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Summary
In older adults over 65, common causes of polyneuropathies include diabetes, neoplasms, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. A significant portion of cases (72%) had an identifiable cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Polyneuropathies are common in the elderly population.
- Electrophysiological confirmation is crucial for diagnosing polyneuropathies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the common causes of electrophysiologically confirmed polyneuropathies in patients over 65.
- To determine the proportion of idiopathic polyneuropathies in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 74 patients aged 65 and above.
- Inclusion criteria: electrophysiologically confirmed polyneuropathies.
- Analysis of identified causes for polyneuropathy.
Main Results:
- Diabetes was the most frequent cause (27%).
- Neoplasms (13%) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (11%) were also significant causes.
- An identifiable cause was found in 72% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes, neoplasms, and Guillain-Barré syndrome are leading causes of polyneuropathy in older adults.
- Idiopathic polyneuropathy is less common than previously thought in this demographic.
- Comprehensive etiological investigation is warranted for elderly patients with polyneuropathy.