%0 Journal Article
%T Clinical characterisation of sensory neuropathy with anti-FGFR3 autoantibodies.
%A Tholance Y
%A Moritz CP
%A Rosier C
%A Ferraud K
%A Lassablière F
%A Reynaud-Federspiel E
%A França MC
%A Martinez ARM
%A Camdessanché JP
%A Antoine JC
%A  
%J J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry
%V 91
%N 1
%D 01 2020
%M 31690697
%F 13.654
%R 10.1136/jnnp-2019-321849
%X Sensory neuropathies (SNs) are often classified as idiopathic even if immunological mechanisms can be suspected. Antibodies against the intracellular domain of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) possibly identify a subgroup of SN affecting mostly the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of anti-FGFR3 antibodies and the associated clinical pattern in a large cohort of patients with SN.<BR>A prospective, multicentric, European and Brazilian study included adults with pure SN. Serum anti-FGRF3 antibodies were analysed by ELISA. Detailed clinical and paraclinical data were collected for each anti-FGFR3-positive patient and as control for anti-FGFR3-negative patients from the same centres ('center-matched').<BR>Sixty-five patients out of 426 (15%) had anti-FGFR3 antibodies, which were the only identified autoimmune markers in 43 patients (66%). The neuropathy was non-length dependent in 89% and classified as sensory neuronopathy in 64%, non-length-dependent small fibre neuropathy in 17% and other neuropathy in 19%. Specific clinical features occurred after 5-6 years of evolution including frequent paresthesia, predominant clinical and electrophysiological involvement of the lower limbs, and a less frequent mixed large and small fibre involvement. Brazilians had a higher frequency of anti-FGFR3 antibodies than Europeans (36% vs 13%, p<0.001), and a more frequent asymmetrical distribution of symptoms (OR 169, 95% CI 3.4 to 8424).<BR>Anti-FGFR3 antibodies occur in a subgroup of SN probably predominantly affecting the DRG. Differences between Europeans and Brazilians could suggest involvement of genetic or environmental factors.