Objective: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired demyelinating disease of the peripheral nervous system characterized by muscle weakness, areflexia or hyporeflexia, and sensory disturbances.
Although short-term efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been demonstrated in randomized-controlled trials, the data pertaining to long-term outcome in CIDP are limited.
Consequently, the aim of the present study was to assess the long-term effects of IVIg on neurophysiological parameters in CIDP.
Methods: Neurophysiological records from 11 CIDP patients, treated with IVIg for P12 months, were reviewed. Nerve conduction studies were assessed at baseline, 1-year, and last follow-up.
Results: There was a significant reduction in the frequency of conduction blocks (pre-treatment nerve segments affected 61%; last followup 39%, P < 0.01) and a reduction in ongoing axonal loss (pre-treatment regions with spontaneous activity, 47%; post-treatment 29%, P < 0.01) with IVIg treatment.
Further, there was significant improvement in sensory nerve conduction studies with IVIg treatment (sensory amplitudes reduced pre-treatment, 90% nerves tested; post-treatment, 62%, P < 0.01).
Conclusions: The present study suggests that long-term IVIg maintenance therapy improves neurophysiological parameters in CIDP. However, CIDP patients remain IVIg dependent and new conduction blocks may develop.
Significance: The present study suggests that long-term IVIg maintenance therapy improves neurophysiological parameters in CIDP, possibly by reducing the immune response and thereby fostering nerve healing.
