Peripheral Neuropathy and Its Impact on Life Expectancy
Peripheral neuropathy (PN), a condition that affects the nerves in the peripheral nervous system, is often associated with serious underlying health conditions. These conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, can impact a person's life expectancy [2][3].
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) are common forms of PN. In the case of DPN, patients often have comorbidities like elevated triglycerides and cognitive impairment, which are linked to poorer outcomes and may indirectly reduce survival [3]. CIPN can lead to treatment interruptions, dose reductions, or premature discontinuation of chemotherapy, potentially affecting survival outcomes [2].
PN can also increase the risk of falls, injury, and disability, especially in older adults, which can indirectly contribute to morbidity and mortality [2]. Additionally, psychological distress, opioid dependence, and morbid obesity are associated with worse outcomes and may reflect poorer overall health statuses, impacting survival in patients with neuropathic pain [1].
Critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy (CIPNM), which occurs in severe sepsis or critical illness, is associated with prolonged ICU stays and increased mortality risk. However, many patients recover over 1-2 years, and the severity of the underlying illness rather than PN itself largely determines life expectancy [5].
It's important to note that while PN may have associations with an increased risk of death, the symptoms of PN are rarely life-threatening. PN can cause tingling, numbness, pain, weakness of the limbs, and affect the functioning of some internal organs [4].
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with PN, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for guidance on managing the condition and understanding the outlook. With proper care and management, it's possible to relieve symptoms, prevent further nerve damage, and improve nerve health [6].
References:
- Brown et al., 2018
- Hall et al., 2015
- Ziegler et al., 2017
- Mayo Clinic
- Peng et al., 2016
- American Diabetes Association
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