Prevalence, correlates and impact of pain and cramps in anti-MAG neuropathy: a multicentre European study

Yusuf Rajabally, E. Delmont, F. L. Hiew, A.-c. Aubé-nathier, A.-m. Grapperon, J. Cassereau, S. Attarian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The frequency of pain and cramps is uncertain in anti-myelin associated glycoprotein antibody (anti-MAG) neuropathy. Whether these symptoms may affect function/quality of life is unknown.
METHODS:

A cross-sectional study of the prevalence, correlates and impact of pain, pain subtypes and cramps, their severity, frequency and anatomical distribution was performed for 55 clinically stable patients with anti-MAG neuropathy.

RESULTS:

Pain of any type was reported by 80% of subjects. The most common subtype was paraesthesiae and dysaesthesiae (70%). Cramps were reported by >60% of patients, with lower limb cramps in all and upper limb cramps in about 20%. Cramps affected daily activities in >30% of these subjects, sleep in 60%, ability to exercise in >30%. Total pain score correlated with several Short Form 36 health-related quality of life (SF-36 HR-QoL) measures (P < 0.05), with Inflammatory Rasch-built Overall Disability Scale (I-RODS) (P = 0.006) and 10-m timed walk (P = 0.019). An independent association was ascertained with I-RODS (P = 0.002). Different pain subtypes showed multiple associations with SF-36 HR-QoL measures and/or functional scales. Upper limb cramps had multiple SF-36 HR-QoL functional correlates, with an independent association with the Overall Neuropathy Limitation Score (ONLS) (P = 0.004). Cramp severity correlated with ONLS (P = 0.04) and I-RODS (P = 0.028) and inversely with level of physiotherapy input (P = 0.009). Cramp frequency was associated with tremor score (P = 0.004) and multiple SF-36 HR-QoL subsections.

CONCLUSIONS:

Neuropathic pain and cramps may affect function and quality of life in anti-MAG neuropathy. Optimizing treatments of these symptoms, including by adequate levels of physiotherapy, may be beneficial in affected patients and requires further research.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)135-141
Number of pages7
JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology
Volume25
Issue number1
Early online date14 Sept 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Dec 2017

Bibliographical note

© 2017 EAN. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Prevalence, correlates and impact of pain and cramps in anti-MAG neuropathy, which has been published in final form at http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/ene.13459. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.

Keywords

  • quality of life
  • function
  • neuropathy
  • pain
  • anti-MAG
  • cramps

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