The incidental finding of elevated anti GQ1B antibodies in a patient with selective small fiber neuropathy.

Abstract

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) selectively affects small diameter sensory and/or autonomic axons. Pain and autonomic dysfunctions are the most common symptoms. SFN occurs in several autoimmune diseases and autoantibodies against neuronal proteins may play a role in SFN pathophysiology. Anti-GQ1b antibody has been associated with Miller Fisher syndrome, Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis, acute ophthalmoplegia, pharyngeal-cervical-brachial weakness and peripheral neuropathy involving large fibers. Isolated SFN associated with anti-GQ1b antibodies has not been previously reported. Here we report a 45-year-old woman presenting with highly positive anti-GQ1b titer and selective SFN without central nervous system or peripheral large nerve involvement. She improved upon administration of adalizumab. Further studies will clarify a possible pathogenetic role of antiganglioside antibodies in SFN. Moreover, the recognition of antiganglioside antibodies in SFN may have therapeutic consequences with patients who would benefit from immunotherapy.

• Authors: Valentina Favoni, Rocco Liguori, Alex Incensi, Enrico Fileccia, Vincenzo Donadio
• Journal: Journal of the neurological sciences (J Neurol Sci) Vol. 388 Pg. 192-194 (05 15 2018) ISSN: 1878-5883 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 29627021 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Letter)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Autoantibodies
• Biomarkers
• Gangliosides
• Immunoglobulin M
• GQ1b ganglioside

Topics

• Autoantibodies (metabolism)
• Biomarkers (metabolism)
• Female
• Gangliosides (immunology)
• Humans
• Immunoglobulin M (metabolism)
• Incidental Findings
• Middle Aged
• Small Fiber Neuropathy (diagnosis, drug therapy, immunology, pathology)