Clinical Information

Background information: Peripheral neuropathies (PNs) are a group of neurological disorders affecting one or more of the peripheral nerves (1,2). Causes of PN include nerve compression, genetic mutations, inflammation, metabolic abnormalities, vitamin deficiencies, exposure to toxins or drugs, or the presence of autoimmune antibodies (1). Symptoms of PN vary based on location and mechanism of nerve damage but can include sensory impairment, distal weakness, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and pain (1,2). PNs are typically classified based on the types of nerves affected, predominantly motor, predominantly sensory, or a combination of both (2).

IgG and more commonly IgM Antibodies to sulfatide have been associated with sensory and sensory-motor neuropathies sometimes accompanied by pain (3,4,5). Additionally, IgG anti-sulfatide antibodies have been associated with distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP) in individuals with HIV (6).