C(I)AP
Chronic (Idiopathic) Axonal Polyneuropathy (C(i)AP)
Background
Chronic (Idiopathic) Axonal Polyneuropathy (C(I)AP) is a slowly progressive disease and affects 4-13% of people aged 50 years and older. Polyneuropathy can occur at any age, but the risk increases with age. Currently, more than 250.000 people in the Netherlands have chronic axonal polyneuropathy. This number is expected to increase in the future, due to increasing life expectancy and comorbidity.
Causes
Chronic axonal polyneuropathy is a multifactorial disease with several known risk factors of which diabetes mellitus is the most common (prevalent in one-third of patients). Other known risk factors are vitamin deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, inflammation, toxic agents such as medication, alcohol abuse, kidney failure, and hereditary polyneuropathy. Notably, in 30-50% of the patients no risk factor is found. This is called chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP).
Complaints and Impact
Chronic axonal neuropathy impairs the function of the nerves that are responsible for transmitting stimuli between the brain and extremities. This results in sensory disturbances such as tingling, numbness, and burning sensations. Additionally, patients may experience pain and muscle weakness. It is a disabling disorder with considerable morbidity. The disease can cause difficulty in walking and thereby an increased risk of falling and injuries. Furthermore, it can severely restrict daily activities and reduce quality of life.
Treatment and Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no treatment yet that prevents the progression of chronic axonal polyneuropathy. Current therapeutic approaches primarily target symptoms, particularly neuropathic pain relief, alongside efforts aimed at preventing secondary complications. Identification of potential risk factors upon diagnosis allows for tailored management strategies to mitigate the impact of disease progression.
