Diseases which cause generalized peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gastroenterology
• Pathology

Background:

• Peripheral autonomic neuropathy, including enteric neuropathy, often presents subtly and can go undiagnosed for years.
• Diagnosing enteric neuropathy typically requires invasive procedures like full-thickness bowel biopsy.
• Simultaneous occurrence of different neuropathy types may aid in earlier detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To increase awareness of disease groups associated with autonomic and enteric neuropathy alongside sensorimotor neuropathy.
• To explore if recognizing co-occurring neuropathies can expedite diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science.
• Initial search yielded 4978 articles; refined to 35 studies describing co-occurring peripheral autonomic, enteric, and sensorimotor neuropathy.

Main Results:

• Diabetes is a leading cause of generalized peripheral neuropathy.
• Other causes include amyloidosis, Lewy body disorders, sarcoidosis, autoimmune disorders (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis), paraneoplastic syndromes, infections (e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome), and hereditary metabolic disorders.

Conclusions:

• Major causes of generalized peripheral neuropathy include diabetes, tissue deposit diseases, autoimmunity, infections, malignancy, and metabolic diseases.
• Awareness of these associated conditions is crucial for timely diagnosis of autonomic and enteric neuropathy.