Peripheral neuropathy in scleroderma

Muscle Nerve. 2003 Sep;28(3):330-5. doi: 10.1002/mus.10439.

Abstract

Because patients with scleroderma report neuropathic symptoms including numbness, paresthesias, and dysesthesias, we assessed peripheral nerve function in such patients. Fourteen scleroderma patients underwent complete neurologic examination, nerve conduction studies (NCS) and quantitative sensory testing (QST). Neurologic examination revealed reduced vibration (7) or pinprick (4) sensation in the upper or lower extremities, focal atrophy or proximal weakness (2), and decreased deep tendon reflexes (2). NCS showed reduced sensory nerve action potentials (1) and carpal tunnel syndrome (1). QST of the upper and lower extremity revealed increased cold or vibration detection thresholds in 8 of 14 patients. Our findings suggest that peripheral neuropathy occurs in patients with scleroderma at a higher frequency than previously appreciated. These findings cannot be ascribed to compression neuropathies, but rather involve large and small fibers in a non-length-dependent fashion. Larger, prospective studies using the more sensitive QST as well as pathologic studies of nerve, including cutaneous innervation, are needed to further assess the characteristics and etiology of the neuropathy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Muscle Weakness / physiopathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / innervation
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Muscular Atrophy / etiology
  • Muscular Atrophy / physiopathology
  • Nerve Fibers / pathology
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Peripheral Nerves / immunology
  • Peripheral Nerves / physiopathology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Reflex, Stretch / physiology
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / complications*
  • Somatosensory Disorders / diagnosis
  • Somatosensory Disorders / etiology
  • Somatosensory Disorders / physiopathology
  • Wallerian Degeneration / etiology
  • Wallerian Degeneration / physiopathology