology, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Service de Neurologie, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Céline Labeyrie
- Referral Center for Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy and Other Rare Peripheral Neuropathies and Department of Neurology, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Service de Neurologie, Bicêtre University Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Doneddu PE, Borroni R, Ceribelli A, Carta F, Sechi M, Moretti GS, Giordano A, Scheveger F, Moret F, Fernandes M, Gentile F, Valenti M, Luciano N, Bianchi E, Costanzo A, De Nittis PE, Selmi C, Nobile-Orazio E. Risk of peripheral neuropathy in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. A prospective cohort study. Muscle Nerve 2024; 70:371-378. [PMID: 38940240 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28196] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Laboratory and clinical data suggest a link between neurologically mediated inflammation and psoriasis, but the risk and features of peripheral neuropathy in psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis remain unknown. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate the risk and to describe the features of peripheral neuropathy in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. METHODS One hundred patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and 100 control subjects were consecutively enrolled. Diagnostic confirmation included electrophysiological examination, skin biopsy, and nerve ultrasound for confirmed polyneuropathy. RESULTS Nine patients were diagnosed with confirmed polyneuropathy, while none of the control subjects had the condition (relative risk [RR] = 19.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-322.11). Specific relative risks for polyneuropathy were 22.09 (95% CI = 1.17-416.43) in psoriasis patients and 18.75 (95% CI = 1.07-327.62) in psoriatic arthritis patients. The observed polyneuropathy in all nine patients was length-dependent, symmetrical, and predominantly sensory, with minimal or no disability. Comorbidities and exposure to therapies known to increase the risk of polyneuropathy were more frequent in psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis patients compared to controls (42% vs. 4%, p = .0001). Analyzing data after excluding possible contributory causes, the risk of polyneuropathy in patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis was not significant. DISCUSSION Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis appear to be associated with an increased risk of polyneuropathy. This increased risk seems to be linked to the higher prevalence of contributing factors for polyneuropathy, rather than a direct increase in neuropathy risk specifically related to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro E Doneddu
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Borroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Dermatology Unit, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Ceribelli
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Carta
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Sechi
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia S Moretti
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Giordano
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Scheveger
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Moret
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Fernandes
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Gentile
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Valenti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Dermatology Unit, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Luciano
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Bianchi
- Laboratorio di Malattie Neurologiche, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Costanzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Dermatology Unit, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Selmi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Eduardo Nobile-Orazio
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Milan University, Milan, Italy
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Burgess J, Marshall A, Rapteas L, Kevin JH, Marshall A, Malik RA, Frank B, Alam U. Automated immunohistochemistry of intra-epidermal nerve fibres in skin biopsies: A proof-of-concept study. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2024; 29:329-338. [PMID: 39164223 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To develop a standardised, automated protocol for detecting protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) positive intra-epidermal nerve fibres (IENFs) in skin biopsies, transitioning from the established manual technique to an automated platform. This automated method, although currently intended for research applications, may improve the accessibility of this diagnostic test for small fibre neuropathy in clinical settings. METHODS Skin biopsies (n = 274) from 100 participants (fibromyalgia syndrome n = 62; idiopathic small fibre neuropathy: n = 16; healthy volunteers: n = 22) were processed using an automated immunohistochemistry platform. IENF quantification was performed by blinded examiners, with reliability assessed via a two-way mixed-effects model to evaluate inter- and intra-observer variability. RESULTS The automated staining system reproduced intra-epidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) counts consistent with free-floating sections (mean ± standard deviation: free-floating: 5.6 ± 3.4 fibres/mm; automated: 5.9 ± 3.2 fibres/mm). A median difference of 0.3 with a lower bound 95% Confidence Interval (CI) at -0.00005 established non-inferiority against a margin of -0.4 (p = .08). Specifically, the inter-class correlation coefficient (class denotes consistency in measured observations) was 99% (95% CI: 0.9-1), indicating excellent agreement between free-floating and automated methods. The inter- and intra-class coefficient between examiners were both 99% (95% CI: 0.9-0.1) for IENFD, demonstrating high reliability using sections stained using the automated method. INTERPRETATION Automated immunohistochemistry provides high-throughput reliable and reproducible intra-epidermal nerve fibre quantification. This method, although currently proof-of-concept, for research use only, may be more widely deployed in histopathology laboratories to increase the adoption of IENFD assessment for the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Burgess
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Anne Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Leandros Rapteas
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - J Hamill Kevin
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Uazman Alam
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
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5
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Galosi E, Pirone C, Ceccarelli F, Esposito N, Falco P, Leopizzi M, Di Maio V, Tramontana L, De Stefano G, Di Pietro G, Di Stefano G, Garufi C, Leone C, Natalucci F, Orefice V, Alessandri C, Spinelli FR, Truini A, Conti F. Clinical, histologic, and immunologic signatures of Small Fiber Neuropathy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2024; 29:315-328. [PMID: 38981675 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12644] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) often causes damage to small nerve fibers, leading to distressing painful and autonomic symptoms. Despite this, Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN) remains an underrecognized complication for SLE patients. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess SFN in patients with SLE and to explore its correlations with immunologic disease features and clinical manifestations. METHODS We recruited 50 SLE patients (1 male to 12.5 females, aged 20-80 years) reporting painful disturbances. We conducted a comprehensive clinical and neurophysiological evaluation, using Nerve Conduction Studies and Quantitative Sensory Testing. Additionally, we carried out an extensive laboratory assessment of disease-related serological parameters. We also performed a thorough skin biopsy analysis, investigating somatic and autonomic innervation while detecting complement and inflammatory cell infiltrates within the skin. RESULTS Out of 50 patients, 19 were diagnosed with SFN, primarily characterized by a non-length-dependent distribution; 7 had a mixed neuropathy, with both large and small fiber involvement. Patients with SFN were younger than patients with a mixed neuropathy (p = .0143); furthermore, they were more likely to have a history of hypocomplementemia (p = .0058) and to be treated with cyclosporine A (p = .0053) compared to patients without neuropathy. However, there were no significant differences in painful and autonomic symptoms between patients with and without SFN. DISCUSSION This study highlights the relevant frequency of SFN with a non-length-dependent distribution among SLE patients experiencing painful symptoms. Indeed, SFN emerges as an early manifestation of SLE-related neuropathy and is closely associated with hypocomplementemia, suggesting a potential pathogenic role of the complement system. Moreover, SFN may be influenced by disease-modifying therapies. However, the precise role of SFN in shaping painful and autonomic symptoms in patients with SLE remains to be fully elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmelo Pirone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvia Ceccarelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Esposito
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Falco
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Leopizzi
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Valeria Di Maio
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tramontana
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Di Pietro
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Stefano
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Garufi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Leone
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Natalucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Orefice
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiano Alessandri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Spinelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Conti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Lupus Clinic, Rheumatology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
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Falco P, Litewczuk D, Di Stefano G, Galosi E, Leone C, De Stefano G, Di Pietro G, Tramontana L, Ciardi MR, Pasculli P, Zingaropoli MA, Arendt-Nielsen L, Truini A. Small fibre neuropathy frequently underlies the painful long-COVID syndrome. Pain 2024; 165:2002-2010. [PMID: 38723183 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Approximately 10% to 20% of individuals with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection may develop long-COVID syndrome, characterized by various physical and mental health issues, including pain. Previous studies suggested an association between small fibre neuropathy and pain in long-COVID cases. In this case-control study, our aim was to identify small fibre neuropathy in patients experiencing painful long-COVID syndrome. Clinical data, quantitative sensory testing, and skin biopsies were collected from 26 selected patients with painful long-COVID syndrome. We also examined 100 individuals with past COVID-19 infection, selecting 33 patients with painless long-COVID syndrome, characterized mainly by symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue, and 30 asymptomatic post-COVID-19 controls. Demographic and clinical variables were compared among these groups. Among the 26 patients with painful long-COVID syndrome, 12 had skin biopsy and/or quantitative sensory testing abnormalities compatible with small fibre neuropathy. Demographic and clinical data did not differ across patients with small fibre neuropathy, patients with painless long-COVID syndrome, and asymptomatic post-COVID-19 controls. This case-control study showed that approximately 50% of patients experiencing painful long-COVID syndrome had small fibre neuropathy. However, in our patient cohort, this specific post-COVID-19 complication was unrelated to demographic and COVID-19 clinical variables. Approximately half of our sample of patients with painful long-COVID symptoms met diagnostic criteria for small fibre neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Falco
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel Litewczuk
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Leone
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maria Rosa Ciardi
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pasculli
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Centre for Neuroplasticity and Pain, SMI, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mech-Sense, Clinical Institute, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center North Denmark, Clinical Institute, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Andrea Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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7
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Malek N, Hutchinson J, Naz A, Cordivari C. Evaluation of small fibre neuropathies. Pract Neurol 2024:pn-2023-004054. [PMID: 39179381 DOI: 10.1136/pn-2023-004054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Small fibre neuropathies (SFNs) are common and can significantly affect patients' lives due to debilitating pain and autonomic symptoms. We explain the tests that neurologists can use to diagnose SFNs and how neurophysiologists perform and interpret them. This review focuses on neurophysiological tests that can be used to investigate SFNs, their sensitivity, specificity and limitations. Some of these tests are available only in specialist centres. However, newer technologies are emerging from scientific research that may make it easier to diagnose these conditions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveed Malek
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Joseph Hutchinson
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Asma Naz
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Carla Cordivari
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
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8
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Schmitt V, Baeumler P, Schänzer A, Irnich D, Schoser B, Montagnese F. Characterization of the neuropathic pain component contributing to myalgia in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 and 2. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1414140. [PMID: 39193143 PMCID: PMC11347447 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1414140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic muscle pain is common in myotonic dystrophies (DM). Little is known about its pathophysiology. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of the neuropathic pain component contributing contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic pain in DM. Methods Twenty-one DM1 and 32 DM2 patients completed pain questionnaires (Brief pain inventory-BPI, PAIN-DETECT, pain disability index-PDI) and underwent neurological examination, nerve conduction studies (NCS), quantitative sensory testing (QST, dorsum of the right hand and right thigh) and skin biopsy to determine the intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD, distal and proximal site of lower extremity). NCS and QST results at the thigh were compared to 27 healthy controls and IENFD and QST at the dorsum of the hand to published reference values. Results The sensory profile of DM2 patients was characterized by a loss in thermal and mechanical detection, while DM1 patients showed reduced mechanical and heat pain thresholds and higher mechanical pain sensitivity. Both DM groups showed pressure hyperalgesia. IENFD was reduced in 63% of DM1 patients and 50% of DM2. The slightly higher pain interference and disability found in DM2 was rather due to age difference than disease. Conclusion Similar pain mechanisms likely occur in both DM1 and DM2, even though a tendency toward more pain sensitivity was observed in DM1 and more sensory loss in DM2. Both QST and reduced IENFD highlight the presence of peripheral nerve damage in DM. This must be considered for the best pain management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Schmitt
- Friedrich-Baur-Institut, Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Petra Baeumler
- Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Schänzer
- Institute of Neuropathology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dominik Irnich
- Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schoser
- Friedrich-Baur-Institut, Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Federica Montagnese
- Friedrich-Baur-Institut, Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), Munich, Germany
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9
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Bandinelli F, Nassini R, Gherardi E, Chiocchetti B, Manetti M, Cincotta M, Nozzoli F, Nucci E, De Logu F, Pimpinelli N. Small Fiber Neuropathy Associated with Post-COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Vaccination Arthritis: A Rare Post-Infective Syndrome or a New-Onset Disease? J Pers Med 2024; 14:789. [PMID: 39201981 PMCID: PMC11355276 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14080789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-COVID-19 (PC) and post-COVID-19 vaccination (PCV) syndromes are considered emergent multidisciplinary disorders. PC/PCV small fiber neuropathy (SFN) was rarely described and its association with undifferentiated arthritis (UA) was never defined. We aimed to evaluate PC/PCV-UA associated with the recent onset of severe lower limb paresthesia, compare SFN positive (+) to negative (-) patients, and evaluate changes in biomarkers in SFN+ during treatments. Nineteen PC/PCV-UA-patients with possible SFN underwent skin biopsy at the Usl Tuscany Center (Florence) early arthritis outpatient clinic from September 2021 to March 2024. Eight selected SFN+ were compared to ten SFN- patients. In SFN+ patients, baseline joint ultrasound (US), electromyography (EMG), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and skin biopsy were repeated at six months. Moreover, SFN+ patients were clinically assessed by a 0-10 numeric rating scale for neurological symptoms and DAS28/ESR up to 12 months follow-up. SFN+ patients showed a lower intraepidermal nerve fiber density at histopathological examination of skin biopsies and a higher frequency of OCT and EMG abnormalities in comparison to SFN- patients. In SFN+ patients, US and DAS28/ESR significantly improved, while intraepidermal nerve fiber density did not significantly change at the six-month follow-up. Fatigue, motor impairment, burning pain, brain fog, and sensitivity disorders decreased at long-term follow-up (12 months).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bandinelli
- Rheumatology Department, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy
| | - Romina Nassini
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (R.N.)
- Headache Center and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gherardi
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50125 Florence, Italy (N.P.)
| | - Barbara Chiocchetti
- Neurology Department, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy (M.C.)
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Massimo Cincotta
- Neurology Department, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy (M.C.)
| | - Filippo Nozzoli
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Nucci
- Histopathology and Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco De Logu
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (R.N.)
| | - Nicola Pimpinelli
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50125 Florence, Italy (N.P.)
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10
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Conceição I. Early diagnosis in ATTRv amyloidosis, how early is enough? How early is possible? Med Clin (Barc) 2024; 162:e70-e73. [PMID: 38614903 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2024.02.013] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis) is a rare, progressive, and debilitating genetic disorder characterized by the deposition of abnormal transthyretin (TTR) protein aggregates in various tissues, leading to organ dysfunction. Early diagnosis of ATTRv amyloidosis is critical for starting timely interventions and improving patient outcomes. This review explores the concepts of "how early is enough" and "how early is possible" in the context of diagnosing ATTRv amyloidosis, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for early recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Conceição
- Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santa Maria, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
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11
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Cao B, Xu Q, Shi Y, Zhao R, Li H, Zheng J, Liu F, Wan Y, Wei B. Pathology of pain and its implications for therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:155. [PMID: 38851750 PMCID: PMC11162504 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01845-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is estimated to affect more than 20% of the global population, imposing incalculable health and economic burdens. Effective pain management is crucial for individuals suffering from pain. However, the current methods for pain assessment and treatment fall short of clinical needs. Benefiting from advances in neuroscience and biotechnology, the neuronal circuits and molecular mechanisms critically involved in pain modulation have been elucidated. These research achievements have incited progress in identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this review, we first introduce fundamental knowledge about pain, setting the stage for the subsequent contents. The review next delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying pain disorders, including gene mutation, epigenetic modification, posttranslational modification, inflammasome, signaling pathways and microbiota. To better present a comprehensive view of pain research, two prominent issues, sexual dimorphism and pain comorbidities, are discussed in detail based on current findings. The status quo of pain evaluation and manipulation is summarized. A series of improved and innovative pain management strategies, such as gene therapy, monoclonal antibody, brain-computer interface and microbial intervention, are making strides towards clinical application. We highlight existing limitations and future directions for enhancing the quality of preclinical and clinical research. Efforts to decipher the complexities of pain pathology will be instrumental in translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice, thereby improving pain management from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cao
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Qixuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yajiao Shi
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ruiyang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hanghang Li
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fengyu Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - You Wan
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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12
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Papantoniou M, Rentzos M, Zampelis T, Tzavellas E, Paparrigopoulos T, Kokotis P. Alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy: Clinico-neurophysiological characteristics and diagnostic utility of the neuropathy symptoms score and the neuropathy impairment score. Alcohol 2024; 117:65-71. [PMID: 38580031 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.04.001] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol overconsumption is well known to cause damage to the peripheral nervous system, affecting both small and large nerve fibers. The aim of this descriptive study was to investigate peripheral nerve damage, and to correlate clinical, epidemiological and neurophysiological findings, in patients diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Ninety alcohol-dependent subjects on inpatient basis were enrolled in this prospective study over a 3-year period. Every subject was assessed by the Neuropathy Symptoms Score (NSS) questionnaire and the Neuropathy Impairment Score (NIS) clinical examination grading scale, followed by Nerve Conduction Studies, Quantitative Sensory Testing and Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR) testing. Peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed in 54 subjects (60%), by abnormal neurophysiological tests and presence of clinical signs or symptoms. Among them, pure large fiber neuropathy (LFN) was found in 18 subjects, pure small fiber neuropathy (SFN) in 12 subjects, and both large and small fiber neuropathy was diagnosed in 24 subjects. Using linear regression, we found that higher NSS and NIS scores correlated with lower amplitudes of the sural sensory nerve action potential and of the SSR. We also found a significant longer duration of alcohol abuse in subjects with neuropathy, using Student's t-test (p = 0.024). Additionally, applying NIS abnormal cut-off score ≥4, using ROC analysis, we predicted the majority of subjects with LFN, confirming 95.23% sensitivity and 93.75% specificity. Our study confirmed that peripheral neuropathy involving large and small nerve fibers, with a symmetrical length-dependent pattern, is common between patients with AUD and related to the duration of the disorder. We suggest that NSS and NIS scales could be used for the assessment of neuropathy in clinical practice, when the essential neurophysiological testing is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Papantoniou
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Michail Rentzos
- First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Zampelis
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Tzavellas
- First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Paparrigopoulos
- First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Kokotis
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Gad H, Elgassim E, Lebbe A, MacDonald RS, Baraka A, Petropoulos IN, Ponirakis G, Ibrahim NO, Malik RA. Corneal confocal microscopy detects early nerve regeneration after pharmacological and surgical interventions: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2024; 29:173-184. [PMID: 38887985 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12641] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is an ophthalmic imaging technique that enables the identification of corneal nerve fibre degeneration and regeneration. To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies utilizing CCM to assess for corneal nerve regeneration after pharmacological and surgical interventions in patients with peripheral neuropathy. Databases (EMBASE [Ovid], PubMed, CENTRAL and Web of Science) were searched to summarize the evidence from randomized and non-randomized studies using CCM to detect corneal nerve regeneration after pharmacological and surgical interventions. Data synthesis was undertaken using RevMan web. Eighteen studies including 958 patients were included. CCM identified an early (1-8 months) and longer term (1-5 years) increase in corneal nerve measures in patients with peripheral neuropathy after pharmacological and surgical interventions. This meta-analysis confirms the utility of CCM to identify nerve regeneration following pharmacological and surgical interventions. It could be utilized to show a benefit in clinical trials of disease modifying therapies for peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Gad
- Research Department, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Einas Elgassim
- Research Department, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahamed Lebbe
- Research Department, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Areej Baraka
- Research Department, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Nada O Ibrahim
- Research Department, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Research Department, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Institute of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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14
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Ludi Z, Liau MYQ, Yong BSJ, Auyong ASY, Lynette QHT, Yeo SJ, Tan KSE, Mogali SR, Chandrasekaran R, Perumal V, Vallabhajosyula R. Morphometry of the sural nerve in diabetic neuropathy: a systematic review. J Ultrasound 2024; 27:225-239. [PMID: 38457087 PMCID: PMC11178711 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-024-00875-y] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the usefulness of sural nerve ultrasonography in diagnosing diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), the latter of which is a common long-term complication for diabetic patients that frequently involves the sural nerve. METHODOLOGY A meta-analysis of the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of sural nerves in healthy individuals and patients with diabetes mellitus based on a total of 32 ultrasonographic-based studies from 2015 to 2023 was performed. Sub-analyses were performed for factors such as geographical location and measurement site. RESULTS The meta-analysis showed that the mean CSA of the sural nerve was significantly larger in DM patients with DPN only compared to healthy individuals across all regions and when pooled together. An age-dependent increase in the CSA of healthy sural nerves is apparent when comparing the paediatric population with adults. CONCLUSION Sural nerve ultrasonography can distinguish diabetic adults with DPN from healthy adults based on cross-sectional area measurement. Future studies are needed to clarify the relationships between other parameters, such as body metrics and age, with sural nerve CSAs. Cut-offs for DPN likely need to be specific for different geographical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Ludi
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Matthias Yi Quan Liau
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Bryan Song Jun Yong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Amanda Sze Yen Auyong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Quah Hui Ting Lynette
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Samuel Jianjie Yeo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Khin Swee Elizabeth Tan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Sreenivasulu Reddy Mogali
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Ramya Chandrasekaran
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Vivek Perumal
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Ranganath Vallabhajosyula
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, 308232, Singapore.
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15
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Meyer Zu Altenschildesche C, Egenolf N, Lischka A, Üçeyler N. [Sequence variants of unknown significance in small fiber neuropathy : Characterization of a heterogeneous patient population]. Schmerz 2024:10.1007/s00482-024-00811-3. [PMID: 38713210 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-024-00811-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In almost half of patients suffering from small fiber neuropathies (SFN), the etiology remains elusive. For these patients with "idiopathic SFN", symptomatic analgesic therapy is the only option. Reports on a potential genetic background of neuropathic pain syndromes are increasing and particularly in SFN patients, several genetic variants were found mainly located in genes encoding voltage-gated sodium channels. Although up to 30% of SFN patients show genetic alterations, most of these remain of "unknown pathogenic significance" and little is known about "genetic SFN". OBJECTIVES The study aimed to determine clinical characteristics of SFN patients carrying a rare genetic variant of unknown significance in pain-associated genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS From 2015 to 2020, 66 patients with primarily idiopathic SFN were examined and rare gene variants of unknown significance detected in 13/66 (20%) of these. A detailed medical history with focus on pain was recorded and patients filled in standardized questionnaires to assess physical and emotional burden due to pain. RESULTS The authors found 13/66 (20%) patients with rare variants of unknown significance located in pain-associated genes who reported pain refractory to analgesic treatment, a higher number of external factors influencing clinical symptoms, and a higher level of physical impairment and emotional stress due to pain compared with patients without such genetic variants. CONCLUSIONS Early genetic assessment is recommended to optimize the management of patients with potentially hereditary SFN. Early access to rehabilitation and mental support as well as a consequent elimination of external triggering factors should be granted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadine Egenolf
- Neurologische Klinik des Universitätsklinikums Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Annette Lischka
- Institut für Humangenetik und Genommedizin, Universitätsklinikum RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Neurologische Klinik des Universitätsklinikums Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland.
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16
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Geerts M, Hoeijmakers JGJ, Essers BAB, Merkies ISJ, Faber CG, Goossens MEJB. Patient satisfaction and patient accessibility in a small fiber neuropathy diagnostic service in the Netherlands: A single-center, prospective, survey-based cohort study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298881. [PMID: 38626240 PMCID: PMC11020963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a common cause of neuropathic pain in peripheral neuropathies. Good accessibility of diagnostics and treatment is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of SFN. Evidence is lacking on the quality performance of the diagnostic SFN service in the Netherlands. Our aim was to determine the patient satisfaction and -accessibility of the diagnostic SFN service, and to identify areas for improvement. METHODS In a single-center, prospective, survey-based cohort study, 100 visiting patients were asked to fill in the SFN patient satisfaction questionnaire (SFN-PSQ), with 10 domains and 51 items. Cut-off point for improvement was defined as ≥ 25% dissatisfaction on an item. A chi-square test and linear regression analyses was used for significant differences and associations of patient satisfaction. RESULTS From November 2020 to May 2021, 98 patients with SFN-related complaints filled in the online SFN-PSQ within 20 minutes. In 84% of the patients SFN was confirmed, average age was 55.1 (52.5-57.8) years and 67% was female. High satisfaction was seen in the domains 'Waiting List Period', Chest X-ray', 'Consultation with the Doctor or Nurse Practitioner (NP)', 'Separate Consultation with the Doctor or NP about Psychological Symptoms', and 'General' of the SFN service. Overall average patient satisfaction score was 8.7 (IQR 8-10) on a 1-to-10 rating scale. Main area for improvement was shortening the 8-week period for receiving the results of the diagnostic testing (p < 0.05). General health status was statistically significant associated with patient satisfaction (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION A good reflection of the high patient satisfaction and -accessibility of the SFN-service is shown, with important points for improvement. These results could help hospitals widely to optimize the logistic and diagnostic pathway of SFN analysis, benchmarking patient satisfaction results among the hospitals, and to improve the quality of care of comparable SFN services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Geerts
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Brigitte A. B. Essers
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingemar S. J. Merkies
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Curacao Medical Center, Willemstad, Curacao
| | - Catharina G. Faber
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mariëlle E. J. B. Goossens
- Department of Rehabilitation Research & Department of Clinical Psychological Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Geerts M, Hoeijmakers JGJ, Essers BAB, Merkies ISJ, Faber CG, Goossens MEJB. Development, validation and feasibility of a Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire for evaluating the quality performance of a diagnostic small fibre neuropathy service: A qualitative study. Health Expect 2024; 27:e14011. [PMID: 38504460 PMCID: PMC10951422 DOI: 10.1111/hex.14011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM Small fibre neuropathy (SFN) is a peripheral neuropathy, leading to neuropathic pain and autonomic dysfunction. An evidence-based standardized patient diagnostic SFN service has been implemented in the Netherlands for improving patient-centred SFN care. However, the quality of care of this diagnostic SFN service has never been assessed from a patient perspective. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an SFN-Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (SFN-PSQ) to measure the quality performance of a standardized diagnostic SFN service. METHODS A descriptive qualitative study to create the SFN-PSQ was performed using the (COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist. For item generation and content development, domains and/or items from validated PSQs were selected. The content development and content validity were performed using a Delphi method with SFN expert caregivers with different backgrounds. By using the three-step-test method in individual cognitive interviews, the content validity by patients was finalized. RESULTS In one online Delphi panel round, the content of the first concept of the SFN-PSQ was validated, which resulted in the second concept of the SFN-PSQ. From July 2019 till March 2020, nine patients consented to participate in the individual cognitive interviews. The most significant changes of the new questionnaire were adding domains and items concerning the waiting list, the diagnostic services and consultation by the hospital psychiatrist. Also, a differentiation was made for both an inpatient and outpatient diagnostic SFN service. Furthermore, the clarity and intelligibility of the domains/items were improved, resulting in an increased comprehension of the SFN-PSQ. Ultimately, the new developed SFN-PSQ consisted of 10 domains and 51 items, suitable for measuring patient satisfaction of the neurological analysis in patients with SFN. CONCLUSION Through item generation, expert opinions and interviews with patients, the SFN-PSQ was developed and validated, and feasibility was confirmed. The structure of the questionnaire, based on the logistic and diagnostic SFN pathway, could be used as a model in other hospitals to improve the quality, continuity and access of SFN care and other chronic diseases taking into account potential cross-cultural differences. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Caregivers were involved in the item generation and content development of the questionnaire. Patients were directly involved in testing the content validity and feasibility of the SFN-PSQ. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Geerts
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and NeuroscienceMaastricht University Medical Center+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and NeuroscienceMaastricht University Medical Center+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Brigitte A. B. Essers
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology AssessmentMaastricht University Medical Center+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Ingemar S. J. Merkies
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and NeuroscienceMaastricht University Medical Center+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
- Department of NeurologyCuracao Medical CenterJ. H. J. HamelbergwegWillemstadCuraçao
| | - Catharina G. Faber
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and NeuroscienceMaastricht University Medical Center+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Mariëlle E. J. B. Goossens
- Department of Rehabilitation Research, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Research School CAPHRIMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychological Sciences, Department of Clinical Psychological Sciences, Experimental PsychologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
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18
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Baka P, Steenken L, Escolano‐Lozano F, Steffen F, Papagianni A, Sommer C, Pogatzki‐Zahn E, Hirsch S, Protopapa M, Bittner S, Birklein F. Studying serum neurofilament light chain levels as a potential new biomarker for small fiber neuropathy. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16192. [PMID: 38189534 PMCID: PMC11235889 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Diagnosing small fiber neuropathies can be challenging. To address this issue, whether serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) could serve as a potential biomarker of damage to epidermal Aδ- and C-fibers was tested. METHODS Serum NfL levels were assessed in 30 patients diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy and were compared to a control group of 19 healthy individuals. Electrophysiological studies, quantitative sensory testing and quantification of intraepidermal nerve fiber density after skin biopsy were performed in both the proximal and distal leg. RESULTS Serum NfL levels were not increased in patients with small fiber neuropathy compared to healthy controls (9.1 ± 3.9 and 9.4 ± 3.8, p = 0.83) and did not correlate with intraepidermal nerve fiber density at the lateral calf or lateral thigh or with other parameters of small fiber impairment. CONCLUSION Serum NfL levels cannot serve as a biomarker for small fiber damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panoraia Baka
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Livia Steenken
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Fabiola Escolano‐Lozano
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Falk Steffen
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
| | | | - Claudia Sommer
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Esther Pogatzki‐Zahn
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain MedicineUniversity Hospital MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Silke Hirsch
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Maria Protopapa
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Stefan Bittner
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Frank Birklein
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzMainzGermany
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Telesca A, Soldini E, Devigili G, Cazzato D, Dalla Bella E, Grazzi L, Usai S, Lauria G, Consonni M. Cognitive, behavioral, and psychological phenotypes in small fiber neuropathy: A case-control study. Cortex 2024; 173:208-221. [PMID: 38422856 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2024.01.012] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a well-defined chronic painful condition causing severe individual and societal burden. While mood disorders have been described, cognitive and behavioral profiles of SFN patients has not been investigated. METHODS Thirty-four painful SFN patients underwent comprehensive cognitive, behavioral, psychological, quality of life (QoL), and personality assessment using validated questionnaires. As control samples, we enrolled 36 patients with painful peripheral neuropathy (PPN) of mixed etiology and 30 healthy controls (HC). Clinical measures of neuropathic pain, duration, frequency, and intensity of pain at the time of assessment were recorded. Between-group and correlation analyses were performed and corrected for multiple comparisons. RESULTS No differences in clinical measures were found between SFN and PPN, and all groups had similar cognitive profiles. SFN patients showed higher levels of anxiety and alexithymia (p < .005) compared to PPN and HC, considering also pain intensity. Maladaptive coping strategies characterized both patient groups, but only SFN revealed higher levels of acceptance of pain (p < .05). Pain intensity and neuropathic symptoms were associated with mood, low QoL and catastrophism (p < .001), particularly, the higher the perceived pain intensity, the higher the use of maladaptive coping strategies (p < .001). The personality assessment revealed significant feelings of worthlessness and somatization traits both in SFN and PPN (p < .002 vs HC). DISCUSSIONS our results suggest that SFN patients had a normal-like cognitive profile, while their behavioral profile is characterized by mood disorders, alexithymia, maladaptive coping strategies, and poor QoL, as other chronic pain conditions, possibly related to pain intensity. Personality assessment suggests that somatization and feelings of worthlessness, which may worsen the neuropsychological profile, deserve clinical attention when considering patients' therapeutic approaches. At the same time, the high level of acceptance of pain is promising for therapeutic approaches based on psychological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Telesca
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy; Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - E Soldini
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - G Devigili
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Movement Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - D Cazzato
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Neurophysiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - E Dalla Bella
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - L Grazzi
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - S Usai
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - G Lauria
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - M Consonni
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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20
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Kushibiki H, Mizukami H, Osonoi S, Takeuchi Y, Sasaki T, Ogasawara S, Wada K, Midorikawa S, Ryuzaki M, Wang Z, Yamada T, Yamazaki K, Tarusawa T, Tanba T, Mikami T, Matsubara A, Ishibashi Y, Hakamada K, Nakaji S. Tryptophan metabolism and small fibre neuropathy: a correlation study. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae103. [PMID: 38618209 PMCID: PMC11010654 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Small nerve fibres located in the epidermis sense pain. Dysfunction of these fibres decreases the pain threshold known as small fibre neuropathy. Diabetes mellitus is accompanied by metabolic changes other than glucose, synergistically eliciting small fibre neuropathy. These findings suggest that various metabolic changes may be involved in small fibre neuropathy. Herein, we explored the correlation between pain sensation and changes in plasma metabolites in healthy Japanese subjects. The pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation was used to quantify pain sensation in a total of 1021 individuals in the 2017 Iwaki Health Promotion Project. Participants with a pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index <0.20 mA were categorized into the pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index-low group (n = 751); otherwise, they were categorized into the pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index-high group (n = 270). Metabolome analysis of plasma was conducted using capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The metabolite set enrichment analysis revealed that the metabolism of tryptophan was significantly correlated with the pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index in all participants (P < 0.05). The normalized level of tryptophan was significantly decreased in participants with a high pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index. In addition to univariate linear regression analyses, the correlation between tryptophan concentration and the pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index remained significant after adjustment for multiple factors (β = -0.07615, P < 0.05). These findings indicate that specific metabolic changes are involved in the deterioration of pain thresholds. Here, we show that abnormal tryptophan metabolism is significantly correlated with an elevated pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index in the Japanese population. This correlation provides insight into the pathology and clinical application of small fibre neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanae Kushibiki
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Hiroki Mizukami
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Sho Osonoi
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Yuki Takeuchi
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Takanori Sasaki
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Saori Ogasawara
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Kanichiro Wada
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Shin Midorikawa
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Masaki Ryuzaki
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Zhenchao Wang
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Keisuke Yamazaki
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Takefusa Tarusawa
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Taiyo Tanba
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Research Center, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Mikami
- Innovation Center for Health Promotion, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Atsushi Matsubara
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Ishibashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Kenichi Hakamada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Nakaji
- Department of Social Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
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21
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Baumgartner T, Théaudin M, Loser V. Diffuse and acute pain syndrome in a 60-year-old woman. Pract Neurol 2024; 24:169-172. [PMID: 38253380 DOI: 10.1136/pn-2023-004024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Baumgartner
- Nerve-Muscle Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marie Théaudin
- Nerve-Muscle Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valentin Loser
- Nerve-Muscle Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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22
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Solbakken G, Løseth S, Frich JC, Dietrichs E, Ørstavik K. Small and large fiber neuropathy in adults with myotonic dystrophy type 1. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1375218. [PMID: 38504800 PMCID: PMC10949405 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1375218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder that affects multiple organs. In this study, we investigated symptoms of pain and presence of small and large fiber neuropathy in the juvenile and adult form of DM1. Method Twenty genetically verified DM1 patients were included. Pain was assessed, and neurological examination and investigations of the peripheral nervous system by quantification of small nerve fibers in skin biopsy, quantitative sensory testing and nerve conduction studies were performed. Results from skin biopsies were compared to healthy controls. Result Seventeen patients reported chronic pain. Large and/or small fiber abnormalities were present in 50% of the patients. The intraepidermal nerve fiber density was significantly lower in the whole group of patients compared to healthy controls. Conclusion Small-fiber neuropathy might be an important cause of pain in DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro Solbakken
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Health Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Sissel Løseth
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jan C. Frich
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen Dietrichs
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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23
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Gendre T, Lefaucheur JP, Nordine T, Baba-Amer Y, Authier FJ, Devaux J, Créange A. Characterizing Acute-Onset Small Fiber Neuropathy. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2024; 11:e200195. [PMID: 38170952 PMCID: PMC10766082 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000200195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Immune-mediated small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is increasingly recognized. Acute-onset SFN (AOSFN) remains poorly described. Herein, we report a series of AOSFN cases in which immune origins are debatable. METHODS We included consecutive patients with probable or definite AOSFN. Diagnosis of SFN was based on the NEURODIAB criteria. Acute onset was considered when the maximum intensity and extension of both symptoms and signs were reached within 28 days. We performed the following investigations: clinical examination, neurophysiologic assessment encompassing a nerve conduction study to rule out large fiber neuropathy, laser-evoked potentials (LEPs), warm detection thresholds (WDTs), electrochemical skin conductance (ESC), epidermal nerve fiber density (ENF), and patient serum reactivity against mouse sciatic nerve teased fibers, mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sections, and cultured DRG. The serum reactivity of healthy subjects (n = 10) and diseased controls (n = 12) was also analyzed. Data on baseline characteristics, biological investigations, and disease course were collected. RESULTS Twenty patients presenting AOSFN were identified (60% women; median age: 44.2 years [interquartile range: 35.7-56.2]). SFN was definite in 18 patients (90%) and probable in 2 patients. A precipitating event was present in 16 patients (80%). The median duration of the progression phase was 14 days [5-28]. Pain was present in 17 patients (85%). Twelve patients (60%) reported autonomic involvement. The clinical pattern was predominantly non-length-dependent (85%). Diagnosis was confirmed by abnormal LEPs (60%), ENF (55%), WDT (39%), or ESC (31%). CSF analysis was normal in 5 of 5 patients. Antifibroblast growth factor 3 antibodies were positive in 4 of 18 patients (22%) and anticontactin-associated protein-2 antibodies in one patient. In vitro studies showed IgG immunoreactivity against nerve tissue in 14 patients (70%), but not in healthy subjects or diseased controls. Patient serum antibodies bound to unmyelinated fibers, Schwann cells, juxtaparanodes, paranodes, or DRG. Patients' condition improved after a short course of oral corticosteroids (3/3). Thirteen patients (65%) showed partial or complete recovery. Others displayed relapses or a chronic course. DISCUSSION AOSFN primarily presents as an acute, non-length-dependent, symmetric painful neuropathy with a variable disease course. An immune-mediated origin has been suggested based on in vitro immunohistochemical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Gendre
- From the Service de Neurologie (T.G., A.C.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile-de-France (T.G., J.-P.L., T.N., F.-J.A., A.C.); Unité de Neurophysiologie Clinique (J.-P.L., T.N.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Unité de Recherche EA 4391 (J.-P.L., T.N., A.C.), Faculté de Santé, UniversitéParis Est Créteil; IMRB INSERM U955-Equipe 10 (Y.B.-A., F.-J.A.), UniversitéParis Est Créteil; Service d'Anatomo-Pathologie (F.-J.A.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP, Créteil; and Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (J.D.), Universitéde Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, France
| | - Jean-Pascal Lefaucheur
- From the Service de Neurologie (T.G., A.C.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile-de-France (T.G., J.-P.L., T.N., F.-J.A., A.C.); Unité de Neurophysiologie Clinique (J.-P.L., T.N.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Unité de Recherche EA 4391 (J.-P.L., T.N., A.C.), Faculté de Santé, UniversitéParis Est Créteil; IMRB INSERM U955-Equipe 10 (Y.B.-A., F.-J.A.), UniversitéParis Est Créteil; Service d'Anatomo-Pathologie (F.-J.A.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP, Créteil; and Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (J.D.), Universitéde Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, France
| | - Tarik Nordine
- From the Service de Neurologie (T.G., A.C.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile-de-France (T.G., J.-P.L., T.N., F.-J.A., A.C.); Unité de Neurophysiologie Clinique (J.-P.L., T.N.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Unité de Recherche EA 4391 (J.-P.L., T.N., A.C.), Faculté de Santé, UniversitéParis Est Créteil; IMRB INSERM U955-Equipe 10 (Y.B.-A., F.-J.A.), UniversitéParis Est Créteil; Service d'Anatomo-Pathologie (F.-J.A.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP, Créteil; and Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (J.D.), Universitéde Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, France
| | - Yasmine Baba-Amer
- From the Service de Neurologie (T.G., A.C.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile-de-France (T.G., J.-P.L., T.N., F.-J.A., A.C.); Unité de Neurophysiologie Clinique (J.-P.L., T.N.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Unité de Recherche EA 4391 (J.-P.L., T.N., A.C.), Faculté de Santé, UniversitéParis Est Créteil; IMRB INSERM U955-Equipe 10 (Y.B.-A., F.-J.A.), UniversitéParis Est Créteil; Service d'Anatomo-Pathologie (F.-J.A.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP, Créteil; and Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (J.D.), Universitéde Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, France
| | - François-Jérôme Authier
- From the Service de Neurologie (T.G., A.C.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile-de-France (T.G., J.-P.L., T.N., F.-J.A., A.C.); Unité de Neurophysiologie Clinique (J.-P.L., T.N.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Unité de Recherche EA 4391 (J.-P.L., T.N., A.C.), Faculté de Santé, UniversitéParis Est Créteil; IMRB INSERM U955-Equipe 10 (Y.B.-A., F.-J.A.), UniversitéParis Est Créteil; Service d'Anatomo-Pathologie (F.-J.A.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP, Créteil; and Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (J.D.), Universitéde Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, France
| | - Jérôme Devaux
- From the Service de Neurologie (T.G., A.C.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile-de-France (T.G., J.-P.L., T.N., F.-J.A., A.C.); Unité de Neurophysiologie Clinique (J.-P.L., T.N.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Unité de Recherche EA 4391 (J.-P.L., T.N., A.C.), Faculté de Santé, UniversitéParis Est Créteil; IMRB INSERM U955-Equipe 10 (Y.B.-A., F.-J.A.), UniversitéParis Est Créteil; Service d'Anatomo-Pathologie (F.-J.A.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP, Créteil; and Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (J.D.), Universitéde Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, France
| | - Alain Créange
- From the Service de Neurologie (T.G., A.C.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Ile-de-France (T.G., J.-P.L., T.N., F.-J.A., A.C.); Unité de Neurophysiologie Clinique (J.-P.L., T.N.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP; Unité de Recherche EA 4391 (J.-P.L., T.N., A.C.), Faculté de Santé, UniversitéParis Est Créteil; IMRB INSERM U955-Equipe 10 (Y.B.-A., F.-J.A.), UniversitéParis Est Créteil; Service d'Anatomo-Pathologie (F.-J.A.), CHU Henri Mondor APHP, Créteil; and Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (J.D.), Universitéde Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, France
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24
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Nabar S, Fernandez J, Prakash V, Safder S. Gastrointestinal manifestations seen in pediatric patients diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024; 78:583-591. [PMID: 38504414 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) affects the fibers involved in cutaneous and visceral pain and temperature sensation and are a crucial part of the autonomic nervous system. Autonomic dysfunction secondary to SFN and autoimmune receptor antibodies is being increasingly recognized, and gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations include constipation, early satiety, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Enteric nervous system involvement may be a possible explanation of abnormal GI motility patterns seen in these patients. METHODS Children suspected to have SFN based on symptoms underwent skin biopsy at the Child Neurology clinic at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, which was processed at Therapath™ Neuropathology. SFN was diagnosed using epidermal nerve fiber density values that were below 5th percentile from the left distal leg (calf) as reported per Therapath™ laboratory. RESULTS Twenty-six patients were diagnosed with SFN. Retrospective chart review was performed, including demographic data, clinical characteristics, and evaluation. A majority of patients were white adolescent females. Autonomic dysfunction, including orthostasis and temperature dysregulation were seen in 61.5% of patients (p = 0.124). Somatosensory symptoms, including pain or numbness were seen in 85% of patients (p < 0.001). GI symptoms were present in 85% of patients (p < 0.001) with constipation being the most common symptom seen in 50% of patients. This correlated with the motility testing results. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric patients with SFN commonly have GI symptoms, which may be the main presenting symptom. It is important to recognize and look for symptoms of small fiber neuropathy in children with refractory GI symptoms that may explain multisystemic complaints often seen in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Nabar
- Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Jenelle Fernandez
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Vikram Prakash
- Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children Neurology, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Shaista Safder
- Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, Florida, USA
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25
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van Gool R, Far A, Drenthen GS, Jansen JFA, Goijen CP, Backes WH, Linden DEJ, Merkies ISJ, Faber CG, Upadhyay J, Hoeijmakers JGJ. Peripheral Pain Captured Centrally: Altered Brain Morphology on MRI in Small Fiber Neuropathy Patients With and Without an SCN9A Gene Variant. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:730-741. [PMID: 37921732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The current study aims to characterize brain morphology of pain as reported by small fiber neuropathy (SFN) patients with or without a gain-of-function variant involving the SCN9A gene and compare these with findings in healthy controls without pain. The Neuropathic Pain Scale was used in patients with idiopathic SFN (N = 20) and SCN9A-associated SFN (N = 12) to capture pain phenotype. T1-weighted, structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were collected in patients and healthy controls (N = 21) to 1) compare cortical thickness and subcortical volumes and 2) quantify the association between severity, quality, and duration of pain with morphological properties. SCN9A-associated SFN patients showed significant (P < .017, Bonferroni corrected) higher cortical thickness in sensorimotor regions, compared to idiopathic SFN patients, while lower cortical thickness was found in more functionally diverse regions (eg, posterior cingulate cortex). SFN patient groups combined demonstrated a significant (Spearman's ρ = .44-.55, P = .005-.049) correlation among itch sensations (Neuropathic Pain Scale-7) and thickness of the left precentral gyrus, and midcingulate cortices. Significant associations were found between thalamic volumes and duration of pain (left: ρ = -.37, P = .043; right: ρ = -.40, P = .025). No associations were found between morphological properties and other pain qualities. In conclusion, in SCN9A-associated SFN, profound morphological alterations anchored within the pain matrix are present. The association between itch sensations of pain and sensorimotor and midcingulate structures provides a novel basis for further examining neurobiological underpinnings of itch in SFN. PERSPECTIVE: Cortical thickness and subcortical volume alterations in SFN patients were found in pain hubs, more profound in SCN9A-associated neuropathy, and correlated with itch and durations of pain. These findings contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiological pathways underlying chronic neuropathic pain and symptoms of itch in SFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel van Gool
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Amir Far
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Gerhard S Drenthen
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Jacobus F A Jansen
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, North Brabant, The Netherlands
| | - Celine P Goijen
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Walter H Backes
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - David E J Linden
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Ingemar S J Merkies
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Curaçao Medical Center, Willemstad, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao
| | - Catharina G Faber
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Jaymin Upadhyay
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Janneke G J Hoeijmakers
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
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Fischer F, Dohrn MF, Kapfenberger R, Igharo D, Seeber D, de Moya Rubio E, Pitarokoili K, Börsch N, Mücke M, Rolke R, Schulz JB, Maier A. [Neuropathic pain as a symptom in autonomic neuropathies and other rare diseases : Small fiber neuropathy: its recognition, diagnosis, and treatment]. Schmerz 2024; 38:33-40. [PMID: 38197939 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-023-00783-w] [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] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain is difficult to diagnose and treat. Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) flies under the radar of nerve conduction studies. OBJECTIVES The importance of a structured patient history and physical examination in the context of neuropathic pain is emphasized. Describing SFN as an important cause, the authors consider rare but partially treatable differential diagnoses. They conclude that autonomic symptoms are frequently associated, often presenting with diverse symptoms. METHODS A selective literature research to present SFN symptoms as well as differential diagnostic and therapeutic steps in the context of SFN and rare diseases focusing on the autonomic nervous system. RESULTS Neuropathic pain significantly reduces quality of life. To shorten the time until diagnosis and to initiate therapy, the authors recommend a structured patient history including sensory plus and minus symptoms and non-specific autonomic signs. If the initial search for the cause is not successful, rare causes such as treatable transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis and Fabry's disease or autoimmune causes should be considered, particularly in the case of progressive and/or autonomic symptoms. CONCLUSION The diagnosis and therapy of rare SFN requires interdisciplinary collaboration and, in many cases, a referral to specialized centers to achieve the best patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Fischer
- Klinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Fakultät, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Maike F Dohrn
- Klinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Fakultät, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Romina Kapfenberger
- Klinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Fakultät, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Denver Igharo
- Klinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Fakultät, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
- Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik, Helios Klinikum Krefeld, Krefeld, Deutschland
| | - Diana Seeber
- Klinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Fakultät, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Elena de Moya Rubio
- POTS und andere Dysautonomien e. V., Bochum, Deutschland
- Marfan Hilfe (Deutschland) e. V., Olpe, Deutschland
| | - Kalliopi Pitarokoili
- Neurologische Universitätsklinik am St. Josef Hospital Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Natalie Börsch
- Institut für Digitale Allgemeinmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
- Zentrum für Seltene Erkrankungen Aachen (ZSEA), Medizinische Fakultät, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Martin Mücke
- Institut für Digitale Allgemeinmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
- Zentrum für Seltene Erkrankungen Aachen (ZSEA), Medizinische Fakultät, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Roman Rolke
- Klinik für Palliativmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Klinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Fakultät, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
- JARA-BRAIN Institut II, Institut für Neurowissenschaften und Medizin, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH und RWTH Aachen, Jülich, Deutschland
| | - Andrea Maier
- Klinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Fakultät, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland.
- POTS und andere Dysautonomien e. V., Bochum, Deutschland.
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Zirpoli GR, Farhad K, Klein MC, Downs S, Klein MM, Oaklander AL. Initial validation of the Mass. General Neuropathy Exam Tool (MAGNET) for evaluation of distal small-fiber neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 2024; 69:185-198. [PMID: 38112169 PMCID: PMC10842781 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Diagnosis of small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) is hampered by its subjective symptoms and signs. Confirmatory testing is insufficiently available and expensive, so predictive examinations have value. However, few support the 2020 SFN consensus-case-definition requirements or were validated for non-diabetes neuropathies. Thus we developed the Massachusetts General Hospital Neuropathy Exam Tool (MAGNET) and measured diagnostic performance in 160 symptomatic patients evaluated for length-dependent SFN from any cause and 37 healthy volunteers. METHODS We compared prevalences of abnormalities (vital signs, pupil responses, lower-limb appearance, pin, light touch, vibration and position sensitivity, great-toe strength, muscle stretch reflexes), and validated diagnostic performance against objective SFN tests: lower-leg skin-biopsy epidermal neurite densities and autonomic function testing (AFT). Sensitivity/specificity, feasibility, test-retest and inter-rater reliability, and convergence with the Utah Early Neuropathy Scale were calculated. RESULTS Patients' ages averaged 48.5 ± 14.7 years and 70.6% were female. Causes of neuropathy varied, remaining unknown in 59.5%. Among the 46 with abnormal skin biopsies, the most prevalent abnormality was reduced pin sharpness at the toes (71.7%). Inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity excelled (range = 91.3-95.6%). Receiver operating characteristics comparing all symptomatic patients versus healthy controls indicated that a MAGNET threshold score of 14 maximized predictive accuracy for skin biopsies (0.74) and a 30 cut-off maximized accuracy for predicting AFT (0.60). Analyzing patients with any abnormal neuropathy-test results identified areas-under-the-curves of 0.87-0.89 for predicting a diagnostic result, accuracy = 0.80-0.89, and Youden's index = 0.62. Overall, MAGNET was 80%-85% accurate for stratifying patients with abnormal versus normal neuropathy test results. DISCUSSION MAGNET quickly generates research-quality metrics during clinical examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary R. Zirpoli
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Khosro Farhad
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madeleine C. Klein
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sean Downs
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Max M. Klein
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anne Louise Oaklander
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Geerts M, Hoeijmakers JG, van Eijk-Hustings Y, Brandts L, Gorissen-Brouwers CM, Merkies IS, Joore MA, Faber CG. Cost of illness of patients with small fiber neuropathy in the Netherlands. Pain 2024; 165:153-163. [PMID: 37556388 PMCID: PMC10723644 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003008] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuropathic pain is associated with substantial healthcare costs. However, cost-of-illness studies of small fiber neuropathy (SFN) are scarce. Our aim was to estimate the healthcare, patient and family, and productivity costs of patients with SFN in the Netherlands from a healthcare and societal perspective. In addition, the association of costs with age, pain impact on daily life, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (Qol) were examined. Cost questionnaires were completed by 156 patients with confirmed SFN. The average annual total health care and societal cost (€, 2020) was calculated at patient, SFN adult population, and societal level. The average annual healthcare, patient and family, and productivity costs per patient with a Pain Impact Numerical Rating Scale of 0 to 3 (mild), 4 to 6 (moderate), and 7 to 10 (severe) were calculated by using the cost questionnaire data. Quality of life was determined by the EuroQol 5D utility scores. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Associations of all costs were analyzed using linear regression analyses. At the patient level, the average annual SFN healthcare and societal cost of SFN was €3614 (95% confidence interval [CI] €3171-€4072) and €17,871 (95% CI €14,395-€21,480). At the SFN population level, the average healthcare costs were €29.8 (CI €26.4-€34.2) million, and on a societal level, these were €147.7 (CI 120.5-176.3) million. Severe pain was associated with significant lower Qol and higher depression scores, higher healthcare, patient and family, and productivity costs ( P < 0.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Geerts
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Janneke G.J. Hoeijmakers
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Yvonne van Eijk-Hustings
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Center+, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lloyd Brandts
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Center+, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Carla M.L. Gorissen-Brouwers
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ingemar S.J. Merkies
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Curacao Medical Center, J. H. J. Hamelbergweg, Willemstad, Curacao
| | - Manuela A. Joore
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Center+, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Catharina G. Faber
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Løseth S, Nebuchennykh M, Brokstad RT, Lindal S, Mellgren SI. Cutaneous nerve biopsy in patients with symptoms of small fiber neuropathy: a retrospective study. Scand J Pain 2024; 24:sjpain-2023-0071. [PMID: 38381703 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2023-0071] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate to what extent small fiber tests were abnormal in an unselected retrospective patient material with symptoms suggesting that small fiber neuropathy (SFN) could be present, and to evaluate possible gender differences. METHODS Nerve conduction studies (NCS), skin biopsy for determination of intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and quantitative sensory testing (QST) were performed. Z-scores were calculated from reference materials to adjust for the effects of age and gender/height. RESULTS Two hundred and three patients, 148 females and 55 males had normal NCS and were considered to have possible SFN. 45.3 % had reduced IENFD, 43.2 % of the females and 50.9 % of the males. Mean IENFD was 7.3 ± 2.6 fibers/mm in females and 6.1 ± 2.3 in males (p<0.001), but the difference was not significant when adopting Z-scores. Comparison of gender differences between those with normal and abnormal IENFD were not significant when Z-scores were applied. QST was abnormal in 50 % of the patients (48.9 % in females and 52.9 % in males). In the low IENFD group 45 cases out of 90 (50 %) were recorded with abnormal QST. In those with normal IENFD 51 of 102 (50 %) showed abnormal QST. CONCLUSIONS Less than half of these patients had reduced IENFD, and 50 % had abnormal QST. There were no gender differences. A more strict selection of patients might have increased the sensitivity, but functional changes in unmyelinated nerve fibers are also known to occur with normal IENFD. Approval to collect data was given by the Norwegian data protection authority at University Hospital of North Norway (Project no. 02028).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sissel Løseth
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT the Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Maria Nebuchennykh
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ruth Therese Brokstad
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sigurd Lindal
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT the Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Svein Ivar Mellgren
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT the Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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30
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Raasing LRM, Vogels OJM, Datema M, Tannemaat MR, Veltkamp M, Grutters JC. Fully Automatic, Semiautomatic, and Manual Corneal Nerve Fiber Analysis in Patients With Sarcoidosis. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:3. [PMID: 38047722 PMCID: PMC10702781 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.12.3] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose No guidelines are available on the preferred method for analyzing corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) data. Manual, semiautomatic, and automatic analyzes are all currently in use. The purpose of the present study was threefold. First, we aimed to investigate the different methods for CCM analysis in patients with and without small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Second, to determine the correlation of different methods for measuring corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) and nerve fiber area (NFA). Finally, we investigated the added value of automatic NFA analysis. Methods We included 20 healthy controls and 80 patients with sarcoidosis, 31 with established SFN and 49 without SFN. The CNFL was measured using CCMetrics, ACCMetrics, and NeuronJ. NFA was measured with NFA FIJI and ACCMetrics NFA. Results CNFL and NFA could not distinguish sarcoidosis with and without SFN or healthy controls. CCMetrics, NeuronJ, and ACCMetrics CNFL highly correlated. Also, NFA FIJI and ACCMetrics NFA highly correlated. Reproducing a nonlinear formula between CNFL and NFA confirmed the quadratic relation between NFA FIJI and ACCMetrics CNFL. CCMetrics and NeuronJ instead showed a square root relationship and seem to be less comparable owing to differences between automatic and manual techniques. Conclusions ACCMetrics can be used for fully automatic analysis of CCM images to optimize efficiency. However, CNFL and NFA do not seem to have a discriminatory value for SFN in sarcoidosis. Further research is needed to determine the added value and normative values of NFA in CCM analysis. Translational Relevance Our study improves the knowledge about CCM software and pathophysiology of SFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette R. M. Raasing
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Oscar J. M. Vogels
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Datema
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn R. Tannemaat
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel Veltkamp
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
- Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan C. Grutters
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
- Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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31
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Staehelin Jensen T. The pathogenesis of painful diabetic neuropathy and clinical presentation. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2023; 206 Suppl 1:110753. [PMID: 38245319 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects up to 50% of patients during the course of the disease; 20-30% of the patients also develop neuropathic pain. The mechanisms underlying neuropathy are not known in detail, but both metabolic and vascular factors may contribute to the development of neuropathy. The development of the most common type of neuropathy is insidious, often starting distally in the toes and feet and gradually ascending up the leg and later also involving fingers and hands. The symptoms are mainly sensory with either sensory loss or positive symptoms with different types of paresthesia or painful sensations. In more advanced cases motor dysfunction may occur, causing gait disturbances and falls. The diagnosis of neuropathy is based on history and a careful examination, which includes a sensory examination of both large and small sensory nerve fiber function, as well as an examination of motor function and deep tendon reflexes of the lower limbs. Attention needs to be paid to the feet including examination of the skin, joints, and vascular supply. Nerve conduction studies are rarely needed to make a diagnosis of neuropathy. In patients with clear motor deficit or with an asymmetrical presentation, additional electrophysiological examination may be necessary. Early detection of diabetic neuropathy is important to avoid further irreversible injury to the peripheral nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troels Staehelin Jensen
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Koetsier E, Vacchi E, Maino P, Dukanac J, Melli G, van Kuijk SMJ. Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation in Chronic Painful Polyneuropathy: A Potential Modulator for Small Nerve Fiber Regeneration. Neuromodulation 2023; 26:1772-1780. [PMID: 36192280 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.08.455] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neuromodulatory treatments like spinal cord stimulation and dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) have emerged as effective treatments to relieve pain in painful polyneuropathy. Animal studies have demonstrated that neurostimulation can enhance nerve regeneration. This study aimed to investigate if DRGS may impact intraepidermal nerve fiber regeneration and sensory nerve function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nine patients with chronic, intractable painful polyneuropathy were recruited. Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) quantification in 3 mm punch skin biopsy was performed 1 month before DRGS (placed at the level of the L5 and S1 dorsal root ganglion) and after 12- and 24-month follow-up. Quantitative sensory testing, nerve conduction studies, and a clinical scale score were also performed at the same time points. RESULTS In 7 of 9 patients, DRGS was successful (defined as a reduction of ≥ 50% in daytime and/or night-time pain intensity), allowing a definitive implantable pulse generator implantation. The median baseline IENFD among these 7 patients was 1.6 fibers/mm (first and third quartile: 1.2; 4.3) and increased to 2.6 fibers/mm (2.5; 2.9) and 1.9 fibers/mm (1.6; 2.4) at 1- and 2-years follow-up, respectively. These changes were not statistically significant (p = 1.000 and 0.375). Sensory nerve tests did not show substantial changes. CONCLUSIONS Although not significant, the results of this study showed that in most of the patients with implants, there was a slight increase of the IENFD at the 1- and 2-year follow-up. Larger-scale clinical trials are warranted to explore the possible role of DRGS in reversing the progressive neurodegeneration over time. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The Clinicaltrials.gov registration number for the study is NCT02435004; Swiss National Clinical Trials Portal: SNCTP000001376.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Koetsier
- Pain Management Center, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.
| | - Elena Vacchi
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland; Laboratories for Translational Research, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Maino
- Pain Management Center, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Jasmina Dukanac
- Pain Management Center, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Giorgia Melli
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland; Laboratories for Translational Research, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland; Neurology Department, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Sander M J van Kuijk
- Pain Management Center, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Al-Mazidi SH, ALRouq F, Alsabty AS, Alhajlah A, AlYahya A, Alsabih A, Al-Taweraqi R, Alahmari AS, Al-Dakhil L, Habib S. Relationship Between Clinical Outcomes and Nerve Conduction Studies Before and After Viral Infections in Healthy Individuals: Case Series. Cureus 2023; 15:e48980. [PMID: 38111436 PMCID: PMC10726065 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurological effect of viral respiratory infections has been acknowledged in many studies. However, patients who recovered from this infection show neurological manifestations and are not being routinely transferred for electrodiagnostic evaluation. AIM This study aimed to examine the neurological effect of viral respiratory infections on the nerve function using electrophysiology in patients fully recovered from viral respiratory infections. METHODS To limit bias in the results, the authors decided to choose patients who recovered from one virus in all participants (coronavirus). Medical records were screened for patients who performed nerve conduction studies (NCSs) before the coronavirus pandemic. Thirty patients met our inclusion criteria, and only 10 showed up to perform NCS. Data of the NCS was compared before and after the coronavirus infection for motor and sensory NCS parameters. RESULTS An increase in both the median and ulnar sensory nerve latencies and a decrease in the sensory nerve amplitude was observed. Also, there was a decrease in the motor conduction velocity (MCV) of the ulnar nerves and motor amplitude in the median nerve. In the lower limbs, there was a decrease in the sural nerve latency, increased MCV in the tibial nerves, and decreased MCV in the peroneal nerves. The proximal amplitudes of the tibial and peroneal nerves were increased, but the distal amplitude was increased only in the peroneal nerves and decreased in the tibial nerves. CONCLUSION There is a significant impact of viral infections on the peripheral nerves. Large-scale prospective studies are required to investigate the pathogenesis of the neuropathy and myopathy after viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fawzia ALRouq
- Physiology, King Saud University, College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Areej S Alsabty
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Abdullah Alhajlah
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Asma AlYahya
- Physiology, King Saud University, College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Ahmed Alsabih
- Physiology, King Saud University, College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | | | - Lina Al-Dakhil
- Research, King Saud Medical City, Research Center, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Syed Habib
- Physiology, King Saud University, Riyadh, SAU
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Lucarini E, Micheli L, Rajagopalan R, Ciampi C, Branca JJ, Pacini A, Leandri M, Rajagopalan P, Ghelardini C, Di Cesare Mannelli L. Broad-spectrum neuroprotection exerted by DDD-028 in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Pain 2023; 164:2581-2595. [PMID: 37556385 PMCID: PMC10578426 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neurotoxicity of chemotherapeutics involves peculiar alterations in the structure and function, including abnormal nerve signal transmission, of both the peripheral and central nervous system. The lack of effective pharmacological approaches to prevent chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity necessitates the identification of innovative therapies. Recent evidence suggests that repeated treatment with the pentacyclic pyridoindole derivative DDD-028 can exert both pain-relieving and glial modulatory effects in mice with paclitaxel-induced neuropathy. This work is aimed at assessing whether DDD-028 is a disease-modifying agent by protecting the peripheral nervous tissues from chemotherapy-induced damage. Neuropathy was induced in animals by paclitaxel injection (2.0 mg kg -1 i.p). DDD-028 (10 mg kg -1 ) and the reference drug, pregabalin (30 mg kg -1 ), were administered per os daily starting concomitantly with the first injection of paclitaxel and continuing 10 days after the end of paclitaxel treatment. The behavioural tests confirmed the antihyperalgesic efficacy of DDD-028 on paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. Furthermore, the electrophysiological analysis revealed the capacity of DDD-028 to restore near-normal sensory nerve conduction in paclitaxel-treated animals. Histopathology evidence indicated that DDD-028 was able to counteract effectively paclitaxel-induced peripheral neurotoxicity by protecting against the loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers, restoring physiological levels of neurofilament in nerve tissue and plasma, and preventing morphological alterations occurring in the sciatic nerves and dorsal root ganglia. Overall, DDD-028 is more effective than pregabalin in preventing chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. Thus, based on its potent antihyperalgesic and neuroprotective efficacy, DDD-028 seems to be a viable prophylactic medication to limit the development of neuropathies consequent to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Clara Ciampi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jacopo J.V. Branca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pacini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Leandri
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Leonardi L, Costanzo R, Forcina F, Morino S, Antonini G, Salvetti M, Luigetti M, Romano A, Primiano G, Guglielmino V, Fionda L, Garibaldi M, Lauletta A, Rossini E, Tufano L, Ceccanti M, Esposito N, Falco P, di Pietro G, Truini A, Galosi E. Quantitative sensory testing and skin biopsy findings in late-onset ATTRv presymptomatic carriers: Relationships with predicted time of disease onset (PADO). J Peripher Nerv Syst 2023; 28:390-397. [PMID: 37535421 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12586] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN) presymptomatic carriers often show preclinical abnormalities at small fiber-related diagnostic tests. However, no validated biomarker is currently available to use for presymptomatic carriers' follow-up, thus helping therapeutic decision making. Our study aimed at assessing nerve conduction study (NCS), quantitative sensory testing (QST), and skin biopsy parameters in a large cohort of late-onset ATTRv presymptomatic carriers and to evaluate whether they correlated with predicted age of disease onset (PADO). METHODS Late-onset ATTRv presymptomatic carriers were consecutively enrolled and underwent NCS, QST, and skin biopsy with intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) evaluation from a distal and a proximal site. Douleur Neuropathique-4 (DN4) and Small Fiber Neuropathy-Symptoms Inventory (SFN-SIQ) were used to assess painful and small fiber neuropathy-related symptoms. PADO and time-to-PADO (delta-PADO) were estimated for each carrier, and correlations with diagnostic test measures were analyzed. RESULTS Forty presymptomatic ATTRv subjects were enrolled. Twenty carriers (50%) had distal IENFD reduction, with a non-length-dependent distribution in 73% of cases. Eleven subjects (27.5%) had cold and/or warm detection threshold (CDT and/or WDT) abnormalities at QST. Delta-PADO positively correlated with sural sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude (r = .416, p = .004), and z-values of QST parameters like CDT (r = .314, p = .028), WDT (r = -.294, p = .034), and mechanical detection threshold (MDT; r = -.382, p = .012). Simple linear regression models showed a linear relation between delta-PADO and sural SAP, CDT, and MDT. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm that IENFD reduction and QST abnormalities may occur early in ATTRv presymptomatic carriers, often with a non-length-dependent pattern. However, only sural SAP amplitude and QST parameters correlated with delta-PADO, suggesting that serial combined QST and NCS evaluation could be useful in ATTRv presymptomatic carriers' follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Leonardi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Costanzo
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Forcina
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Morino
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Antonini
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Salvetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Neuromed Institute IRCCS, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Marco Luigetti
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Sede di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Romano
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Primiano
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Guglielmino
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Sede di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Fionda
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Garibaldi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Lauletta
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Rossini
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Tufano
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ceccanti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Esposito
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Falco
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe di Pietro
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Raasing LR, Veltkamp M, Datema M, Grutters JC, Vogels OJ. Thermal threshold testing: call for a balance between the number of measurements and abnormalities in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis-associated small fiber neuropathy. Pain Rep 2023; 8:e1095. [PMID: 37674973 PMCID: PMC10479475 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Several recent studies of diagnosing small fiber neuropathy (SFN) have shown a lack of uniformity in thermal threshold testing (TTT) or quantitative sensory testing (QST) which makes it a challenge to compare the data. It is known that the chance of finding an abnormality increases with increasing number of measurements. Objectives With this study, we first wanted to investigate whether TTT could benefit from a new approach focusing on the balance between the number of measurements, depending on the selection of parameters and measuring sites, and on number of abnormalities (NOAs). Second, we wanted to address the role of the method of levels (MLe) in possible desensitization during TTT measurements. Methods One hundred seventeen participants were included (48 patients with sarcoidosis with probable SFN, 49 without SFN, and 20 healthy controls). Thermal threshold testing measurements and Small Fiber Neuropathy Screening List (SFNSL) questionnaire were used to assess SFN. Results A combination of measuring all thermal threshold parameters at both feet except for MLe showed the best diagnostic performance. Increasing TTT NOAs correlates with the severity of SFN. Adding the SFNSL questionnaire further improves diagnostic performance. Discussion Looking at TTT NOAs in all TTT parameters except for MLe at both feet should be considered as a new approach to improve the consistency and balance between the selection of TTT parameters, measuring sites, and definition of "abnormal QST." Moreover, the SFNSL questionnaire is a valuable tool to quantify SFN symptoms and could improve SFN diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette R.M. Raasing
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Pulmonology, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel Veltkamp
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Pulmonology, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
- Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Datema
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Jan C. Grutters
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Pulmonology, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
- Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Oscar J.M. Vogels
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
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Kokotis P, Papantoniou M, Schmelz M, Buntziouka C, Tzavellas E, Paparrigopoulos T. Pure small fiber neuropathy in alcohol dependency detected by skin biopsy. Alcohol 2023; 111:67-73. [PMID: 37295567 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2023.05.006] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol overconsumption is well known to cause damage to the peripheral nervous system. The aim of this study was the functional and structural evaluation of the small nerve fibers in alcohol-dependent subjects, with or without symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. METHODS Twenty-six consecutive alcohol-dependent subjects treated for detoxification voluntarily in the specialized unit of the Athens University Psychiatric Clinic were enrolled in this prospective study over 18 months. Every subject was assessed by peripheral nerve evaluation using the Neuropathy Symptoms Score (NSS) and Neuropathy Impairment Score (NIS), followed by nerve conduction studies (NCS), quantitative sensory testing (QST), and skin biopsy. Twenty-nine normal subjects, age- and gender-matched, constituted the control group. RESULTS Peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed in 16 subjects (61.5%). Among these 16 subjects, pure large fiber neuropathy (LFN) was found in two subjects (12.5%), pure small fiber neuropathy (SFN) was found in eight subjects (50%), and both large and small fiber neuropathy was diagnosed in six patients (37.5%). The intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) of the patients' skin biopsy was significantly lower than that of the control group. Additionally, QST results showed a statistically significant sensory impairment in the patients. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms small fiber neuropathy due to alcohol abuse with a high prevalence of pure SFN that might have remained undetected without QST and IENFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Kokotis
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Michail Papantoniou
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Martin Schmelz
- Department of Experimental Pain Research, MCTN Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chrysanthi Buntziouka
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Tzavellas
- First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Paparrigopoulos
- First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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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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Di Stefano G, Falco P, Galosi E, De Stefano G, Di Pietro G, Leone C, Litewczuk D, Tramontana L, Strano S, Truini A. Pain associated with COVID-19 vaccination is unrelated to skin biopsy abnormalities. Pain Rep 2023; 8:e1089. [PMID: 38225959 PMCID: PMC10789449 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Previous clinical observations raised the possibility that COVID-19 vaccination might trigger a small-fibre neuropathy. Objectives In this uncontrolled observational study, we aimed to identify small fibre damage in patients complaining of generalized sensory symptoms and pain after COVID-19 vaccination. Methods We collected clinical data, including a questionnaire for assessing autonomic symptoms (Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31), and investigated quantitative sensory testing (QST) and skin biopsy in 15 prospectively enrolled patients with generalized sensory symptoms and pain after COVID-19 vaccination. Nine patients complaining of orthostatic intolerance also underwent cardiovascular autonomic tests. Results We found that all patients experienced widespread pain, and most of them (11 of 15) had a fibromyalgia syndrome. All patients had normal skin biopsy findings, and in the 9 patients with orthostatic intolerance, cardiovascular autonomic tests showed normal findings. Nevertheless, 5 patients had cold and warm detection abnormalities at the QST investigation. Conclusions In our study, most patients complaining of generalized sensory symptoms and pain after COVID-19 vaccination had clinical and diagnostic test findings compatible with a fibromyalgia syndrome. Although the abnormal QST findings we found in 5 patients might be compatible with a small-fibre neuropathy, they should be cautiously interpreted given the psychophysical characteristics of this diagnostic test. Further larger controlled studies are needed to define precisely the association between small fibre damage and COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pietro Falco
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Caterina Leone
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel Litewczuk
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Strano
- Dipartimento Cuore e Grossi Vasi, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Marchi M, Salvi E, Andelic M, Mehmeti E, D'Amato I, Cazzato D, Chiappori F, Lombardi R, Cartelli D, Devigili G, Dalla Bella E, Gerrits M, Almomani R, Malik RA, Ślęczkowska M, Mazzeo A, Gentile L, Dib-Hajj S, Waxman SG, Faber CG, Vecchio E, de Tommaso M, Lauria G. TRPA1 rare variants in chronic neuropathic and nociplastic pain patients. Pain 2023; 164:2048-2059. [PMID: 37079850 PMCID: PMC10443199 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. TRPA1 gene is significantly enriched of rare variants in neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia patients, with itch or cold-induced pain as the most common features, opening new treatment opportunities. Missing aspects of the heritability of chronic neuropathic pain, as a complex adult-onset trait, may be hidden within rare variants with low effect on disease risk, unlikely to be resolved by a single-variant approach. To identify new risk genes, we performed a next-generation sequencing of 107 pain genes and collapsed the rare variants through gene-wise aggregation analysis. The optimal unified sequence kernel association test was applied to 169 patients with painful neuropathy, 223 patients with nociplastic pain (82 diagnosed with chronic widespread pain and 141 with fibromyalgia), and 216 healthy controls. Frequency and features of variants in TRPA1 , which was the most significant gene, were further validated in 2 independent cohorts of 140 patients with chronic pain (90 with painful neuropathy and 50 with chronic widespread pain) and 34 with painless neuropathy. The effect of aminoacidic changes were modeled in silico according to physicochemical characteristics. TRPA1 was significantly enriched of rare variants which significantly discriminated chronic pain patients from healthy controls after Bonferroni correction (P = 6.7 × 10−4, ρ = 1), giving a risk of 4.8-fold higher based on the simple burden test (P = 0.0015, OR = 4.8). Among the 32 patients harboring TRPA1 variants, 24 (75%) were diagnosed with nociplastic pain, either fibromyalgia (12; 37.5%) or chronic widespread pain (12; 37.5%), whereas 8 (25%) with painful neuropathy. Irrespective of the clinical diagnosis, 12 patients (38%) complained of itch and 10 (31.3%) of cold-induced or cold-accentuated pain, mostly episodic. Our study widens the spectrum of channelopathy-related chronic pain disorders and contributes to bridging the gap between phenotype and targeted therapies based on patients' molecular profile. 1_tzjjvsic Kaltura
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Marchi
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Salvi
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Mirna Andelic
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
- School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Elkadia Mehmeti
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria D'Amato
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Cazzato
- Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Chiappori
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Tecnologie Biomediche (CNR-ITB), Segrate (Milan), Italy
| | - Raffaella Lombardi
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Cartelli
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Grazia Devigili
- Movement Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Dalla Bella
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Monique Gerrits
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Rowida Almomani
- Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Rayaz A. Malik
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester and NIHR/WellcomeTrust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Milena Ślęczkowska
- School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Mazzeo
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Gentile
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Sulayman Dib-Hajj
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Stephen G. Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Catharina G. Faber
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Vecchio
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, DiBrain Department, Aldo Moro University, Bari, Italy
| | - Marina de Tommaso
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, DiBrain Department, Aldo Moro University, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Truini A, Aleksovska K, Anderson CC, Attal N, Baron R, Bennett DL, Bouhassira D, Cruccu G, Eisenberg E, Enax-Krumova E, Davis KD, Di Stefano G, Finnerup NB, Garcia-Larrea L, Hanafi I, Haroutounian S, Karlsson P, Rakusa M, Rice ASC, Sachau J, Smith BH, Sommer C, Tölle T, Valls-Solé J, Veluchamy A. Joint European Academy of Neurology-European Pain Federation-Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group of the International Association for the Study of Pain guidelines on neuropathic pain assessment. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:2177-2196. [PMID: 37253688 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In these guidelines, we aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations for the use of screening questionnaires and diagnostic tests in patients with neuropathic pain (NeP). METHODS We systematically reviewed studies providing information on the sensitivity and specificity of screening questionnaires, and quantitative sensory testing, neurophysiology, skin biopsy, and corneal confocal microscopy. We also analysed how functional neuroimaging, peripheral nerve blocks, and genetic testing might provide useful information in diagnosing NeP. RESULTS Of the screening questionnaires, Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4), I-DN4 (self-administered DN4), and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) received a strong recommendation, and S-LANSS (self-administered LANSS) and PainDETECT weak recommendations for their use in the diagnostic pathway for patients with possible NeP. We devised a strong recommendation for the use of skin biopsy and a weak recommendation for quantitative sensory testing and nociceptive evoked potentials in the NeP diagnosis. Trigeminal reflex testing received a strong recommendation in diagnosing secondary trigeminal neuralgia. Although many studies support the usefulness of corneal confocal microscopy in diagnosing peripheral neuropathy, no study specifically investigated the diagnostic accuracy of this technique in patients with NeP. Functional neuroimaging and peripheral nerve blocks are helpful in disclosing pathophysiology and/or predicting outcomes, but current literature does not support their use for diagnosing NeP. Genetic testing may be considered at specialist centres, in selected cases. CONCLUSIONS These recommendations provide evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for NeP diagnosis. Due to the poor-to-moderate quality of evidence identified by this review, future large-scale, well-designed, multicentre studies assessing the accuracy of diagnostic tests for NeP are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Katina Aleksovska
- European Academy of Neurology, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Christopher C Anderson
- Division of Clinical and Translational Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nadine Attal
- Université Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines, Versailles, France
- Inserm U987, Pathophysiology and Clinical Pharmacology of Pain, Centre d'évaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Ralf Baron
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - David L Bennett
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Didier Bouhassira
- Inserm U987, Pathophysiology and Clinical Pharmacology of Pain, Centre d'évaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Giorgio Cruccu
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Elon Eisenberg
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Elena Enax-Krumova
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Karen Deborah Davis
- Division of Brain, Imaging, and Behaviour, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Nanna B Finnerup
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Pain Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Luis Garcia-Larrea
- Central Integration of Pain (NeuroPain) Lab-Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre, INSERM U1028, CNRS, UMR5292, Université Claude Bernard, Bron, France
- Centre D'évaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur, Hôpital Neurologique, Lyon, France
| | - Ibrahem Hanafi
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Simon Haroutounian
- Division of Clinical and Translational Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Pall Karlsson
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Pain Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Core Centre for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Martin Rakusa
- Division of Neurology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Andrew S C Rice
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Juliane Sachau
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Blair H Smith
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Claudia Sommer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Tölle
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Josep Valls-Solé
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Abirami Veluchamy
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Klowak M, Boggild AK. The efficacy of a whole foods, plant-based dietary lifestyle intervention for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in leprosy: a randomized control trial protocol. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1196470. [PMID: 37469546 PMCID: PMC10352581 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1196470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite effective treatment of leprosy via WHO-approved multi-drug therapy (MDT), patients still suffer from debilitating neuropathic sequelae, including peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP), and continue to develop intercurrent etiologies (such as diabetes), and progressive existing neuropathy over time. Strategies seeking to improve physiological and metabolic wellness, including those that reduce systemic inflammation and enhance immune responsiveness to neurotoxic factors may influence underlying neuropathic etiologies. A whole food plant-based diet (WFPBD) has been shown to be effective in the management of neuropathic pain due to diabetes, limiting severity and relevant symptomology. Diabetes remains a significant sequela of leprosy, as up to 50% of patients in reaction requiring corticosteroids, may develop a biochemical diabetes. As nutritional interventions may modulate both leprosy and diabetes, a specific exploration of these relationships remains relevant. Objectives (1) To demonstrate the effect of a WFPBD lifestyle intervention, on neuropathic pain variables in leprosy; and (2) To contextualize the significance of diet in the treatment of chronic sequelae in leprosy by evaluating tolerability and side effect profile. Methods A prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind, multicentre interventional trial is described. Weekly one-hour dietary counseling sessions promoting a WFPBD emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole-grains, nuts, and legumes, omitting animal products, and limiting fat intake over a six-month duration will be implemented. Participants will be 70 age and sex-matched individuals experiencing active or treated "cured" leprosy and PNP, randomized to either intervention or control groups. Primary outcome measures include efficacy via visual analog scale, subjective questionnaire and objective quantitative sensory testing, as well as safety, tolerability, and harms of a WFPBD on PNP in leprosy. This study will be initiated after Research Ethics Board (REB) approval at all participating sites, and in advance of study initiation, the trial will be registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Expected impact It is hypothesized that WFPBDs will mitigate progression and severity of PNP and potentially reduce the adverse events related to standard corticosteroid treatment of leprosy reactions, thereby reducing disease severity. By examining the effects of WFPBDs on PNP in leprosy, we hope to illuminate data that will lead to the enhanced therapeutic management of this neglected tropical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Klowak
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea K. Boggild
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tropical Disease Unit, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Guldiken YC, Malik A, Petropoulos IN, Gad H, Elgassim E, Salivon I, Ponirakis G, Alam U, Malik RA. Where Art Thou O treatment for diabetic neuropathy: the sequel. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:845-851. [PMID: 37602687 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2247163] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Having lived through a pandemic and witnessed how regulatory approval processes can evolve rapidly; it is lamentable how we continue to rely on symptoms/signs and nerve conduction as primary endpoints for clinical trials in DPN. AREAS COVERED Small (Aδ and C) fibers are key to the genesis of pain, regulate skin blood flow, and play an integral role in the development of diabetic foot ulceration but continue to be ignored. This article challenges the rationale for the FDA insisting on symptoms/signs and nerve conduction as primary endpoints for clinical trials in DPN. EXPERT OPINION Quantitative sensory testing, intraepidermal nerve fiber density, and especially corneal confocal microscopy remain an after-thought, demoted at best to exploratory secondary endpoints in clinical trials of diabetic neuropathy. If pharma are to be given a fighting chance to secure approval for a new therapy for diabetic neuropathy, the FDA needs to reassess the evidence rather than rely on 'opinion' for the most suitable endpoint(s) in clinical trials of diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yigit Can Guldiken
- Department of Neurology, Kocaeli University Research and Application Hospital, İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ayesha Malik
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry - Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Hoda Gad
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Einas Elgassim
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Iuliia Salivon
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Uazman Alam
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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Tian Z, Fan Y, Sun X, Wang D, Guan Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Guo J, Bu H, Wu Z, Wang H. Predictive value of TCM clinical index for diabetic peripheral neuropathy among the type 2 diabetes mellitus population: A new observation and insight. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17339. [PMID: 37389043 PMCID: PMC10300217 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims The objectives of this study were to identify clinical predictors of the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical index for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, develop a clinical prediction model, and construct a nomogram. Methods We collected the TCM clinical index from 3590 T2DM recruited at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to October 2020. The participants were randomly assigned to either the training group (n = 3297) or the validation group (n = 1426). TCM symptoms and tongue characteristics were used to assess the risk of developing DPN in T2DM patients. Through 5-fold cross-validation in the training group, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis method was used to optimize variable selection. In addition, using multifactor logistic regression analysis, a predictive model and nomogram were developed. Results A total of eight independent predictors were found to be associated with the DPN in multivariate logistic regression analyses: advanced age of grading (odds ratio/OR 1.575), smoke (OR 2.815), insomnia (OR 0.557), sweating (OR 0.535), loose teeth (OR 1.713), dry skin (OR 1.831), purple tongue (OR 2.278). And dark red tongue (OR 0.139). The model was constructed using these eight predictor's medium discriminative capabilities. The area under the curve (AUC) of the training set is 0.727, and the AUC of the validation set is 0.744 on the ROC curve. The calibration plot revealed that the model's goodness-of-fit is satisfactory. Conclusions We established a TCM prediction model for DPN in patients with T2DM based on the TCM clinical index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikui Tian
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Yadong Fan
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Xuan Sun
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Dongjun Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Guan
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Fengnan District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Surgery of TCM, Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of TCM, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Surgery of TCM, Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of TCM, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Huaien Bu
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Zhongming Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Hongwu Wang
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
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Krämer HH, Bücker P, Jeibmann A, Richter H, Rosenbohm A, Jeske J, Baka P, Geber C, Wassenberg M, Fangerau T, Karst U, Schänzer A, van Thriel C. Gadolinium contrast agents: dermal deposits and potential effects on epidermal small nerve fibers. J Neurol 2023:10.1007/s00415-023-11740-z. [PMID: 37138180 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11740-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) affects unmyelinated and thinly myelinated nerve fibers causing neuropathic pain with distal distribution and autonomic symptoms. In idiopathic SFN (iSFN), 30% of the cases, the underlying aetiology remains unknown. Gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents (GBCA) are widely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, side-effects including musculoskeletal disorders and burning skin sensations were reported. We investigated if dermal Gd deposits are more prevalent in iSFN patients exposed to GBCAs, and if dermal nerve fiber density and clinical parameters are likewise affected. 28 patients (19 females) with confirmed or no GBCA exposure were recruited in three German neuromuscular centers. ISFN was confirmed by clinical, neurophysiological, laboratory and genetic investigations. Six volunteers (two females) served as controls. Distal leg skin biopsies were obtained according to European recommendations. In these samples Gd was quantified by elemental bioimaging and intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENF) density via immunofluorescence analysis. Pain phenotyping was performed in all patients, quantitative sensory testing (QST) only in a subset (15 patients; 54%). All patients reported neuropathic pain, described as burning (n = 17), jabbing (n = 16) and hot (n = 11) and five QST scores were significantly altered. Compared to an equal distribution significantly more patients reported GBCA exposures (82%), while 18% confirmed no exposures. Compared to unexposed patients/controls significantly increased Gd deposits and lower z-scores of the IENF density were confirmed in exposed patients. QST scores and pain characteristics were not affected. This study suggests that GBCA exposure might alter IENF density in iSFN patients. Our results pave the road for further studies investigating the possible role of GBCA in small fiber damage, but more investigations and larger samples are needed to draw firm conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun H Krämer
- Department of Neurology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Patrick Bücker
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Astrid Jeibmann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Henning Richter
- Clinic for Diagnostic Imaging, Diagnostic Imaging Research Unit (DIRU),Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Johanna Jeske
- Department of Neurology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Panoraia Baka
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, 55101, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Geber
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, 55101, Mainz, Germany
- DRK Pain Center Mainz, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Wassenberg
- Department of Neurology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tanja Fangerau
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Uwe Karst
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Anne Schänzer
- Institute of Neuropathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Christoph van Thriel
- IfADo-Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, 44139, Dortmund, Germany.
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Faber CG, Attal N, Lauria G, Dworkin RH, Freeman R, Dawson KT, Finnigan H, Hajihosseini A, Naik H, Serenko M, Morris CJ, Kotecha M. Efficacy and safety of vixotrigine in idiopathic or diabetes-associated painful small fibre neuropathy (CONVEY): a phase 2 placebo-controlled enriched-enrolment randomised withdrawal study. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 59:101971. [PMID: 37152360 PMCID: PMC10154969 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background No pharmacological treatments are specifically indicated for painful small fibre neuropathy (SFN). CONVEY, a phase 2 enriched-enrolment study, evaluated the efficacy and safety of vixotrigine, a voltage- and use-dependent sodium channel blocker, in participants with idiopathic or diabetes-associated painful SFN. Methods CONVEY was a phase 2, multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind (DB), enriched-enrolment, randomised withdrawal study. The study was conducted at 68 sites in 13 countries (Europe and Canada) between May 17, 2018, and April 12, 2021. Following a 4-week open-label period in which 265 adults with painful SFN (a mixture of large and small fibre neuropathy was not exclusionary) received oral vixotrigine 350 mg twice daily (BID), 123 participants (with a ≥30% reduction from baseline in average daily pain [ADP] score during the open-label period) were randomised 1:1:1 to receive 200 mg BID, 350 mg BID or placebo for a 12-week double-blind (DB) period. Primary endpoint was change from baseline in ADP at DB Week 12. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of participants with a ≥30% reduction from baseline in ADP and the proportion of Patient Global Impression of Pain (PGIC) responders at DB Week 12. Treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were monitored. Statistical significance was set at 0.10 (2-sided). The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03339336) and on ClinicalTrialsregister.eu (2017-000991-27). Findings A statistically significant difference from placebo in least squares mean reduction in ADP score from baseline to DB Week 12 was observed with vixotrigine 200 mg BID (-0.85; SE, 0.43; 95% CI, -1.71 to 0.00; p = 0.050) but not 350 mg BID (-0.17; SE, 0.43; 95% CI, -1.01 to 0.68; p = 0.70). Numerically, but not statistically significantly, more participants who received vixotrigine vs placebo experienced a ≥30% ADP reduction from baseline (68.3-72.5% vs 52.5%), and only the 350 mg BID group had significantly more PGIC responders vs placebo (48.8% vs 30.0%; odds ratio = 2.60; 95% CI, 0.97-6.99; p = 0.058) at DB Week 12. AEs were mostly mild to moderate in the vixotrigine groups. The most common AEs (≥5% of vixotrigine-treated participants) in the DB 200 mg BID and 350 mg BID vixotrigine groups were falls, nasopharyngitis, muscle spasm, and urinary tract infection. Interpretation In our study, vixotrigine 200 mg BID, but not 350 mg BID, met the primary endpoint; more vixotrigine-treated participants experienced a ≥30% reduction from baseline in ADP at DB Week 12. Vixotrigine (at both dosages) was well tolerated in participants with SFN. Funding Biogen, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina G. Faber
- Department of Neurology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debeyelaan 25, Maastricht 6229 HX, the Netherlands
| | - Nadine Attal
- INSERM U987, Ambroise Paré Hospital, APHP, Boulogne-Billancourt F-92100, France
- Université UVSQ Paris-Saclay, Versailles 78000, France
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Third Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”, Via Celoria 11, Milan 20133, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Robert H. Dworkin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Roy Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mona Kotecha
- Biogen, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Corresponding author.
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Gylfadottir SS, Itani M, Kristensen AG, Nyengaard JR, Sindrup SH, Jensen TS, Finnerup NB, Karlsson P. Assessing Corneal Confocal Microscopy and Other Small Fiber Measures in Diabetic Polyneuropathy. Neurology 2023; 100:e1680-e1690. [PMID: 36750383 PMCID: PMC10115507 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000206902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Damage to small nerve fibers is common in diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), and the diagnosis of DPN relies on subjective symptoms and signs in a combination with objective confirmatory tests, typically electrophysiology or intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) from skin biopsy. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) has been introduced as a tool to detect DPN. However, it is unclear if CCM can reliably be used to diagnose DPN and how the technique compares with other commonly used measures of small fiber damage, such as IENFD, cold detection threshold (CDT), and warm detection threshold (WDT). Therefore, we assessed and compared the use of CCM, IENFD, CDT, and WDT in the diagnosis of DPN in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this cohort study, the participants underwent detailed neurologic examination, electrophysiology, quantification of IENFD, CCM, and quantitative sensory testing. Definition of DPN was made in accordance with the Toronto criteria for diabetic neuropathy (without relying on IENFD and thermal thresholds). RESULTS A total of 214 patients with at least probable DPN, 63 patients without DPN, and 97 controls without diabetes were included. Patients with DPN had lower CCM measures (corneal nerve fiber length [CNFL], nerve fiber density, and branch density), IENFD, CDT, and WDT compared with patients without DPN (p ≤ 0.001, <0.001, 0.002, p < 0.001, p = 0.003, and <0.005, respectively), whereas there was no difference between controls and patients with diabetes without DPN. All 3 CCM measures showed a very low diagnostic sensitivity with CNFL showing the highest (14.4% [95% CI 9.8-18.4]) and a specificity of 95.7% (88.0-99.1). In comparison, the sensitivity of abnormal CDT and/or WDT was 30.5% (24.4-37.0) with a specificity of 84.9% (74.6-92.2). The sensitivity of abnormal IENFD was highest among all measures with a value of 51.1% (43.7-58.5) and a specificity of 90% (79.5-96.2). CCM measures did not correlate with IENFD, CDT/WDT, or neuropathy severity in the group of patients with DPN. DISCUSSION CCM measures showed the lowest sensitivity compared with other small fiber measures in the diagnosis of DPN. This indicates that CCM is not a sensitive method to detect DPN in recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class III evidence that CCM measures aid in the detection of DPN in recently diagnosed type 2 diabetics but with a low sensitivity when compared with other small fiber measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra S Gylfadottir
- From the Department of Clinical Medicine (S.S.G., T.S.J., N.B.F., P.K.), Danish Pain Research Centre, and Core Centre for Molecular Morphology (J.R.N., P.K.), Aarhus University; Departments of Neurology (S.S.G, T.S.J., N.B.F.), Clinical Neurophysiology (A.G.K.), and Pathology (J.R.N.), Aarhus University Hospital; and Department of Neurology (M.I., S.H.S.), Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Mustapha Itani
- From the Department of Clinical Medicine (S.S.G., T.S.J., N.B.F., P.K.), Danish Pain Research Centre, and Core Centre for Molecular Morphology (J.R.N., P.K.), Aarhus University; Departments of Neurology (S.S.G, T.S.J., N.B.F.), Clinical Neurophysiology (A.G.K.), and Pathology (J.R.N.), Aarhus University Hospital; and Department of Neurology (M.I., S.H.S.), Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Alexander G Kristensen
- From the Department of Clinical Medicine (S.S.G., T.S.J., N.B.F., P.K.), Danish Pain Research Centre, and Core Centre for Molecular Morphology (J.R.N., P.K.), Aarhus University; Departments of Neurology (S.S.G, T.S.J., N.B.F.), Clinical Neurophysiology (A.G.K.), and Pathology (J.R.N.), Aarhus University Hospital; and Department of Neurology (M.I., S.H.S.), Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Jens R Nyengaard
- From the Department of Clinical Medicine (S.S.G., T.S.J., N.B.F., P.K.), Danish Pain Research Centre, and Core Centre for Molecular Morphology (J.R.N., P.K.), Aarhus University; Departments of Neurology (S.S.G, T.S.J., N.B.F.), Clinical Neurophysiology (A.G.K.), and Pathology (J.R.N.), Aarhus University Hospital; and Department of Neurology (M.I., S.H.S.), Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Søren Hein Sindrup
- From the Department of Clinical Medicine (S.S.G., T.S.J., N.B.F., P.K.), Danish Pain Research Centre, and Core Centre for Molecular Morphology (J.R.N., P.K.), Aarhus University; Departments of Neurology (S.S.G, T.S.J., N.B.F.), Clinical Neurophysiology (A.G.K.), and Pathology (J.R.N.), Aarhus University Hospital; and Department of Neurology (M.I., S.H.S.), Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Troels S Jensen
- From the Department of Clinical Medicine (S.S.G., T.S.J., N.B.F., P.K.), Danish Pain Research Centre, and Core Centre for Molecular Morphology (J.R.N., P.K.), Aarhus University; Departments of Neurology (S.S.G, T.S.J., N.B.F.), Clinical Neurophysiology (A.G.K.), and Pathology (J.R.N.), Aarhus University Hospital; and Department of Neurology (M.I., S.H.S.), Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Nanna B Finnerup
- From the Department of Clinical Medicine (S.S.G., T.S.J., N.B.F., P.K.), Danish Pain Research Centre, and Core Centre for Molecular Morphology (J.R.N., P.K.), Aarhus University; Departments of Neurology (S.S.G, T.S.J., N.B.F.), Clinical Neurophysiology (A.G.K.), and Pathology (J.R.N.), Aarhus University Hospital; and Department of Neurology (M.I., S.H.S.), Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Pall Karlsson
- From the Department of Clinical Medicine (S.S.G., T.S.J., N.B.F., P.K.), Danish Pain Research Centre, and Core Centre for Molecular Morphology (J.R.N., P.K.), Aarhus University; Departments of Neurology (S.S.G, T.S.J., N.B.F.), Clinical Neurophysiology (A.G.K.), and Pathology (J.R.N.), Aarhus University Hospital; and Department of Neurology (M.I., S.H.S.), Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
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Small Fiber Neuropathy: A Clinical and Practical Approach. J Nurse Pract 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2023.104547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
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49
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Chan ACY, Kumar S, Tan G, Wong HY, Ong JJY, Chandra B, Huang H, Sharma VK, Lai PS. Expanding the genetic causes of small-fiber neuropathy: SCN genes and beyond. Muscle Nerve 2023; 67:259-271. [PMID: 36448457 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a disorder that exclusively affects the small nerve fibers, sparing the large nerve fibers. Thinly myelinated Aδ-fibers and unmyelinated C-fibers are damaged, leading to development of neuropathic pain, thermal dysfunction, sensory symptoms, and autonomic disturbances. Although many SFNs are secondary and due to immunological causes or metabolic disturbances, the etiology is unknown in up to half of the patients. Over the years, this proportion of "idiopathic SFN" has decreased, as familial and genetic causes have been discovered, thus shifting a proportion of once "idiopathic" cases to the genetic category. After the discovery of SCN9A-gene variants in 2012, SCN10A and SCN11A variants have been found to be pathogenic in SFN. With improved accessibility of SFN diagnostic tools and genetic tests, many non-SCN variants and genetically inherited systemic diseases involving the small nerve fibers have also been described, but only scattered throughout the literature. There are 80 SCN variants described as causing SFN, 8 genes causing hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathies (HSAN) described with pure SFN, and at least 7 genes involved in genetically inherited systemic diseases associated with SFN. This systematic review aims to consolidate and provide an updated overview on the genetic variants of SFN to date---SCN genes and beyond. Awareness of these genetic causes of SFN is imperative for providing treatment directions, prognostication, and management of expectations for patients and their health-care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Y Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shivaram Kumar
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Grace Tan
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hiu Yi Wong
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jonathan J Y Ong
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bharatendu Chandra
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Hua Huang
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vijay Kumar Sharma
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Poh San Lai
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Adjunct Faculty, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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50
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Alqatari S, Ismail M, Hasan M, Bukhari R, Al Argan R, Alwaheed A, Alkhafaji D, Ahmed SE, Hadhiah K, Alamri T, Nemer A, Albeladi F, Bumurah NN, Sharofna K, Albaggal Z, Alghamdi R, AlSulaiman RS. Emergence of Post COVID-19 Vaccine Autoimmune Diseases: A Single Center Study. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:1263-1278. [PMID: 36910517 PMCID: PMC9994665 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s394602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) became a major concern since the announcement that it is a pandemic in early 2020. Vaccine trials were started in November 2020, and completed rapidly due to the urgency to get over the infection. Side effects to vaccines started to be reported. There were minor side effects including site of injection pain and heaviness and constitutional symptoms like fever which are considered minor. One of the rare adverse events is post vaccine new onset autoimmune diseases. Methods Data were obtained from one center in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia (King Fahd Hospital of University). All patient events reported occurred in the study period March 2021 to February 2022. We identified patients presenting with autoimmune diseases with exclusively new onset presentations. Results We identified 31 cases of immune-mediated disease: 18 females (58%); 13 males (42%). Only 4 of them (13%) had an autoimmune background before COVID-19 vaccination. The average time between vaccination and new-onset disease symptoms was 7 days. Among all the cases in our study, 7 patients (22.5%) had new-onset vasculitis, 2 cases had IgA vasculitis and 5 cases had ANCA vasculitis, 6 cases had neurological diseases (19.3%), 4 cases (12.9%) had new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 3 cases (9.6%) presented with new-onset inflammatory arthritis, and one had Sjogren's syndrome (3.2%). Conclusion Our study is unique as it is the first study to include the largest number (31 patients) of new onsets of confirmed autoimmune diseases related to Covid-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safi Alqatari
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Ismail
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal Hasan
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Bukhari
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al Argan
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abrar Alwaheed
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dania Alkhafaji
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Essam Ahmed
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kawther Hadhiah
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki Alamri
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ameera Nemer
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fedaa Albeladi
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noor N Bumurah
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Sharofna
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zainab Albaggal
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghad Alghamdi
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem S AlSulaiman
- Department of Internal Medicine- College of Medicine-Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University -King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
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