Immunotherapy of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2008 May;8(5):643-55. doi: 10.1517/14712598.8.5.643.

Abstract

Background: chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an immune-mediated disease. Current treatments are aimed at modulating the immune response to achieve remission and maintain functional status. However, many patients fail to make a long-term recovery with current treatments.

Objectives: to review the literature on immunotherapy for CIDP.

Methods: We used the Search Strategy of the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Review Group to search Medline and Embase. Randomised and non-randomised studies examining the effects of any therapeutic agent in patients with CIDP were selected. The references of relevant articles were scanned to identify additional reports of interest.

Results/conclusion: An overview of the different treatments for CIDP is provided. Emphasis has been placed on evidence from randomised controlled trials but open non-randomised studies are discussed if appropriate. We include a treatment algorithm and provide our views on current treatments, ongoing trials and possible directions for further research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / adverse effects
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Plasmapheresis
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating / therapy*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Immunosuppressive Agents