Management Team

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)

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
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