Peripheral Neuropathy in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases-Diagnosis and Treatment

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is frequently observed in systemic rheumatic diseases and is a challenge in clinical practice. We aimed to review the evidence on the subject and proposed a comprehensive approach to these patients, facilitating diagnosis and management. We searched the MEDLINE database for the terms (and its respective Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms): peripheral neuropathy AND rheumatic diseases OR systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren syndrome, and vasculitis from 2000 to 2023. This literature review focuses on the diagnostic workup of PNs related to systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic vasculitis. For every type of PN, we provide a pragmatic flowchart for diagnosis and also describe evidence-based strategies of treatment.

Automated summary

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common challenge in the clinical practice of systemic rheumatic diseases. This literature review provides a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and management of PN related to systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic vasculitis, including evidence-based treatment strategies.