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open access

Vol 57, No 2 (2023)
Research Paper
Submitted: 2022-09-24
Accepted: 2023-01-20
Published online: 2023-03-14
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Prevalence of polyneuropathies among systemic sclerosis patients and impact on health-related quality of life

Kristīne Ivanova12, Daniils Žukovs12, Evelīna Možeitoviča1, Dmitrijs Rots1, Nataļja Kurjāne12, Viktorija Ķēniņa12
DOI: 10.5603/PJNNS.a2023.0018
·
Pubmed: 36916493
·
Neurol Neurochir Pol 2023;57(2):206-211.
Affiliations
  1. Riga Stradins, Riga, Latvia
  2. Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia

open access

Vol 57, No 2 (2023)
Research papers
Submitted: 2022-09-24
Accepted: 2023-01-20
Published online: 2023-03-14

Abstract

Introduction. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic rheumatic disease that affects multiple organ systems, including the peripheral nervous system. However, studies into the involvement of polyneuropathies (PNP) have shown inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of small (SFN) and large (LFN) fibre neuropathy among SSc patients and the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Material and methods. The study enrolled 67 patients with diagnosed SSc. The severity of neuropathic symptoms was evaluated using shortened and revised total neuropathy scoring criteria. Nerve conduction studies were used for LFN, and quantitative sensory testing was used to evaluate SFN. Neuropathic pain was evaluated using a Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questionnaire, and the severity of anxiety symptoms was assessed using a Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 scale. The Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index was used to assess HRQoL. Previous data on antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA) test results was obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results. LFN was diagnosed in 47.8% (n = 32/67) and SFN in 40.3% (n = 27/67) of the subjects. ANA positivity was not associated with the presence of LFN/SFN. The severity of neuropathic pain had a significant correlation with anxiety symptoms (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), the severity of neuropathy symptoms (r = 0.51, p < 0.001) and HRQoL (r = 0.45, p < 0.001). The severity of neuropathy symptoms correlated with HRQoL (r = 0.39, p = 0.001).

Conclusions. We demonstrated that PNP are found in almost all SSc patients. Also, SFN is as common as LFN. Additionally, we found that the severity of neuropathy symptoms and neuropathic pain are both associated with a worse HRQoL.

Abstract

Introduction. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic rheumatic disease that affects multiple organ systems, including the peripheral nervous system. However, studies into the involvement of polyneuropathies (PNP) have shown inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of small (SFN) and large (LFN) fibre neuropathy among SSc patients and the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Material and methods. The study enrolled 67 patients with diagnosed SSc. The severity of neuropathic symptoms was evaluated using shortened and revised total neuropathy scoring criteria. Nerve conduction studies were used for LFN, and quantitative sensory testing was used to evaluate SFN. Neuropathic pain was evaluated using a Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questionnaire, and the severity of anxiety symptoms was assessed using a Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 scale. The Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index was used to assess HRQoL. Previous data on antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA) test results was obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results. LFN was diagnosed in 47.8% (n = 32/67) and SFN in 40.3% (n = 27/67) of the subjects. ANA positivity was not associated with the presence of LFN/SFN. The severity of neuropathic pain had a significant correlation with anxiety symptoms (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), the severity of neuropathy symptoms (r = 0.51, p < 0.001) and HRQoL (r = 0.45, p < 0.001). The severity of neuropathy symptoms correlated with HRQoL (r = 0.39, p = 0.001).

Conclusions. We demonstrated that PNP are found in almost all SSc patients. Also, SFN is as common as LFN. Additionally, we found that the severity of neuropathy symptoms and neuropathic pain are both associated with a worse HRQoL.

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Keywords

systemic sclerosis, large fibre neuropathy, small fibre neuropathy, neuropathic pain, anxiety, health-related quality of life

About this article
Title

Prevalence of polyneuropathies among systemic sclerosis patients and impact on health-related quality of life

Journal

Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska

Issue

Vol 57, No 2 (2023)

Article type

Research Paper

Pages

206-211

Published online

2023-03-14

Page views

2142

Article views/downloads

579

DOI

10.5603/PJNNS.a2023.0018

Pubmed

36916493

Bibliographic record

Neurol Neurochir Pol 2023;57(2):206-211.

Keywords

systemic sclerosis
large fibre neuropathy
small fibre neuropathy
neuropathic pain
anxiety
health-related quality of life

Authors

Kristīne Ivanova
Daniils Žukovs
Evelīna Možeitoviča
Dmitrijs Rots
Nataļja Kurjāne
Viktorija Ķēniņa

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