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Assessment of small sensory fiber function in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Author(s) -
BolandFreitas Robert,
Ng Karl
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.26673
Subject(s) - myotonic dystrophy , medicine , subclinical infection , sensory system , quantitative sensory testing , peripheral neuropathy , nerve fiber , sensory threshold , diabetes mellitus , endocrinology , anatomy , neuroscience , biology , psychology , cognitive science
Abstract Background Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystem disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system. However, studies evaluating somatic small fiber sensory nerve function, which may contribute to pain in DM1, are lacking. Methods Using quantitative sensory testing of the hand and foot, we evaluated Aδ and C‐fiber function. Of 20 adult DM1 patients recruited, 16 were analyzed. Their results were compared with those of 32 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Results No DM1 patient had diabetes mellitus or clinical evidence of small fiber neuropathy. In DM1, hand ( P < .01) and foot ( P = 0.02) warm detection thresholds were higher than those of controls. Cool detection thresholds were lower in the foot ( P < .001). Conclusions Subclinical small sensory fiber dysfunction occurs in DM1 patients without large fiber neuropathy. Further research with other modalities is required to characterize these disturbances as disease modifying therapies are developed.