Pruritus: an underrecognized symptom of small-fiber neuropathies

Abstract

Background: Small-fiber neuropathies (SFN) are diseases of small nerve fibers that are characterized by autonomic and sensory symptoms.

Objective: We sought to evaluate sensory symptoms, especially pruritus, in patients with SFN.

Methods: A questionnaire was given to patients with SFN.

Results: In all, 41 patients responded to the questionnaire (71.9% response rate). The most frequent sensory symptoms were burning (77.5%), pain (72.5%), heat sensations (70.2%), and numbness (67.5%). Pruritus was present in 68.3% of patients. It appeared most often in the evening, and was localized to the limbs in a distal-to-proximal gradient, although the back was the most frequent location (64%). Exacerbating factors were fatigue, xerosis, sweating, hot temperature, and stress. Cold water was an alleviating factor.

Limitations: Recall bias associated with filling out the questionnaire, relatively small sample size, and the uncontrolled, retrospective nature of the study were limitations.

Conclusion: Pruritus occurs frequently in patients with SFN and could be recognized as a possible presenting symptom, especially if there are other sensory or autonomic symptoms.

Keywords: pruritus; questionnaire; sensory symptoms; small-fiber neuropathy.