Distinction between Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Abstract

Most of the cases are straightforward and are easily distinguishable as Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy [CIDP] or Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy [AIDP]. AIDP is the most common form of Guillain-Barre syndrome [GBS]. AIDP has a more rapid course. Symptoms typically reach a nadir in 4 weeks or less. Back pain and autonomic symptoms are common in AIDP, along with bulbar involvement or respiratory compromise. CIDP has a more indolent course. As per well-established criteria, it takes more than 8 weeks to develop the greatest weakness in CIDP. Patients typically present with weakness in both proximal and distal muscle groups, sensory loss, and paresthesias which could be slowly progressive or they present with a more relapsing/remitting course. Unlike AIDP, autonomic symptoms and back pain are less common in CIDP. Also, respiratory compromise or bulbar involvement is rare in CIDP patients [1].