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Neuropathy in rheumatoid arthritis
M Y Nadkar1, R Agarwal, R S Samant
1Rheumatology Clinic, TN Medical College and BYL Nair Ch. Hospital, Mumbai 400 008.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|February 28, 2001
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients often develop neuropathy, affecting one-third of those studied. Disease severity and specific markers did not predict neuropathy, which was commonly sensory-motor.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Limited Indian literature exists on rheumatoid neuropathy.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease.
- Neuropathy is a potential complication of RA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and pattern of neuropathy in Indian RA patients.
- To correlate neuropathy with RA disease parameters.
- To assess extra-articular involvement in RA patients with neuropathy.
Main Methods:
- 31 RA patients (ACR criteria) underwent electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCV).
- Routine laboratory and radiological assessments were performed.
- Extra-articular involvement was evaluated via ECG, PFTs, and ophthalmological exams.
Main Results:
- 10 of 31 RA patients (32%) had neuropathy (5 overt, 5 subclinical).
- Sensori-motor neuropathy was most common (6/10), often non-entrapment.
- Neuropathy correlated with longer RA duration (>2 years) and other extra-articular features.
Conclusions:
- Approximately one-third of RA patients exhibit neuropathy.
- Neuropathy in RA is not significantly correlated with disease activity, rheumatoid factor, or radiological/functional grades.
- Non-entrapment sensori-motor neuropathy is the predominant type observed in RA.