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ARTICLES: M. Baldereschi, M. Inzitari, A. Di Carlo, G. Farchi, E. Scafato, D. Inzitari For The ILSA Working Group Epidemiology of distal symmetrical neuropathies in the Italian elderly Neurology 2007; 68: 1460-1467 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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Epidemiology of distal symmetrical neuropathies in the Italian elderly

Luca Mascitelli, Francesca Pezzetta, MD   (27 June 2007)

Epidemiology of distal symmetrical neuropathies in the Italian elderly 27 June 2007
Luca Mascitelli, Comando Brigata alpina Julia 8 Via S. Agostino, Udine 33100 Italy, Francesca Pezzetta, MD Send Correspondence to journal: Re: Epidemiology of distal symmetrical neuropathies in the Italian elderly lumasci{at}libero.it Luca Mascitelli, et al.	Baldereschi et al studied the epidemiology of distal symmetrical neuropathies in a population of Italian elderly. [1] However, they did not mention whether the affected population (especially diabetic patients) were being treated with statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors). Mounting evidence suggests an elevated odds ratio for the development of neuropathy while on statin therapy. [2, 3] In particular, for patients treated with statins for 2 or more years, the odds ratio of definite idiopathic polyneuropathy is 26.4 (7.8 to 45.4). [3] The statin-induced neuropathy usually improves or completely resolves after cessation of therapy. Nerve- related toxic effects have recently emerged as potential complications of statin treatment. [4] Furthermore, statins might cause an idiosyncratic somatic and autonomic neuropathy that, in the diabetic patient, will almost invariably be attributed to diabetes.[5] Physicians should be aware of this potential toxicity, monitor patients appropriately, and also attempt a trial removal of the statin. References 1. Baldereschi M, Inzitari M, Di Carlo A, Farchi G, Scafato E, Inzitari D and the ILSA Working Group. Epidemiology of distal symmetrical neuropathies in the Italian elderly. Neurology. 2007; 68: 1460-1467. 2. Gaist D, Rodriguez LA, Huerta C, Hallas J, Sindrup S. Are users of lipid-lowering drugs at increased risk of peripheral neuropathy? Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2001; 56: 931– 933. 3. Gaist D, Jeppesen U, Andersen M, Garcia Rodriguez LA, Hallas J, Sindrup SH. Statins and risk of polyneuropathy: a case control study. Neurology 2002; 58:1333–1337. 4. Chong PH, Boskovich A, Stevkovic N, Bartt RE. Statin-associated peripheral neuropathy: review of the literature. Pharmacotherapy 2004;24: 1194-1203. 5. Vaughan TB, Bell DS. Statin neuropathy masquerading as diabetic autoimmune polyneuropathy. Diabetes Care 2005; 28: 2082. Disclosure: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors of the article had the opportunity to respond but declined.