Prevalence of Subclinical Peripheral Neuropathy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

ABSTRACT

Background: Present study aimed to assess peripheral neuropathy in stable COPD patients, its prevalence, type and distribution and correlate the changes with severity of COPD. Methods: Study comprised of 60 healthy adults and 60 stable nonalcoholic and normo-glycemic COPD patients (30-70yrs) with no clinical symptoms and signs of neuropathy. Severity of COPD was classified as per WHO GOLD criteria. Nerve conduction study of four motor and four sensory nerves of upper and lower limb was done and parameters like distal latency, amplitude and conduction velocity was studied. Results: Study revealed prolonged distal latency, reduced conduction velocity and reduced amplitude in COPD patients as compared to controls. More number of nerves involved with increasing severity of disease. The observations revealed that demyelinating motor and axonal sensory neuropathy can be seen in COPD patients and neuropathy occurred even in mild COPD patients. Conclusion: Sensory polyneuropathy predominant in lower limb was present in majority of patients.