The impact of small fiber damage on somatosensory disturbances in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): A clinical, neurophysiological and skin biopsy study

Abstract

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common neurological manifestations of SLE. Though patients with SLE often complain about painful somatosensory disturbances, the prevalence and clinical impact of nociceptive small fibers damage have been poorly studied in this condition. Our prospective study aims at assessing how small fibers damage impacts on painful symptoms and at disclosing clinical and diagnostic variables associated to small fibers impairment in patients with SLE.