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[Skin biopsy for quantification of intraepidermal nerve fibers]
S I Mellgren1, R Omdal, E Fosse
1Nevrologisk avdeling, Institutt for klinisk medisin, Universitetet i Tromsø 9037 Tromsø. nevrsim@rito.no
Background:
Skin biopsy for quantification of intraepidermal nerve fibre density has recently been introduced as a method for diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies. Immunostaining by antibody to protein gene product 9.5 has proved particularly useful because it selectively visualizes the epidermal nerve fibres.
Material And Methods:
We describe the procedure on the basis of relevant literature and our own experience. Results from investigations of 56 healthy individuals and three patients with small fibre involvement as part of their neuropathy are presented.
Results:
In the healthy individuals, the mean density of epidermal fibres was 12.4 (SD 4.6), median 11.3 and range 6.0-26.1. Three patients with small fibre neuropathy had low intraepidermal nerve fibre density.
Interpretation:
Skin biopsy for determination of intraepidermal nerve fibre density is a simple and non-painful procedure. Skin biopsies can be done repeatedly and may be used for the purpose of monitoring potential therapeutic agents.