FGFR3 Antibodies in Neuropathy: What to Do With Them?. Issue 1 (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Samara, Verena; Sampson, Jacinda; Muppidi, Srikanth
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical neuromuscular disease. Volume 20:Issue 1(2018:Sep.)
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: sensory neuropathy -- idiopathic neuropathy -- FGFR3 antibodies -- autoimmune neuropathies; Neuromuscular diseases -- Periodicals; 616.744005
• DOI: 10.1097/CND.0000000000000221
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1522-0443

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To describe the variability of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) antibody titers in a small series of patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients with neuropathy and positive FGFR3 antibodies. Results: We report 7 patients (3 women) with an age range 44–81 years. Symptoms were acute onset in 3 and subacute onset in 4 patients. Five had neuropathic pain. Examination revealed normal large fiber function to mild/moderate predominantly sensory neuropathy and ataxia in one patient. Electrodiagnostic studies revealed normal large fiber function (3), demyelinating neuropathy (1), and mild/moderate axonal neuropathy (3). Four patients had high and 3 patients had low FGFR3 titers. Repeat testing revealed absence of antibodies in 2 patients and a significant reduction in one patient without any intervening immunotherapy. Conclusions: Our case series highlights the variability and inconsistency in FGFR3 antibody titers through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing. These antibody titers should always be interpreted with caution in clinical context.