Ann Rehabil Med.  2014 Apr;38(2):249-255.

Assessment of Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Complain of Neurologic Symptoms

• Sim MK
• Kim DY
• Yoon J
• Park DH
• Kim YG

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) having neuropathic symptoms, and to investigate the relationship between electrophysiological findings of peripheral neuropathy and clinical findings of RA.
METHODS
Patients with a clinical diagnosis of RA and who had tingling or burning sensation in any extremity were electrophysiologically examined for evidence of peripheral neuropathy. Study parameters, including age, gender, laboratory parameters, duration of RA, and medication, were recorded. The symptoms and signs of neuropathy were quantified with the neuropathy symptom score, and the functional statuses of these patients were assessed.
RESULTS
Out of a total of 30 RA patients, 10 (33%) had peripheral neuropathy: 2 had bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), 5 had unilateral CTS, 1 had sensory polyneuropathy, and 2 had motor-sensory polyneuropathy. The mean ages of the patients with and without peripheral neuropathy were 69.4 and 56.5 years, respectively (p<0.05). A significant relationship was found between peripheral neuropathy and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody. However, no relationship was found between peripheral neuropathy and the type of medication, RA duration, the patients' functional status, neuropathic symptoms, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein values.
CONCLUSION
Neuropathic symptoms are common in RA patients, and it is difficult to distinguish peripheral neuropathy symptoms from those of arthritis. Patients with RA, particularly elderly patients and anti-CCP antibody positive patients who complain of neuropathic symptoms should undergo electrophysiological examination.

Keyword

Rheumatoid arthritis; Peripheral neuropathy; Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide

MeSH Terms

Aged
Arthritis
Arthritis, Rheumatoid*
Blood Sedimentation
Burns
C-Reactive Protein
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Diagnosis
Extremities
Humans
Neurologic Manifestations*
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases*
Polyneuropathies
Prevalence
Sensation
C-Reactive Protein

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