Immunotherapy of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

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