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PRACA PRZEGLĄDOWA
Evaluating skin biopsy findings in fibromyalgia: a systematic review
1
Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Marciniak Lower Silesian Specialist Hospital, Emergency Medicine Center, Wroclaw, Poland
2
Department of Non-Surgical Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland
Data nadesłania: 14-07-2025
Data ostatniej rewizji: 08-08-2025
Data akceptacji: 26-08-2025
Data publikacji online: 15-01-2026
Autor do korespondencji
Natalia Bejm
Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Marciniak Lower Silesian Specialist Hospital, Emergency Medicine Center, Wrocław, Poland / Oddział Reumatologii i Chorób Wewnętrznych, Dolnośląski Szpital Specjalistyczny im. T. Marciniaka – Centrum Medycyny Ratunkowej, Wrocław, Polska.
Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Marciniak Lower Silesian Specialist Hospital, Emergency Medicine Center, Wrocław, Poland / Oddział Reumatologii i Chorób Wewnętrznych, Dolnośląski Szpital Specjalistyczny im. T. Marciniaka – Centrum Medycyny Ratunkowej, Wrocław, Polska.
SŁOWA KLUCZOWE
DZIEDZINY
STRESZCZENIE
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often involving a neuropathic component. While pathophysiology remains vague, increasing evidence suggests that small fiber pathology (SFP) may be present in a significant subset of patients, indicating a peripheral nervous system contribution. This systematic review aims to evaluate the utility of skin biopsy as a diagnostic tool for patients with FMS, with special focus on SFP. A comprehensive database search was conducted to identify studies assessing intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) via skin biopsy in individuals diagnosed with FMS. The included studies demonstrated a reduction in IENFD in a substantial proportion of FMS patients, with reported prevalence ranging widely from 30% to over 85%. Small fiber pathology occurs in a significant proportion of individuals with FMS. Skin biopsy emerges as a valuable diagnostic tool. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanism of SFP in FMS.
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