Peripheral neuropathy associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome

Abstract

Clinical and electrophysiological signs of peripheral neuropathy were found in 10 of 46 patients (21 7%) with primary Sjögren's syndrome, symmetric polyneuropathy in seven (mainly sensory in five, mainly autonomic in two), sensory neuronopathy in two patients, and mononeuropathy multiplex in one patient. Peripheral neuropathy was the presenting manifestation in five patients (10 9%). Onset of the disease after 50 years was significantly more common in the polyneuropathy group (six of seven) than in non-neuropathic patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (14 of 36; p = 0 034). No other difference in clinical or laboratory variables between neuropathic and non-neuropathic patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome was found. Neurophysiological study showed variable findings predominandy suggesting an axonopathy. Nerve biopsy showed moderate remyelination and regeneration in four patients, and fibre loss, mainly of large size, in three. Necrotising vasculitis was not seen but alterations of the endoneurial microvessels were prominent.