Small fiber abnormalities in skin biopsies of patients with benign fasciculations.

Overview

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients with benign fasciculations have evidence for axonal loss in skin biopsies. METHODS: Epidermal sensory and sweat gland nerve fiber densities were quantified in skin biopsies of 11 patients with benign fasciculations and no other known cause for neuropathy. RESULTS: Nine of the 11 patients (82%) had significantly reduced epidermal or sweat gland nerve fiber densities at the calf or thigh, in comparison with control values. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of reduced epidermal and sweat gland nerve fiber density indicates the presence of axonal loss in patients with benign fasciculations.