Peripheral neuropathies associated with chronic renal failure

Can J Neurol Sci. 1980 May;7(2):89-96. doi: 10.1017/s0317167100023453.

Abstract

A variety of peripheral nerve disorders may be associated with chronic renal failure. The polyneuropathy due to uremic toxins is a distal, motor and sensory polyneuropathy in which there is segmental demyelination, axonal degeneration, and segmental remyelination. The nature of the uremic toxin and the underly mechanism of these changes is unknown. The incidence in patients with "end-stage" renal disease has fallen in recent years, severe cases now being rare, perhaps due to refinements in chronic hemodialysis, transplantation, and other therapies. However, while chronic hemodialysis stabilizes uremic neuropathy, manipulation of hemodialysis schedules may not alter its course, according to current assessment. Successful renal transplantation improves both the clinical and electrophysiological signs, even in severe uremic neuropathy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications*
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy
  • Neural Conduction
  • Peripheral Nerves / pathology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Renal Dialysis