Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

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Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
Epidemiology 0.7-1.6 cases per 100,000 per year, median age 58
Pathophysiology Autoimmune demyelination of large peripheral nerve fibres
Classification Typical and atypical phenotypes
Risk Factors Diabetes, anti TNF-alpha medication
History Proximal and distal weakness, paraesthesias, numbness, fatigue, difficulty with fine motor control
Examination Weakness, areflexia without wasting, joint position and vibration sense loss, foot drop, sensory ataxia
Diagnosis Diagnostic criteria
Tests Laboratory tests, electrophysiology studies
Treatment Immunoglobulin and plasma exchange


See Ryan et al for an open access review.[1] CIDP should be considered in any patient with progressive symmetrical or asymmetrical polyradiculopathy that is relapsing and remitting or that progresses for longer than 2 months.[1]

The common manifestations of CIDP are:
Gradually worsening paraesthesia and numbness
Muscle weakness in legs and arms
Areflexia without wasting
Preferential loss of joint position or vibration sense
Foot drop and difficulty getting out of the chair
Difficulty with fine motor control
Sensory ataxia
Fatigue

Notably motor and proprioceptive deficits predominate over pain and autonomic symptoms. Severe pain occurs in 13-17% of patients.

The typical form of CIDP occurs in 50% of patients and manifests as both proximal and distal weakness. Atypical forms include a predominant distal distribution (distal acquired demyelinating symmetric - DADS), an asymmetric distribution (multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy - MADSAM), pure sensory, pure motor, and extremely rarely focal CIDP.

There is a temporal continuum between the demyelinating form of Guillain-Barre on the one end (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy - AIDP), and CIDP in those with AIDP that don't recover.

There are many diagnostic criteria. See below for an example from the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society. The criteria are highly specific (96.2%) but not sensitive (81.3%). Clinical history, physical examination, Electrophysiology studies, and laboratory tests form part of the criteria. Misdiagnosis is common, with misinterpretation of nerve conduction studies being a common reason.

CIDP diagnostic criteria.jpg

References

  1. โ†‘ 1.0 1.1 Ryan & Ryan. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: considerations for diagnosis, management, and population health. The American journal of managed care 2018. 24:S371-S379. PMID: 30312032.

Literature Review