Abstract
Background Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare immune-mediated neurologic disorder that targets the peripheral nerves and nerve roots which can cause progressive weakness and sensory loss, described as gradual to chronic progression of symmetric, proximal and distal weakness. It is often misdiagnosed due to its presentation as it can mimic different kinds of peripheral neuropathies. CIDP can also be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), diabetes mellitus or thyroid disorders. CIDP is said to be an uncommon manifestation of SLE and Diabetes Mellitus.
Methods CIPD patients usually respond to a loading dose of IVIg 2 g/kg/day infusion for 5 days and often repeat infusions of either 0.5 g/kg/day 2 to 5 days every 2 weeks; 1 g/kg/day for 2 to 5 days every 3 weeks or 2 g/kg/day for 5 days every month, for a total of 2 or 3 months. IVIg must then be tapered down or discontinued and must be determined if continuous use is still needed.
Results IVIg has proven to be a safe and more effective treatment compared to steroids in a short-term prospective randomized controlled trials for CIDP; especially for those with pure motor CIDP.
Conclusions In conclusion, there is a need for diagnostic vigilance as there is no proven diagnostic test to highly prove the diagnosis of CIDP, it is highly dependent on physical examination, neurologic evaluation, Electromyography – Nerve Conduction Velocity (EMG-NCV) test, lumbar puncture and lastly nerve biopsy. Early diagnosis and treatment of CIDP and its underlying cause is beneficial to patients. For cases of CIDP, it is treatable and responds to IVIg and steroids as well as compared to those suffering from diabetic polyneuropathy. Identification and reporting of this case can benefit physicians to establish a diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent progression of the disease.
