Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired immune-mediated disorder of peripheral nerves that damages myelin, causing progressive or relapsing weakness and sensory loss.

Peripheral nervous system: The nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord that connect the central nervous system with the body. CIDP damages peripheral nerves rather than the brain or spinal cord.
European Academy of Neurology/Peripheral Nerve Society guideline: A professional guideline outlining diagnostic criteria and management recommendations for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. It standardizes CIDP diagnosis and summarizes evidence-based treatment choices.
Guillain–Barré syndrome: An acute immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy that typically reaches its worst point within four weeks. Its rapid onset contrasts with CIDP’s progression or relapses over a longer course.
Autoimmune nodopathy: An antibody-associated disorder affecting proteins at nerve nodes or paranodes, often distinguished from CIDP. Recognizing nodal or paranodal antibodies may reclassify cases once grouped under CIDP.
Myelin: A lipid-rich insulating sheath around many nerve fibers that supports rapid electrical signal conduction. Immune-mediated myelin injury slows or blocks signals along CIDP-affected nerves.
Intravenous immunoglobulin: A treatment made from pooled donor antibodies and administered intravenously to modify immune activity. It is a first-line treatment that can improve disability in CIDP.
Multifocal motor neuropathy: An acquired immune neuropathy causing asymmetric, usually distal motor weakness without prominent sensory loss. It can resemble motor-predominant CIDP but typically lacks sensory involvement and responds differently to steroids.
Neurofascin-155: A paranodal cell-adhesion protein targeted by antibodies in a subset of autoimmune neuropathies. Its antibodies identify a subgroup that may respond poorly to standard CIDP therapies.
Demyelination: Damage to or loss of the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. CIDP is defined by acquired demyelinating injury in peripheral nerves.
Corticosteroid: A class of steroid hormones and medicines that suppress inflammation and immune activity. Corticosteroids are an established treatment option, though responses and suitability vary.

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Charcot–Marie–Tooth diseaseCompared with: Unlike inherited CMT, this neuropathy is generally acquired and may respond to immune treatment.