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Sympathetic skin response (SSR) in erythromelalgia
B Kazemi1, S M Jazayeri Shooshtari, M R Vafaii Nasab
1Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 71345-1733, Bahonar Post Office, Shiraz, Iran. Bkazemi@hotmail.com
Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology
|April 26, 2003
Summary
Erythromelalgia (EM) involves the sympathetic nervous system, specifically C fibers. This study found abnormal sympathetic skin response (SSR) in over 72% of EM patients, suggesting a link to the disease
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Background:
- Erythromelalgia (EM) presents as severe extremity pain, redness, and heat.
- Symptoms intensify with heat/lowering and decrease with cold/elevation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sympathetic nervous system involvement in erythromelalgia.
- Utilized the sympathetic skin response (SSR) test to assess this involvement.
Main Methods:
- Conducted between 1998-2000 at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.
- Performed SSR tests on 22 erythromelalgia patients and 22 age/sex-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in SSR findings were observed between patients and controls (P = 0.000).
- Over 72.7% of erythromelalgia patients exhibited abnormal SSR results, particularly in lower extremities.
Conclusions:
- Sympathetic peripheral fibers (C fibers) are implicated in erythromelalgia.
- This involvement is likely a key factor in the pathogenesis of the disease.