Chronic peripheral neuropathy in childhood: an overview.
One hundred and twenty-five cases of biopsy-proven subacute or chronic peripheral polyneuropathy occurring in children under 17 years of age are reviewed. Ninety-three (74%) of the cases have been examined by the authors. At least 71% of cases were considered to be of genetic origin. Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies were confirmed in over 40% of the cases. From among these a previously poorly defined entity (hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy of neuronal type with onset in early childhood) was delineated. It constituted 7.2% of the cases. When clinical and neurophysiological investigations of the family are combined with histopathological investigation of the affected child, a correct aetiological diagnosis can be reached in over 80% of cases of chronic polyneuropathy in childhood.
Ouvrier
R A
RA
Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
McLeod
J G
JG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000473:pathology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000473:pathology