Peripheral neuropathy and gastroenterologic disorders: an overview on an underrecognized association

Peripheral neuropathy and gastroenterologic disorders: an overview on an underrecognized association

Authors

  • Carlotta Spagnoli Child Neurology Unit, Azienda USL- IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
  • Francesco Pisani Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Medicine & Surgery Department, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
  • Francesco Di Mario Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
  • Gioacchino Leandro Gastroenterology I Department, IRCCS DE Bellis Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Italy
  • Federica Gaiani Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
  • Gian Luigi de' Angelis Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
  • Carlo Fusco Child Neurology Unit, Azienda USL- IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Keywords:

peripheral neuropathy, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, celiac disease, malabsorption, vitamin deficiency, mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome

Abstract

Background and aim of the work: Although peripheral neuropathies in children are often of genetic origin, acquired causes should be carefully looked for and ruled out also in the pediatric age. Gastroenterological disorders can be complicated by peripheral neuropathy as a result of micronutrients deficiency, drug toxicity or because of shared pathophysiological mechanisms. Methods: In this descriptive review we sought to give an overview on the most relevant clinical conditions in which peripheral neuropathies are associated with gastro-intestinal disorders or symptoms. Results: We describe the clinical, demographic, and electrophysiological features of peripheral neuropathy in three main clinical scenarios: in the context of common gastroenterological disorders (inflammatory bowel and celiac disease), in the context of micronutrients deficiencies arising from malabsorption irrespective of etiology, and in a rare degenerative mitochondrial disorder, mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) disorder. Conclusions: The association between gastrointestinal and peripheral nervous system symptoms is probably still underrecognized but has to be actively sought, in order to provide prompt diagnosis resulting in optimal care and long-term management with the aim to improve quality of life and, at least in some conditions, try to impact on prognosis.

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Published

17-12-2018

How to Cite

1.
Spagnoli C, Pisani F, Di Mario F, et al. Peripheral neuropathy and gastroenterologic disorders: an overview on an underrecognized association. Acta Biomed. 2018;89(9-S):22-32. doi:10.23750/abm.v89i9-S.7956