Background: Small-Fiber-Neuropathy describes the degeneration of mildly or unmyelinated nerve fibers and causes neuropathic pain and autonomic dysfunction. Gold standard for the diagnosis is a small skin punch biopsy from the lower leg and the histological quantification of the intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD). In children, the normal IENFD has not been systematically assessed and normal reference values are needed. In Parkinson´s disease, the neurodegeneration also affects the peripheral nerves and SFN is present already in the early stages. Whether neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in childhood are likewise associated with SFN is largely unknown. The IENFD is age-dependent and declines with age. Aims: In this study, we are establishing the reference values for the physiological IENFD in children from 0-18 years. Moreover, we are investigating if children with NDDs have a reduced IENFD and if SFN is a clinically relevant cause of pain and autonomic dysfunction.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Part 1 - Cutoff for reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) in children
Timeframe: 2 years
Part 2 - Proportion of children with reduced IENFD among children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
Timeframe: 2 years