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

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.