Small fiber neuropathy: Swiss cohort characterization.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited clinical and epidemiological data exist for small fiber neuropathy (SFN).
• Understanding SFN's epidemiology, demographics, and clinical features is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze SFN epidemiology, demographics, clinical characteristics, and etiology.
• To determine the incidence and prevalence of SFN in Switzerland.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, observational study of patients diagnosed with SFN.
• Data collected from November 2016 to July 2019 at Cantonal Hospital Lucerne.
• Inclusion criteria: typical SFN clinical features, normal nerve conduction studies, abnormal epidermal nerve fiber density.

Main Results:

• 84 patients analyzed (64.3% female, mean age 54.7 years).
• Average symptom duration of 4.8 years; 79.8% showed length-dependent pattern.
• 35.7% idiopathic SFN, 34.5% autoimmune SFN, 14.3% metabolic causes.
• Incidence: at least 4.4 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year; Prevalence: minimum 131.5 cases/100,000 inhabitants.

Conclusions:

• SFN has significant incidence and prevalence in Switzerland.
• Etiology identified in two-thirds of patients; idiopathic SFN remains a major challenge.
• Increased awareness and further research on SFN etiology are needed.