100 Results Patient characteristics Figure 3 shows an overview of the inclusion process. A total of 117 participants were included in this study. In 31 patients with sarcoidosis (26%), the diagnosis of established SFN was based on symptoms of SFN, clinical signs, normal nerve conduction studies and at least two abnormal QST parameters of the feet.4 In 17 patients with sarcoidosis, symptoms and clinical signs of SFN, no abnormalities in QST and/or SFNSL could be found (15%). Twenty-five patients with symptoms of SFN show no clinical signs of SFN and were therefore combined with patients without symptoms of SFN (42%) into the group sarcoidosis patients without clinical signs of SFN. A total of 20 healthy controls were included and all met the inclusion criteria (17%). Figure 3 Inclusion and exclusion process; vitamin B12 levels were decreased in 1 patient, nerve conduction velocity was decreased in 4 patients, 1 patient refused the visit due to an impractical combination of eye drops during a working day, and 1 patient was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis. 117 participants were eligible for inclusion. Table 1 provides additional information on patient characteristics. The mean SFNSL-score was significantly higher in patients with established SFN (p<0.001). SFNSL score was 44 in patients with sarcoidosis and established SFN, 35 in sarcoidosis patients with probable SFN, 25 in sarcoidosis patients without SFN and 3 in healthy controls. The mean age of the patients was 52±10 years and slightly more men were included (58%). 6 105 6
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