Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired immunologic inflammatory disorder characterized by loss of myelin in the peripheral nerves. Patients present with progressive, symmetric proximal and distal weakness and loss of sensory function in the legs and arms with decreased or absent reflexes. Sensory symptoms include sensory ataxia and impaired vibratory and sharp sensation. Unusual subtypes may be purely motor or purely sensory.
CIDP can be progressive or relapsing. The precise onset of symptoms is often difficult to identify. Cranial nerves, respiratory function, and autonomic functions are relatively spared.
CIDP can occur at any age, although it is more common in older males.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis

Codes
ICD10CM:
G61.81 – Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuritis
SNOMEDCT:
128209004 – Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
G61.81 – Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuritis
SNOMEDCT:
128209004 – Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy)
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Nutritional neuropathy (eg, vitamin B12 deficiency)
- Uremic neuropathy
- Infectious neuropathy (eg, human immunodeficiency virus, leprosy)
- Inflammatory or autoimmune neuropathy (eg, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis [AL amyloidosis, amyloid A amyloidosis])
- Paraneoplastic neuropathy
- Drug-induced neuropathy
- Vasculitis
- Radiculopathy (see lumbar radiculopathy)
- Spinal stenosis (see cervical spinal stenosis, lumbar spinal stenosis)
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
- Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies
- Multifocal motor neuropathy
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Myopathy (eg, steroid myopathy)
- Myositis (eg, polymyositis)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Demyelinating neuropathy associated with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, lymphoma, post-organ transplant, and thyroid disease
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
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References
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Last Reviewed:09/30/2018
Last Updated:04/27/2023
Last Updated:04/27/2023