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Peripheral neuropathy in Behçet's disease.
Ahu Birol1, Sedat Ulkatan, Mukadder Koçak
1Kirikkale University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Kirikkale, Turkey.
The Journal of Dermatology
|July 6, 2004
Summary
Peripheral neuropathy in Behçet's disease (BD) often occurs without noticeable symptoms. This study found axonal polyneuropathy, primarily affecting lower extremities, even in patients without complaints.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic inflammatory disorder affecting various organs.
- While many organ systems are studied in BD, peripheral nervous system involvement remains under-documented.
- Neuropathic symptoms are not typically prominent in patients with Behçet's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of peripheral neuropathy in Behçet's disease patients.
- To determine if subclinical peripheral nerve dysfunction exists in BD patients without significant neuropathic complaints.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-six patients with Behçet's disease were evaluated in a dermatology outpatient clinic.
- Neurological examinations and Total Neuropathy Score (TNS) questionnaires were administered.
- Electrophysiological studies were conducted by a neurology specialist.
Main Results:
- Peripheral neuropathy was detected in Behçet's disease patients despite the absence of significant subjective complaints.
- The neuropathy was characterized as axonal type, distal polyneuropathy, predominantly affecting lower extremities.
- No predominant pattern of motor or sensory nerve involvement was identified.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical peripheral neuropathy is a notable complication of Behçet's disease.
- Axonal, distal polyneuropathy affecting lower extremities is characteristic.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of this underreported complication in BD.