Overview
CIDP is a rare acquired autoimmune neuropathy affecting the peripheral nerves. Sometimes it occurs secondary to infections or vaccination, when the body recognizes self-proteins as foreign and forms antibodies against them. As a result, the myelin sheath around the nerves gets damaged, ultimately leading to neuronal loss.
CIDP is caused by an abnormal immune response
- Age between 40 and 60 years
- Male sex
- Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
- Infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and Epstein-Barr infections
- Acute illnesses, vaccinations, and surgery can trigger CIDP
- Muscle weakness, which is subacute in onset and sometimes waxes and wanes
- Numbness of hands and feet
- Sensory loss
- Imbalance
- Bilaterally symmetrical
- Sensory CIDP
- Multifocal CIDP (Lewis Sumner syndrome)
- Motor CIDP
- CISP- Chronic immune sensory polyradiculopathy
- Distal CIDP (DADS)
Neurologist
- Clinical examination and nerve conduction studies, which shows slowing of nerve conduction
- Blood tests for antibodies and inflammatory markers
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Immunomodulation by drugs like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, IvIg, Rituximab, plasmapheresis
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
