Are the treatments for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) effective and safe? - A Cochrane Overview summary with commentary.

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a potentially disabling health condition.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of different pharmacological interventions used in CIPD.

METHODS

To summarize and to discuss the rehabilitation perspective on the published Cochrane Overview "Treatments for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP): an overviewof systematic reviews" by Anne Louise Oaklander, et al., representing the Cochrane Neuromuscular Group.

RESULTS

Five CSRs and 23 RCTs, reporting data on corticosteroids, plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin, were considered in the overview.

CONCLUSIONS

High quality trials investigating the combined effectiveness of drugs and exercise using ICF based outcomes should be encouraged.