CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DEMYELINATING POLYNEUROPATHY (CIDP)
Abstract:
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare neurological disorder
characterized by inflammation and demyelination of peripheral nerves and nerve roots. Clinically, it is
characterized by predominantly proximal symmetrical motor deficit of upper and lower limbs, accompanied
by sensory disturbances with ectromelia. Evolution can be progressive or in flare-ups and remissions.
Paraclinical diagnosis is made by electromyography, cerebrospinal fluid examination, nerve biopsy and
magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord. Basic treatment consists of corticosteroids,
immunoglobulins or plasmapheresis. Clinical picture of CIDP is similar to that of Guillain-Barre syndrome,
but is different due to the acute onset, more rapid occurrence of the motor deficit (which usually reaches its
maximum in 14 days) and favourable prognosis. In CIDP, diagnosis comes after about 8 weeks of
persistence of a clinical picture characterized by polyradiculoneuropathy, whose evolution can be
progressive or in flare-ups and remissions.
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