[Metabolic neuropathies: overview in 2011]

Abstract

Metabolic diseases constitute a frequent etiologic group of axonal and small-fiber neuropathies. Recent works in this field are dominated by diabetic neuropathy (clinical presentation, prognostic factors) because of its prevalence. Vitamin B12 deficiency aroused several studies in 2011. This renewed interest for this well known entity ensues from the lack of sensibility of its biological markers underestimating its prevalence, its clinical spectrum and therefore, access to its therapy. Finally, 2011 highlighted the growing interest of the measure of the intra-epidermic nerve fibers density by skin biopsy for some metabolic disorders such as infra-clinical hypothyroïdism, chronic renal failure or Fabry disease.