“Correlation Does Not Imply Causation”: Bradford Hill, Causative Inference, and Obesity-Related Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common neurologic conditions of late adulthood. Over 5% of those older than 55 years of age and over 30% of those older than 80 have probable or definite neuropathy.1 Neuropathy is a major cause of morbidity and reduced quality of life (QOL) due to pain, gait disturbance, foot ulceration, and amputation, particularly among diabetic patients. Up to half of patients with neuropathy have diabetes, and about 40% have idiopathic neuropathy. A number of studies suggest that prediabetes and metabolic syndrome are risk factors for idiopathic neuropathy,2-4 although there are conflicting data.
Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research