Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
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General Discussion
Summary
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare neurological disorder in which there is inflammation of nerve roots and peripheral nerves and destruction of the fatty protective covering (myelin sheath) over the nerves. This affects how fast the nerve signals are transmitted and leads to loss of nerve fibers. This causes weakness, paralysis and/or impairment in motor function, especially of the arms and legs (limbs). Sensory disturbance may also be present. The motor and sensory impairments usually affect both sides of the body (symmetrical), and the degree of severity and the course of disease may vary from case to case. Some affected individuals may follow a slow steady pattern of symptoms while others may have symptoms that stabilize and then relapse.
Introduction
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 recur. CIDP, by definition has ongoing symptoms for over 8 weeks and usually does not improve unless ongoing treatment is given.
Supporting Organizations
American Autoimmune & Related Diseases
- 22100 Gratiot Ave.
- Eastpointe, MI 48021
- Tel: (586)776-3900
- Fax: (586)776-3903
- Tel: (800)598-4668
- Email: aarda@aarda.org
- Website: http://www.aarda.org/
AutoImmunity Community
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/autoimmunityforum
Center for Peripheral Neuropathy
- University of Chicago
- 5841 South Maryland Ave, MC 2030
- Chicago, IL 60637
- Tel: (773)702-5659
- Fax: (773)702-5577
- Website: http://peripheralneuropathycenter.uchicago.edu/
European Society for Immunodeficiencies
- 1-3 rue de Chantepoulet
- Geneva, CH 1211
- Switzerland
- Tel: 410229080484
- Fax: 41229069140
- Email: esid@kenes.com
- Website: http://www.esid.org
GBS/CIDP Foundation International
- The Holly Building
- 104 1/2 Forrest Avenue
- Narberth, PA 19072
- USA
- Tel: (610)667-0131
- Fax: (610)667-7036
- Tel: (866)224-3301
- Email: info@gbs-cidp.org
- Website: http://www.gbs-cidp.org/
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
- PO Box 8126
- Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
- Tel: (301)251-4925
- Fax: (301)251-4911
- Tel: (888)205-2311
- Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Foundation of Canada, Inc.
- PO Box 42016
- 2852 John Street
- Markham, Ontario, L3R 5R0
- Canada
- Tel: 9056400073
- Fax: 9056409815
- Email: keast@sprint.ca
- Website: http://www.gbs-cidp.org/canada/
NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- P.O. Box 5801
- Bethesda, MD 20824
- Tel: (301)496-5751
- Fax: (301)402-2186
- Tel: (800)352-9424
- Website: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
Last Updated: 4/29/2015
Copyright 2015 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
