Intraepidermal nerve‐fibre density as a biomarker of the course of neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus

• DOI: 10.1111/dme.12890
• Publication Date: 2015-08-19T15:24:23Z
• Authors: S. Divisova; E. Vlckova; I. Srotova; S. Kincova; M. Skorna; L. Dusek; P. Dubovy; J. Bednarik
• Keywords: Skin biopsy; Diabetic Neuropathy; Nerve fiber

Abstract Aims This paper aims to investigate whether intraepidermal nerve‐fibre density ( IENFD ) may be used as a marker of the course neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods Skin biopsies from distal leg were serially evaluated group 30 mellitus (median age 60 years, 17 men) short duration (< 3 years) and good glucose control, 23 age‐ sex‐matched controls. The time intervals between > years 33.8 months). Eighteen had symptoms or signs symmetrical diabetic polyneuropathy, 12 no neuropathy. Results At first skin biopsy, was normal all controls without (mean 9.5 7.9 fibres/mm, respectively) compared abnormal 77.8% polyneuropathy 3.4 fibres/mm). annual rate IENF loss expressed percentage value significantly higher [mean se ), 11.95 (3.82)%] [1.92 (1.81)%, P < 0.001] similar [12.16 (4.38)%]. did not correlate degree control. Conclusions several times than that healthy participants, irrespective presence at initial evaluation. change is linear should proportion serve