Is sudoscan a reliable tool in detecting small fiber neuropathy in Parkinson’s disease patients?

Abstract

Aim: Previous studies have revealed uncertainties concerning the utility of sudoscan in identifying small fiber neuropathy in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Patients & methods: We searched for a significant reduction of electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) in 67 PD patients versus 66 controls with similar characteristics. We conducted analysis of the subgroups of PD patients without diabetes using sudoscan technology. Results: There is no discrimination between patients and controls relative to feet ESC, the modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale and/or Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. ESC in patients did not differ significantly according to the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score. The oldest PD patients with cardiovascular risk factors have more marked small fibers dysfunction. Conclusion: The sudoscan procedure did not show advantage in the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy. Its diagnostic value increases in some subgroups of patients with cardiovascular co-morbidity.