Abstract
Introduction: We explored adherence to the European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) by reviewing data from a specialty pharmacy database. Materials and Methods: Clinical and electrophysiologic data were reviewed for 65 consecutive patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for CIDP. Three neuromuscular neurologists independently classified cases according to EFNS/PNS criteria as (1) fulfilling CIDP criteria; (2) non-CIDP (neither clinical nor electrophysiologic criteria met); or (3) unknown (insufficient information). Results: Patients were treated by 31 different community neurologists in 14 states. Only seven patients (11%) met clinical and electrodiagnostic CIDP criteria. The remainder (89%) did not have CIDP (49%) or were unknown (40%). IVIG mean induction dose was 1.25 g/kg, mean maintenance dose 0.79 g/kg, and mean interval between infusions was 23 days. Conclusions: Adherence to EFNS/PNS CIDP diagnostic and treatment guidelines in the general neurologic community was poor. Improved education and awareness of widely available CIDP guidelines are recommended.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | e00932 |
Journal | Brain and Behavior |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2018 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2018 The Authors. Brain and Behavior published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keywords
- chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
- clinical practice
- diagnosis
- guidelines
- intravenous immunoglobulin