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Guillain-Barre's less evil twin - CDIP!

CIDP, or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, is an immune-mediated polyneuropathy which presents similarly to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). However, it is not as dangerous as GBS.

Patients present with symmetric proximal and distal weakness with reduced or absent deep tendon reflexes, just like GBS. The difference is that in typical CDIP, patients have prominent sensory signs, no autonomic dysfunction, no facial weakness, no preceding infectious illness, and most importantly no respiratory failure. It also continues to progress past 4 weeks.

CSF is not diagnostic, and may show albuminocytologic dissociation. The diagnostic test is nerve conduction…

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The neurologist thought the patient most likely had either Guillain-Barré syndrome (G.B.S.) or its longer-lasting cousin, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (C.I.D.P.).

Articles of Interest

A patient-focused approach to advancing CIDP treatment

Although symptoms may develop slowly, CIDP is a chronic, progressive condition that can lead to loss of arm and leg function. Because there is no specific test for CIDP and the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases that affect the nervous system, it can sometimes take years for someone to receive a CIDP diagnosis. At the same time, misdiagnosis is common, with up to 50 percent of people with suspected CIDP experiencing nerve issues (neuropathy) or other “CIDP-like” symptoms due to a different underlying cause.

Pediatric CIDP: Diagnosis and Management. A Single-Center Experience

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare acquired polyneuropathy that especially among youngest children should be differentiated with hereditary neuropathies. Even though upon diagnosis treatment options are similar in children and adults, diagnostic challenges are faced in the pediatric population.

Resources

DoIHaveCIDP.com

Because CIDP has symptoms similar to other conditions like GBS, MS, and ALS, it is often misdiagnosed. In order for your doctor to provide you with a valid CIDP diagnosis, your symptoms need to be present for 8 weeks or more.

GBS/CIDP Foundation International

The GBS/CIDP Foundation International is working for a future when no one with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and related syndromes such as multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) suffers alone and that everyone has access to the right diagnosis and the right treatment, right away.

GBS/CIDP Foundation of Canada

Our foundation continues its long history of connecting patients and their families with caring and dedicated volunteers who have been affected by GBS, CIDP, and variants, such as MMN. It is our hope that no patient or family will have to go through any of these disorders alone.

PolyNeuro Exchange

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a neurological disorder characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the arms and legs.

Brain Foundation

It is closely related to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). However, GBS develops acutely (over hours-days) whereas CIDP usually develops slowing (over weeks-months).

CSL Behring

Specifically, the immune system mistakenly attacks your nerves’ protective myelin. When the myelin is damaged or removed, messages transmitted to and from the brain are disrupted and may never make it to their final destination. Over time, this may cause gradual weakness, numbness and a loss of feeling in your arms and legs. If left untreated, CIDP can cause permanent damage to the nerves.

NINDS

Although it can occur at any age and in both genders, CIDP is more common in young adults, and in men more so than women. It often presents with symptoms that include tingling or numbness (beginning in the toes and fingers), weakness of the arms and legs, loss of deep tendon reflexes (areflexia), fatigue, and abnormal sensations. CIDP is closely related to Guillain-Barre syndrome and it is considered the chronic counterpart of that acute disease.

NORD

The chief symptoms of CIDP are slowly progressive (over at least 2 months) symmetric weakness of both muscles around the hip and shoulder as well as of the hands and feet (both proximal and distal muscles). This pattern of weakness, if caused by nerve damage, is highly suggestive of CIDP.

NORD

CIDP is sometimes thought of as the chronic form of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), the most common form of Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS), in the United States and Europe. In contrast to GBS, most patients with CIDP cannot identify a preceding viral or infectious illness. GBS is a subacute disorder that progresses over 3-4 weeks, then plateaus and usually improves over months and does not usually recur. CIDP, by definition has ongoing symptoms for over 8 weeks and usually does not improve unless ongoing treatment is given.

Physiopedia

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired demyelinating disease involving peripheral nerves, and is generally considered the chronic counterpart to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). About 16% of the patients present with acute GBS. Patients typically present with a gradual and protracted (>2 months) symmetrical weakness, balance problems, impaired sensation and diminished reflexes and sensory changes.

ScienceDirect

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP): CIDP is classically characterized by symmetrical weakness of the proximal and distal muscles of the upper and lower extremities.