Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

CIDP is an immune-mediated demyelinating neuropathy characterized by progressive or relapsing symmetric weakness, sensory deficits, and areflexia over at least eight weeks. Pathophysiology involves autoimmune attack on peripheral myelin sheaths. Diagnosis is based on clinical features, electrophysiology demonstrating demyelination, cerebrospinal fluid analysis (albuminocytologic dissociation), and exclusion of other neuropathies. Management includes corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange, and immunosuppressive therapy. Prognosis is generally favorable with treatment, though relapses may occur, and some patients develop residual deficits.