title: Intraepidermal Nerve Fiber Density: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Relevance in the Management of Chronic Pruritus: a Review.
abstract: In recent years, measurement of the intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) density has gained relevance in the diagnostics of chronic pruritus. This method allows the objectification and quantification of a small-fiber neuropathy, which may manifest clinically with pruritus, pain or dysesthetic sensory symptoms, such as burning, stinging and tingling sensations or numbness. Upon suspicion of a small-fiber neuropathy as a cause for chronic pruritus, targeted diagnostic procedures are essential for the early detection of the neuroanatomical changes. After a punch biopsy of the lower leg, the obtained tissue undergoes an immunofluorescence staining process with a primary antibody against the protein gene product 9.5. The IENFs can thus be detected and are quantified according to pre-determined guidelines based on an international consensus. In addition to morphological changes, functional impairment of small-fibers can be assessed using quantitative sensory testing by assessing detection and pain thresholds of various thermal and mechanic modalities. This method, however, is time-consuming and requires a specialized investigator, and thus it is not routinely used in the diagnostic investigation of chronic pruritus. Diagnosing a small-fiber neuropathy underlying chronic pruritus has therapeutic relevance. If possible, the underlying cause of the neuropathy should be treated. Alternatively, symptomatic therapy options include topical (capsaicin) and systemic (anticonvulsants and/or antidepressants) agents. Chronification processes may lead to refractory pruritus, and thus treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. The aim of this review is to present and discuss the measurement of the IENF density as a diagnostic tool and its role in the management of patients with chronic pruritus. A brief case report is presented to better illustrate the role of this diagnostic method in the clinical setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 58, 48149, Münster, Germany. ManuelPedro.FernandesLoboPereira@ukmuenster.de.
authors.forename: Manuel P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 58, 48149, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mühl
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, A1, 48149, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Esther M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Pogatzki-Zahn
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 58, 48149, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Konstantin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Agelopoulos
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 58, 48149, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Sonja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ständer
keywords: Anticonvulsants; Capsaicin; Case report; Chronic pruritus; Corneal confocal microscopy; Intraepidermal nerve fiber density; Neuropathic pruritus; Quantitative sensory testing; Review; Small fiber neuropathy