Open AccessCorrelates of polyneuropathy in Parkinson’s disease
Author(s) -
Kühn Eva,
Averdunk Paulina,
Huckemann Sophie,
Müller Katharina,
Biesalski AnneSophie,
Hof zum Berge Florian,
Motte Jeremias,
Fisse Anna Lena,
SchneiderGold Christiane,
Gold Ralf,
Pitarokoili Kalliopi,
Tönges Lars
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
annals of clinical and translational neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.824
H-Index - 42
ISSN - 2328-9503
DOI - 10.1002/acn3.51182
Subject(s) - medicine , disease , polyneuropathy , parkinson's disease , pathophysiology , peripheral , pathology , central nervous system disease , gastroenterology
Objective Previous studies in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients have demonstrated a high prevalence of polyneuropathy (PNP) and pronounced alpha‐Synuclein pathology in dermal nerve fibers already at early disease stages. The aim of this study was to analyze associations between the prevalence and severity of PNP with nonmotor and motor symptoms in PD patients. Methods Fifty PD patients were characterized comprehensively for the presence of clinical symptoms (nonmotor and motor), electrophysiologic alterations and – for the first time – using high‐resolution ultrasound of peripheral nerves. Results Sixty‐two percent of PD patients showed electrophysiological pathology of PNP. The prevalence of patient‐reported PNP symptoms was 86% and was particularly present in patients with longer disease duration, compromised scores of nonmotor and motor symptoms as well as with a negative evaluation of quality of life. Seventy‐five percent of patients showed morphologic alterations similar to axonal PNP in high‐resolution ultrasound compared to healthy controls. Interpretation The study demonstrates the high burden of peripheral nervous system disease in Parkinson's disease. It advocates further studies to delineate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in order to optimize treatment approaches for PD, including the associated PNP.