Full Length Research Paper
Abstract
Chronic idiopathic polyneuropathy (CIP) is a disease of the elderly where further follow-up is usually not indicated after diagnosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the self-reported functioning and well-being in patients with CIP in correlation to clinical findings. We examined forty-eight patients with CIP. The Fatigue Severity Scale, Visual Analogue Scale for pain, Disability Rating Index, Berg Balance test and Medical Outcome Study 36-item short-form health status scale were correlated with clinical variables at long-term follow-up. Predominantly sensory symptoms and signs were found. Reduced balance and sensory function explained up to 31% of variance in self-reported physical impairment (p < 0.0001). Otherwise, self-reported functioning and well-being could not be explained by clinical symptoms. Sensory deficits and balance problems are typical in CIP, and reduced balance and sensory functioning partially explained impaired physical functioning and well-being. Further follow-up could be indicated to investigate the effect of specific training programs and whether other factors may contribute to impaired functioning and well-being as well.
Key words: Evaluation, functioning, polyneuropathy, well-being, outcome.
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