Skip to Main Content

For further information, see CMDT Part 26-30: Polyneuropathies & Mononeuritis Multiplex

KEY FEATURES

  • Clinically similar to Guillain-Barré syndrome but with relapsing or progressive course over months or years and autoimmune dysfunction is generally less common

  • In the relapsing form, partial recovery may occur after relapses or no recovery between exacerbations

  • Remission may occur spontaneously, but frequently there is progression to severe functional disability

  • Usually ascending, symmetric weakness

  • Paresthesias more variable

CLINICAL FINDINGS

  • A symmetric sensory, motor, or mixed deficit, which may be most marked distally or proximally

  • See also Guillain-Barré Syndrome

DIAGNOSIS

  • Electrodiagnostic studies

    • Marked slowing of motor and sensory conduction and focal conduction block

    • Signs of partial denervation may be present due to secondary axonal degeneration

  • Nerve biopsy

    • May show chronic perivascular inflammatory infiltrates in endoneurium and epineurium without accompanying evidence of vasculitis

    • However, normal nerve biopsy or the presence of nonspecific abnormalities does not exclude the diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Corticosteroids

    • Prednisone, 60–80 mg once daily orally for 2–3 months

    • If no response has occurred despite 3 months of treatment, a higher dose may be tried

    • In responsive cases, the dose is gradually tapered, but most patients become corticosteroid dependent, often requiring prednisone, 20 mg orally on alternate days, on a long-term basis

  • Immunosuppressants

    • Patients unresponsive to corticosteroids may benefit from an immunosuppressant drug, such as azathioprine

  • Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)

    • Can be used in place of or in addition to corticosteroids

    • Best used as initial treatment in pure motor syndromes (2 g/kg over 2–5 days followed by 1 g/kg every 3 weeks)

    • A weekly regimen of 0.2–0.4 g/kg of a 20% subcutaneous immunoglobulin solution is an effective alternative but has not been compared directly to corticosteroids or IVIG

  • Plasma exchange

    • May be worthwhile when both IVIG and corticosteroids are ineffective

  • Rituximab has shown promise

Pop-up div Successfully Displayed

This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Otherwise it is hidden from view.

  • Create a Free Profile