Longitudinal evaluation of polyneuropathy in Parkinson's disease.

Kwon EH, Bieber A, Schülken P, Müller K, Kühn E, Averdunk P, Kools S, Hilker L, Kirchgässler A, Ebner L, Ortmann L, Basner L, Steininger J, Kleinz T, Motte J, Fisse AL, Schneider-Gold C, Gold R, Scherbaum R, Muhlack S, Tönges L, Pitarokoili K.

J Neurol · 2024-07-26

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BackgroundIncreasing evidence indicates a higher prevalence of polyneuropathy (PNP) in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the involvement of large fiber neuropathy in PD still remains poorly understood. Given the lack of longitudinal data, we investigated the course of PNP associated with PD.MethodsIn total, 41 PD patients underwent comprehensive clinical evaluation including motor and non-motor assessments as well as nerve conduction studies at baseline and at 2 years of follow-up. The definition of PNP was based on electrophysiological standard criteria. Common causes of PNP were excluded.ResultsAt baseline, PNP was diagnosed in 65.85% of PD patients via electroneurography. Patients with PNP presented with higher age (p = 0.019) and PD motor symptom severity (UPDRS III; p ConclusionThe study confirms the high PNP rate in PD, and demonstrates a significant electrophysiological progression also involving nerves of the upper extremities. Longitudinal studies with larger cohorts are urgently needed and should elucidate the link between PD and PNP with the underlying pathomechanisms.

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