Differential involvement of myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers in painful diabetic polyneuropathy
Introduction We aimed at evaluating the differential involvement of large myelinated Aβ‐fibers, small myelinated Aδ‐ and unmyelinated C‐fibers in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and how they contribute to neuropathic pain.
Methods We collected clinical and diagnostic test variables in 133 consecutive patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. All patients underwent Aβ‐fiber mediated nerve conduction study, Aδ‐fiber mediated laser‐evoked potentials and skin biopsy mainly assessing unmyelinated C‐fibers.