Abstract
Idiopathic small fiber neuropathy (iSFN) lacks broadly accepted diagnostic criteria, which hinders its timely diagnosis and treatment. A systematic literature review was performed to assess the published screening and diagnostic criteria for iSFN, excluding studies where SFN was of well-established etiology. Eighty-four clinical studies and seven guideline/review publications were included in this systematic review. Substantial heterogeneity existed in iSFN diagnostic criteria. The most common set of criteria to diagnose iSFN [presence of any symptoms of iSFN, absence of large fiber involvement, and reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD)] was used in only 14% of studies. Mandatory individual criteria to confirm iSFN included any sensory symptoms (60% of studies), pain (19% of studies), small fiber signs (20% of studies), absence of large fiber signs (62% of studies), reduced IENFD (38% of studies), and autonomic symptoms (1% of studies). This review highlights a clear need for standardized, evidence-based guidelines for diagnosing iSFN.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 170-177 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Muscle and Nerve |
Volume | 63 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2021 |
Keywords
- SFN
- diagnostic criteria
- idiopathic small fiber neuropathy
- neuropathic pain
- peripheral neuropathy
- small fiber neuropathy