Assessment of Small Fiber Neuropathy in Rare Diseases Using Sudoscan

Massachusetts General Hospital102 enrolled

Overview

Sudoscan™ (Impeto Medical, Paris France) uses electrochemical skin conductance as a novel noninvasive method to detect sudomotor dysfunction. Several small studies have recently shown that Sudoscan use in the assessment of small fiber polyneuropathy (in diabetes mellitus) can be performed non-invasively, quickly and effectively. The investigators aim to study the use of Sudoscan in rare disease condition associated with small fiber polyneuropathy.

Small fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN) is diagnosed through a combination of symptoms, signs and confirmatory diagnostic testing. Nerve conduction studies are not sensitive enough in most of the cases leaving the ankle skin biopsy with measurement of intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) as the main diagnostic tool. Despite its utility and reproducibility, skin biopsy is invasive, expensive and requires a central laboratory for processing and interpretation. Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing (QSART) is also routinely used for evaluation of small fiber neuropathy as sudomotor axons can also be involved. This test however remains technically challenging and requires testing conditions in specialized labs that are not always suitable for all patients' population. By comparing findings on skin biopsy and/or QSRT, accepted gold standard for diagnosing SFPN, the investigators seek to find faster, less-invasive ways to diagnose and monitor small-fiber polyneuropathy in rare diseases using Sudoscan measurement.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

DIAGNOSTIC

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

102

Conditions

Small Fiber Neuropathy

Interventions

SudoscanDEVICE

The Sudoscan is a non invasive procedure and similar to standing on a scale to be weighed. Sudoscan measurements are made in compliance with the manufacturer's recommended procedures. The measurement is rapid and non-invasive, and requires no advance preparation.

Skin biopsyPROCEDURE

For subjects that give additional consent, skin biopsy will be done in standard fashion under sterile conditions. Assessment of nerve fiber density typically involves a 3-mm punch biopsy of skin from the leg (10 cm above the external malleolus).

QSARTPROCEDURE

QSRT (quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test) testing involves having a technician wipe the subject's arms and leg with alcohol, then tissue to wipe it dry. Electrodes filled with acetylcholine are put on three areas of the leg and one on the wrist, stimulators are turned on and sweat responses are measured.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 8 YearsMax age: 70 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females with confirmed disease: Fabry (by GLA enzymes and/or DNA testing) naïve and on ERT, Mitochondrial diseases (electron transport chain and/or DNA testing) or connective tissue diseases (clinical criteria and/or DNA testing when available) * Consenting adults (18 years and older) who agrees and consents to skin biopsy and QSART procedure Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects with cognitive, psychiatric, or other problems that preclude informed consent. * Patients with history of glucose intolerance or diabetes. * Patient on chemotherapy * People with any open or bleeding wounds at any sensor plate contact surface location * People with any type of implantable device * People with missing hand(s) and/or leg(s) * Pregnant women or women who are uncertain about a possible pregnancy * Patients sensitive to chemicals used to induce sweating * Patients with heat intolerance * Patients with bleeding disorders * Patients on current anticoagulant therapy * Patients with keloids on the intended biopsy site * People with hypersensitivity to local amide-type anesthetics

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Number of Patients With Abnormal Electrochemical Skin Conductance in the Different Study Groups Who Have Clinical Symptoms Consistent With Small Fiber Polyneuropathy.

The internal software of the Sudoscan will allow analysis of skin conductance in all patients and quantification into normal or abnormal. Correlation of an abnormal conductance measurement with clinical symptoms and signs of small fiber neuropathy will be evaluated for accuracy of Sudoscan measurements

Time frame: 12 months

Secondary Outcomes

Number of Patients in Whom a Specific Skin Conductance (ESC) Signature Pattern Was Detected in the Hands and/or Feet on Sudoscan Measurements.

Distribution of the electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) in both hands and feet was reviewed as an indirect measure of the subject's capacity to sweat. Normative scales of adult sweat function are preloaded in the device and compared to actual measurements to determine if a subject's sweat response is reduced, which is associated with neuropathy. A positive outcome is the identification of a lower ESC in either hands or feet that distinguishes Fabry disease from other disorders and would be a reflection of the presence of SFPN.

Time frame: 48 months