Pediatric Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a neurological disorder that causes progressive weakness and reduced function in the arms and legs.

What is Pediatric Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy?

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

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy?

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

*Age of young adults as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).