One quick in-office procedure can provide a definitive diagnosis, allowing for effective treatment and symptom relief
Have patients complained of burning pain, tingling, numbness, or a pins and needles feeling of the lower extremity?
This could be an indication of small fiber peripheral neuropathy[1] (SFPN), a condition that can be definitively confirmed with a quick, in-office punch biopsy procedure and epidermal nerve fiber density (ENFD) analysis.
“For the early detection of small fiber peripheral neuropathy, ENFD analysis is the best objective tool,” says Dr. Wayne L. Bakotic, Medical Director at BakoDx. “The ENFD diagnostic test allows for the confirmation of SFPN, the assessment of the degree and severity, and determination of effective treatment.”
During ENFD analysis, a specially trained pathologist calculates the density per unit area and quantifies the tiny myelinated A-delta and unmyelinated C fibers within the epidermis. This highly specific and sensitive testing method allows clinicians to definitively diagnose suspected SFPN.
This in-office procedure is a minimally invasive, 3mm punch biopsy of the distal leg (10cm proximal to the lateral malleolus). It typically takes about five minutes, with little to no post-procedure care. The ENFD test is reimbursable by most insurance companies.
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Neuropathy is complex
While peripheral neuropathy affects about 20 million adults in the U.S.[2], it is often misdiagnosed with large fiber neuropathy due to its complex array of symptoms, both somatic and autonomic. Patients with SFPN will often have normal reflexes, muscle strength and electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test results.
SFPN usually affects the hands and/or feet in a stocking or glove-like pattern.[3] A patient may present with symptoms that range from burning and tingling, to coolness and numbness. This form of neuropathy often occurs secondary to diseases such as diabetes mellitus or it may be an indication of other autoimmune disorders.
Other patient presentations may include:
- Restless leg syndrome
- Abnormalities in sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Inability to sweat normally (anhidrosis)
But because these presentations are not always SFPN, identifying the precise form of neuropathy allows for the most effective treatment method.
ENFD test benefits
ENFD is a powerful tool that provides the most objective method of documenting and monitoring the progression of SFPN. Early ENFD testing may also reveal degenerative changes, so that patients are placed on preventative therapies prior to the onset of symptoms.
Once the diagnosis of SFPN is confirmed, there are several medical treatments that may provide relief, depending on the type of nerve damage. Therapy to treat the symptoms and underlying causes of the neuropathy could include diet/lifestyle modifications, supplements, or topical medications. However, because SFPN has many causes, no product works for everyone.
Studies show that dietary supplements, such as NeuRx-TF, containing Alpha-Lipoic Acid[4] (600mg daily) Benfotiamine[5] (600mg daily), may be helpful in some cases to diminish symptoms of neuropathy and improve epidermal nerve health. Investigators also have noted a benefit to using combination therapy that includes L-methylfolate, methylcobalamin and pyridoxal 5’-phosphate[6].
ENFD retesting at future intervals, between six-to-12 months, may also help to assess the disease progression or regression and the therapy effectiveness over time. An accurate and definitive diagnosis of SFPN provides improved patient care and allows for appropriate neuropathy management.
“My patients have seen a drastic improvement in their quality of life through providing ENFD analysis and subsequent treatment,” said Lilly Khavari, DPM, a Texas-based physician-owner. “Your patients will love you for offering this test.”
[1] Hovaguimian A, Gibbons CH. Diagnosis and treatment of pain in small-fiber neuropathy. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2011 Jun;15(3):193-200. doi: 10.1007/s11916-011-0181-7. PMID: 21286866; PMCID: PMC3086960.
[2] Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Ninds.nih.gov. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Peripheral-Neuropathy-Fact-Sheet. Published 2020. Accessed August 20, 2020.
[3] Cascio MA, Mukhdomi T. Small Fiber Neuropathy. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; May 23, 2022.
[4] Ziegler D, Low PA, Litchy WJ, et al. Efficacy and safety of antioxidant treatment with α-lipoic acid over 4 years in diabetic polyneuropathy: the NATHAN 1 trial. Diabetes Care. 2011;34(9):2054-2060. doi:10.2337/dc11-0503
[5] Luong KV, Nguyen LT. The impact of thiamine treatment in the diabetes mellitus. J Clin Med Res. 2012;4(3):153-160. doi:10.4021/jocmr890w
[6] Walker MJ Jr, Morris LM, Cheng D. Improvement of cutaneous sensitivity in diabetic peripheral neuropathy with combination L-methylfolate, methylcobalamin, and pyridoxal 5′-phosphate. Rev Neurol Dis. 2010;7(4):132-139.