To determine the frequency and characteristics of neuropathy associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This prospective clinical and electrophysiological study enrolled 30 COPD patients (28 men and 2 women) in whom other causes of polyneuropathy had been excluded. Six patients reported slight paresthesias. Clinical examination revealed signs that clearly suggested polyneuropathy in 8 patients (27%) whereas signs were non specific in 14. The neurophysiological study was abnormal in 26 patients (87%), suggesting axonal polyneuropathy that was predominantly sensory. The presence of polyneuropathy was related to age, duration of disease and smoking, but not with sex or pO2 or pCO2 on the date of examination. Approximately one third of patients with COPD show clinical or electrophysiological signs that suggest axonal polyneuropathy that is predominantly sensory, with only slight or no clinical symptoms.