Variables associated with a good response to steroids in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

Abstract

Background: The treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is based on corticosteroids, immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis. In our Health System, corticosteroids are commonly used as first line therapy for economic reasons and accessibility. However, the factors associated with a good response are not well known. Aim: To assess the association of demographic, clinical and laboratory variables with a favorable response to corticosteroid therapy in patients with CIDP. Material and Methods: Observational, descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study of 33 patients with a diagnosis of typical, definitive or probable CIDP, treated with corticosteroids for at least six months. Results: Twenty-three patients had a good clinical response to corticosteroid treatment and 10 were non-responders. The variables significantly associated with a good response to steroids were a disease lasting less than 1 year prior to the start of treatment, the absence of axonal damage in electromyography a relapsing-recurrent course and a favorable response within two months of treatment. Conclusions: Most of these patients with CIDP had good response to corticosteroid therapy.