Neurophysiological assessment of peripheral neuropathy in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Abstract

Peripheral nervous system complications are rare in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. We investigated a group of six women aged 43-64 years who complained of pain and sensory symptoms. Conventional neurophysiological tests reflecting large nerve fiber function revealed normal motor conduction in all patients, whereas sensory nerve action potentials were absent in two. On the other hand, quantitative thermometry and autonomic nerve function tests indicating small nerve fiber function were more sensitive in the assessment of nerve dysfunction; these showed abnormalities in all cases. Vibrametry showed dysfunctions in four patients. The latter methods possess great sensitivity in discovering sensory disturbances. Neurophysiological assessment of the sensory and autonomic nervous system demonstrating sensory neuropathy contributes to early diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome.