Drug-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

: Peripheral neuropathy comes in all shapes and forms and is a disorder which is found in the peripheral nervous system. It can have an acute or chronic onset depending on the multitude of pathophysiologic mechanisms involving different parts of nerve fibers. A systematic approach is highly beneficial when it comes to cost-effective diagnosis. More than 30 causes of peripheral neuropathy exist ranging from systemic and auto-immune diseases, vitamin deficiencies, viral infections, diabetes, etc. One of the major causes of peripheral neuropathy is drug induced disease, which can be split into peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy or by other medications. This review deals with the latest causes of drug induced peripheral neuropathy, the population involved, the findings on physical examination and various workups needed and how to manage each case.

Single-cell analysis of Rohon-Beard neurons implicates Fgf signaling in axon maintenance and cell survival

“…DIPNs are caused by damage to the peripheral sensory nervous system as an unintended, off-target effect from many different types of small molecular drugs to treat cancers, including both cytotoxic and targeted therapeutics ( e.g . multi-kinase inhibitors or MKIs) (Peltier and Russell 2002; Visovsky 2003; Kane et al 2006; Breccia and Alimena 2010; Cortes et al 2010; Rey et al 2015; Roy et al 2019; Merheb et al 2022). Treatment options for patients experiencing painful DIPNs are highly limited and non-specific (Shah et al 2018).…”

Effect of Combined Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug Therapy Versus Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug Therapy Alone on Enhancing Gait and Reducing Fall Risks in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Peripheral Neuropathy

“…The existing literature underscores the importance of comprehensive treatment approaches in RA, emphasizing the need for interventions that not only control disease activity but also address functional impairments and quality of life. However, there is a gap in understanding how combined therapeutic modalities can optimize these outcomes, particularly in the context of RA with concurrent PN (10)(11)(12). This research aims to fill the identified gap by comparing the effectiveness of combined NMES and DMARD therapy versus DMARD therapy alone in enhancing gait and reducing fall risks in RA patients with PN.…”

Usability and Acceptability of a Videoconference Program for the Treatment of Depression in Adults With Peripheral Neuropathy

“…Of the 20 million people in the United States with PN, 5,6 approximately 40% are cancer survivors who develop chemotherapy-induced PN (CIPN), 7 and 50% are adults with diabetic PN 5 . Although its antecedents are sometimes difficult to trace, there are more than 30 known causes of PN, which include physical injury, autoimmune diseases, imbalanced diet (such as obesity), diabetes, infections, and chemotherapy drugs 8,9 . In many cases, however, no specific cause (idiopathic) can be identified 5 .…”

“…5 Although its antecedents are sometimes difficult to trace, there are more than 30 known causes of PN, which include physical injury, autoimmune diseases, imbalanced diet (such as obesity), diabetes, infections, and chemotherapy drugs. 8,9 In many cases, however, no specific cause (idiopathic) can be identified. 5 Moreover, as current rates of obesity and metabolic irregularities continue to rise in the US population, the ratio of individuals developing PN-related symptoms as they age may also increase.…”