Broadening the spectrum of controls for skin biopsy in painful neuropathies

Abstract

Epidermal nerve fiber density (ENFD) is useful in the evaluation of small-fiber neuropathies (SFSNs). A recent evidence-based review highlighted the need to broaden the spectrum of ENFD controls to include lower limb pain states other than polyneuropathy. We studied epidermal innervation in multiple sclerosis (MS) and distal lower limb burning pain (DLLBP). Distal-leg ENFD/morphology in MS DLLBP patients did not differ significantly from that of healthy controls. This study extends the range of ENFD controls and further supports use of ENFD assessment in SFSN.