Temporal Trends in Peripheral Neuropathy-Related Mortality in the United States: A 1999- 2020 Analysis
Ifrah Ansari1, Ruqiat Batool1, Zainab Siddiqua Ibrahim1, Shayan Marsia2, Sayed Mustafa Mahmood Shah3, Rameez Merchant3
1Dow University of Health Sciences, 2Corewell Health/Michigan State University, 3University of Missouri
Objective:
To assess trends in peripheral neuropathy-related mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2020 across various demographic factors.
Background:

Peripheral neuropathy is a widespread neurological condition characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to sensory and motor dysfunction that can severely impact quality of life.

Design/Methods:
Trends in peripheral neuropathy-related mortality among individuals aged 25 years and older were analyzed utilizing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database. Peripheral neuropathy was identified as a multiple cause of death. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population and the annual percentage change (APC) were calculated, stratified by gender, race, age group, and geographic region.
Results:

A total of 61,414 peripheral neuropathy-related deaths were identified over the study period. Mortality rose by 58%, with the AAMR increasing from 1.2 in 1999 to 1.9 in 2020 (AAPC: 2.4 [95% CI: 1.9, 2.9]). While males had higher AAMRs (1.6) compared to females (1), the rate of increase was more pronounced among females (AAPC: 2.7 [95% CI: 2.2, 3.3]). Older adults (5.25) had an AAMR 17.5 times greater than younger adults (0.3). Non-Hispanic Whites (5.76) exhibited the highest AAMRs, followed by non-Hispanic Blacks (3.2), non-Hispanic American Indians (1.8), and Hispanics (0.67). Non-metropolitan areas had a higher AAMR (1.5) compared to metropolitan areas (1.2). Regionally, the West recorded the highest AAMR (1.5), while the Northeast reported the lowest (0.93). States in the top 90th percentile of AAMRs included Colorado, Oregon, Wyoming, Minnesota, and Nebraska.

Conclusions:

The increasing mortality from peripheral neuropathy across diverse populations highlights the urgent need for targeted research and intervention. Addressing these trends is critical to improving outcomes and reducing the burden on affected individuals and communities.

10.1212/WNL.0000000000210962
Disclaimer: Abstracts were not reviewed by Neurology® and do not reflect the views of Neurology® editors or staff.