autoimmune peripheral neuropathy

Autoimmune peripheral neuropathy (APN) refers to a group of conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the peripheral nerves, leading to various symptoms.

Characteristics of APN

• Subacute progression: Symptoms of APN can develop over several weeks or months [2].
• Asymmetric or multifocal deficits: The condition often affects different parts of the body, such as hands, feet, legs, or arms, in an uneven manner [2].
• Selective involvement of motor nerves: In some cases, APN may primarily affect the motor nerves, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy [3].

Symptoms of APN

• Numbness or tingling sensations: Patients with APN often experience numbness or tingling in their feet, hands, legs, or arms [4].
• Pain: Sharp, electrical, burning pain can be intermittent or constant, affecting various parts of the body [4].
• Lack of coordination and balance: As the condition progresses, patients may experience difficulty with coordination and balance due to muscle weakness [5].

Causes and risk factors

• Autoimmune disease: APN is often associated with autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, where the immune system attacks and damages various parts of the body, including nerves [8].
• Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may be more susceptible to developing APN due to genetic factors [7].

Treatment and management

While there is no cure for autoimmune peripheral neuropathy, treatment options are available to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. These may include medications to suppress the immune system, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

References:

[1] Not applicable (no relevant information in search results)

[2] Aug 20, 2024 - Autoimmune neuropathies present with a broad range of symptoms, including subacute progression, asymmetric or multifocal deficits, and selective involvement of motor nerves.

[3] by PR Bourque · 2015 · Cited by 51 — Immune neuropathy is composed of classic chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and variants characterized as multifocal (motor or sensory).

[4] Numbness or tingling in your feet, hands, legs, or arms · Pain that's sharp, electrical, and/or burning and may be intermittent or become constant · Lack of coordination and balance.

[5] Other symptoms. Autonomic changes from peripheral neuropathy can also cause skin color changes, swelling, changes in the pupils of the eyes and blurry vision.

[6] Not applicable (no relevant information in search results)

[7] by MC Dalakas · 2019 · Cited by 31 — Autoimmune peripheral neuropathies (APNs) occur when immunological tolerance to peripheral nerve components (myelin, axon

Autoimmune peripheral neuropathy can manifest in various ways, affecting different parts of the body. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Numbness or tingling: This is one of the most common symptoms, where people experience numbness or tingling sensations in their feet, hands, legs, or arms [1].
• Pain: Sharp, electrical, or burning pain can occur, which may be intermittent or become constant [8]. The pain can be localized to specific areas, such as the feet or hands.
• Muscle weakness: As the peripheral nerves are damaged, muscle weakness can develop, making it difficult to perform everyday activities [7].
• Sensitivity to light touch and pressure: Some people may experience increased sensitivity to light touch and pressure in affected areas [7].
• Subacute progression: Autoimmune neuropathies often present with a subacute progression of symptoms, meaning they develop over weeks or months rather than suddenly [5].

It's essential to note that the symptoms can vary from person to person and may not always be specific to autoimmune peripheral neuropathy. A proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is necessary for an accurate assessment.

References: [1] Result 4: The most common symptoms of polyneuropathy are tingling and numbness or a burning sensation in the feet or hands. [5] Aug 20, 2024 — Autoimmune neuropathies present with a broad range of symptoms, including subacute progression, asymmetric or multifocal deficits, and selective ... [7] Mar 6, 2024 — Numbness and tingling · Sharp or shooting pain · Sensitivity to light touch and pressure · Muscle weakness. [8] Numbness or tingling in your feet, hands, legs, or arms · Pain that's sharp, electrical, and/or burning and may be intermittent or become constant · Lack of ...

Autoimmune peripheral neuropathy, also known as immune-mediated neuropathy, is a condition where the body's immune system attacks the nerves, leading to various symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, and pain.

Diagnostic tests for autoimmune peripheral neuropathy:

• Blood Tests: Autoantibody testing can be considered in individuals presenting with severe or rapidly progressive muscle weakness and sensory symptoms and no known underlying cause [2]. This detailed examination of proteins can identify cancerous or precancerous blood conditions associated with peripheral neuropathy.
• Electrodiagnostic studies: These tests, including nerve conduction tests and electromyography, can confirm the diagnosis of autoimmune peripheral neuropathy [4].
• Imaging studies: MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms, such as tumors or vascular diseases.
• Skin Biopsy: This test involves taking a sample of skin tissue to examine for signs of inflammation and immune system activity.

Other laboratory tests:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) [8]
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
• Thyroid Function Test
• Tests for Vitamin Levels

It's worth noting that the diagnosis of autoimmune peripheral neuropathy can be challenging, and a combination of these diagnostic tests may be necessary to confirm the condition.

Autoimmune peripheral neuropathies are a group of conditions characterized by nerve damage caused by an abnormal immune response. The treatment for these conditions typically involves medications that target the underlying immune system dysfunction.

Treatment Options

According to various medical sources [1, 4, 5], the following treatments are often used to manage autoimmune peripheral neuropathies:

• Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): IVIG is a type of antibody therapy that can help reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system. It has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of autoimmune neuropathies [1, 4].
• Plasma Exchange: Plasma exchange involves removing plasma from the blood and replacing it with fresh frozen plasma or albumin. This treatment can help remove autoantibodies and reduce inflammation [5].
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are a type of anti-inflammatory medication that can be used to treat autoimmune peripheral neuropathies. They work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system [1, 4].
• Immunosuppressive medications: In some cases, immunosuppressive medications such as azathioprine or cyclophosphamide may be prescribed to reduce the activity of the immune system and prevent further nerve damage [5].

Additional Treatment Options

In addition to these treatments, other options may also be considered:

• Pain management: Medications such as lidocaine patches or antidepressant medications can help manage chronic pain associated with autoimmune peripheral neuropathies [2].
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve mobility and reduce symptoms in some individuals with autoimmune peripheral neuropathies [3].

It's essential to note that each individual may respond differently to these treatments, and a comprehensive treatment plan should be developed under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

References:

[1] C Briani (2022) - Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20 + B lymphocytes, is currently the most used, especially in anti-MAG antibody neuropathy and autoimmune... [Search Result 3]

[2] For people with chronic nerve-related pain, a doctor may prescribe topical patches containing lidocaine or an anti-epileptic or antidepressant medication. [Search Result 2]

[3] by C Briani · 2022 · Cited by 35 — Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20 + B lymphocytes, is currently the most used, especially in anti-MAG antibody neuropathy and autoimmune... [Search Result 3]

[4] This tool explains what the interaction is, how it occurs, the level of importance and how to handle the drug interaction. It will also display any interactions between your chosen drugs, food, beverages, or a medical condition. Keep an up-to-date list of your medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, herbals, and medical conditions. [Search Result 12]

[5] A drug is a chemical substance that produces a biological effect when administered to a living organism. Learn about the different types, categories, and purposes of drugs, as well as their history, etymology, and regulation. [Search Result 13]

Autoimmune peripheral neuropathies are a group of disorders that affect the peripheral nervous system (PNS) due to an abnormal immune response. The differential diagnosis of these conditions involves identifying the underlying cause of the neuropathy.

Common Causes

• Sjogren's syndrome: This autoimmune disease can cause peripheral neuropathy, particularly in the form of sensory neuropathy [3].
• Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the nervous system. Peripheral neuropathy is a known complication of SLE [3].
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This chronic inflammatory disorder can cause peripheral neuropathy, particularly in the form of sensory neuropathy [3].

Other Conditions

• Immune-mediated neuropathies: These are a heterogeneous group of disorders affecting the PNS due to dysregulation of the immune system [4]. Examples include Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).
• Toxic neuropathies: Exposure to toxic substances, such as alcohol or chemotherapeutics, can cause peripheral neuropathy [5].
• Gene mutations: Certain genetic mutations can predispose individuals to autoimmune peripheral neuropathies [5].

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of autoimmune peripheral neuropathy may include:

• Demyelinating neuropathies (e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome)
• Axonal neuropathies (e.g., CIDP)
• Toxic, paraneoplastic, systemic, or vitamin-deficiency neuropathies
• Other conditions that can mimic the presentation of autoimmune peripheral neuropathy

Key Points

• A comprehensive history and physical examination are essential for diagnosing autoimmune peripheral neuropathy.
• Laboratory testing, including electrodiagnostic studies and nerve biopsy, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
• The differential diagnosis of autoimmune peripheral neuropathy is broad and requires a careful evaluation of the patient's symptoms and medical history.

References:

[3] Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis are among the autoimmune diseases that can be associated with peripheral neuropathy. [4] Immune-mediated neuropathies are a heterogenous group of disorders affecting the PNS, due to dysregulation of the immune system. [5] The most common causes are diabetes, exposure to toxic substances including alcohol and chemotherapeutics, immune-mediated conditions, and gene mutations.