Dr. Barbara Namer, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Erlangen, Universitätsstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany. Tel: +(49)9131-85-22796; Fax: +(49)9131-85-22497; E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author

Andreas Bickel,

Andreas Bickel

Department of Neurology

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Gisela Heyer,

Gisela Heyer

Department of Dermatology

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Christine Senger,

Christine Senger

Department of Neurology

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Christian Maihoefner,

Christian Maihoefner

Department of Neurology

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Dieter Heuss,

Dieter Heuss

Department of Neurology

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Max J. Hilz,

Max J. Hilz

Department of Neurology

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Barbara Namer,

Corresponding Author

Barbara Namer

Department of Physiology I, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany

First published: 16 December 2009

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8027.2009.00241.x

Citations: 21

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Abstract

Abstract The size of the neurogenic axon reflex flare (ARFS) has been proposed to serve as a non-invasive measure of C-fiber neuropathies. This idea is based on the observation that ARFS is often reduced in patients with small-fiber neuropathies. In this study, we compared ARFS and electrically evoked axon reflex sweating with intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENF) in patients with peripheral neuropathy in order to validate these methods against an objective standard method of diagnosing small-fiber neuropathy. ARFS was significantly correlated with IENF, while axon reflex sweating was not correlated to IENF. We conclude that measurement of ARFS is a potential objective non-invasive diagnostic tool for analysis of C-fiber function in patients with small-fiber neuropathies.

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Volume14, Issue4

December 2009

Pages 294-299

C-fiber axon reflex flare size correlates with epidermal nerve fiber density in human skin biopsies

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C-fiber axon reflex flare size correlates with epidermal nerve fiber density in human skin biopsies

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