The influence of isolated small nerve fibre dysfunction on microvascular control in patients with diabetes mellitus

Aim The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of isolated small nerve fibre dysfunction on microvascular skin blood flow and transcutaneous oxygen tension in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods  Small nerve fibre dysfunction was assessed by the measurement of thermal and pain perception thresholds. Patients with evidence of large fibre disturbances as evaluated by means of vibration perception threshold were excluded from the study. Microvascular blood flow was investigated with laser-Doppler-fluxmetry (LDF) following stimulation with acetylcholine and mild thermal injury. Results  Diabetic patients with small nerve fibre injury showed a significantly reduced increase in th…