Small Fiber Assessment by Cutaneous Silent Period

• Conditions: Small Fiber Neuropathy

• Registration Number: NCT04863820
• Lead Sponsor: Cairo University

Brief Summary

Our primary objective in this study is to investigate the cutaneous silent period (CSP) in normal subjects in the Egyptian population, as it was not carried out before in Egypt. The aim was to carry out the test in our unit to study the appropriate method, technique, and parameters of this new test so that we can apply it in future research. In addition, to obtain preliminary normative data of the test; onset latency, end latency, duration, and latency difference (LD) of CSP, as well as assess the effect of age, height, upper limb length, and gender on CSP values.

Detailed Description

Nerve conduction studies performed routinely in electromyoneurography laboratories deal mainly with large myelinated fast conducting nerve fibers. A reliable method allowing the study of small peripheral nerve fibers (Aδ \& C) would be of interest (Jovita et al., 2006). As they are initially affected and maybe the earliest exhibited sign of neuropathy.

In recent years, the cutaneous silent period (CSP) has received increased attention in health and disease. The CSP is an inhibitory spinal reflex that appears following strong electrical stimulation of the cutaneous nerve and causes suppression of voluntary muscular contraction for a certain period of time (Kofler et al., 2019). This action presents a reciprocal action to the nociceptive flexor withdrawal response (FWR) which serves as an 'excitatory reflex' increasing activity in primary flexor muscles. When taken into context, the interplay between the CSP and FWR can clearly be seen.

The evaluation of the CSP represents a useful electrophysiological method for investigating the function of small fibers by using standard electromyography equipment (Eckert et al., 2018).

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2021-04
• Study First Submitted: 2021-04-14
• Study First Submitted QC: 2021-04-24
• Last Update Submitted: 2021-04-24
• Study Start: 2021-04-27
• Study First Posted: 2021-04-28
• Last Update Posted: 2021-04-28
• Primary Completion: 2021-06-30
• Study Completion: 2021-10-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 64

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Normative parameters of cutaneous silent period of the median, ulnar , and sural nerves (measured in milli second)	1 year	establishing Normative of CSP enables the diagnosis of small fiber neuriopathy in the future The CSP parameters include: CSP onset latency,CSP end latency, and CSP duration (measured in ms; milli second)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Medicine; 🇪🇬 Cairo, Egypt