title: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in childhood.
abstract: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in children is relatively rare. However, it has been recognized for many years. In patients presenting with this disease, subacute onset of weakness usually develops over at least 2 months and often progresses to a loss of ambulation. Some children's initial presentations may mimic Guillain-Barré syndrome. Dysasthesias are common. Males are affected more than females, and antecedent illnesses or vaccinations occur in approximately half of patients. Physical examination reveals diffuse, proximal greater than distal weakness, with an absence or depression of muscle stretch reflexes. Electrophysiology confirms demyelination, and spinal fluid examination demonstrates albuminocytologic dissociation. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and prognosis of childhood CIDP are reviewed. Treatment and immunologic features are also discussed in this article.
authors: Department of Neurology, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: Connolly
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D020277:Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D011241:Prednisone