Pediatric chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)

What is pediatric chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)?

Sometimes called chronic relapsing polyneuropathy, CIDP is caused by damage to the myelin sheath (fatty covering that protects nerve fibers) of the peripheral nerves. The peripheral nerves govern the function and control of the limbs.

CIDP is closely related to Guillain-Barre syndrome, and is often considered to be the chronic counterpart of that acute (sudden) condition.

Risk factors

CIDP can occur at any age and in males and females. However, the condition most commonly manifests in young adults (between age 18 to 25 years), and occurs more so in males than in females.

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)?

Typical symptoms of CIDP include:

• Fatigue

• Loss of deep tendon reflexes (areflexia)

• Tingling or numbness, usually beginning in the toes and fingers

• Weakness of the arms and legs