Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is often described as the chronic relative of Guillain-Barre syndrome. The immune system is understood to attack the myelin of the peripheral nerves, and in some people the underlying nerve fibers as well, and the course builds and continues over eight weeks or longer rather than peaking quickly, and it can be steadily progressive or come in relapses. CIDP is considered a rare condition, and estimates of how common it is vary a good deal depending on the diagnostic criteria and population studied.

Older systematic reviews describe an incidence of roughly 0.2 to 1.6 and a prevalence of roughly 0.8 to 8.9 per 100,000 people, while a more recent U.S. claims-based analysis found a higher adjusted prevalence, around 23 per 100,000, suggesting the condition may be more common, or more frequently recognized, than earlier figures suggested.

Common signs

Gradually worsening weakness in the arms and legs, often affecting muscles closer to the trunk as well as the hands and feet, with numbness or tingling, loss of reflexes, fatigue, and sometimes trouble with balance or fine movements.

This is a plain-language summary for orientation, not a diagnosis. Mechanisms are described as current understanding, not settled fact. Work with your own clinician for your care.