Sarcoidosis and pain caused by small-fiber neuropathy.
Heij. Lara L; Dahan. Albert A; Hoitsma. Elske E
Key Findings
- Small‑fiber neuropathy is a common, chronic pain problem in sarcoidosis patients.
- TNF‑α may be involved in the development of this neuropathy.
- ARA‑290 is a non‑hematopoietic erythropoietin analogue with strong anti‑inflammatory and tissue‑protective effects, proposed as a potential treatment.
Practical Outcomes
- At this stage there is no concrete dosing or protocol for ARA‑290 in sarcoidosis‑related neuropathy. Enthusiasts should view it as an experimental candidate and keep an eye out for upcoming clinical trial data before considering any off‑label use.
Summary
Sarcoidosis can lead to a painful nerve condition called small‑fiber neuropathy. The pain is often burning or shooting and can include abnormal sensations. Researchers think a protein called TNF‑α may play a role, and a new drug called ARA‑290 – a modified form of erythropoietin that reduces inflammation without affecting blood cells – looks promising, but no human trial results are reported yet.
Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory illness and small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) is one of the disabling and often chronic manifestations of the disease. SFN presents with peripheral pain and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. The character of the pain can be burning or shooting. Besides, allodynia and hyperesthesia can exist. Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of clinical features, in combination with abnormal specialized tests. The aim of treatment is often to reduce pain; however, total pain relieve is seldom achieved. The role of TNF-α in the pathogenesis of SFN in sarcoidosis appears interesting to explore. Novel therapeutic agents such as ARA 290, a nonhematopoietic erythropoietin analogue with potent anti-inflammatory and tissue protective properties, are interesting to explore in the treatment of SFN in sarcoidosis.
Study Information
pubmed
2012
2012-12-05T00:00:00.000Z
10.1155/2012/256024
43
68