Cyclosporin A in treatment of refractory patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

European Academy of Neurology/Peripheral Nerve Society guideline on diagnosis and treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: Report of a joint Task Force-Second revision

OBJECTIVE

To revise the 2010 consensus guideline on chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP).

METHODS

Seventeen disease experts, a patient representative, and two Cochrane methodologists constructed 12 Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome (PICO) questions regarding diagnosis and treatment to guide the literature search. Data were extracted and summarized in GRADE summary of findings (for treatment PICOs) or evidence tables (for diagnostic PICOs).

RESULTS

Statements were prepared according to the GRADE Evidence-to-Decision frameworks. Typical CIDP and CIDP variants were distinguished. The previous term "atypical CIDP" was replaced by "CIDP variants" because these are well characterized entities (multifocal, focal, distal, motor, or sensory CIDP). The levels of diagnostic certainty were reduced from three (definite, probable, possible CIDP) to only two (CIDP and possible CIDP), because the diagnostic accuracy of criteria for probable and definite CIDP did not significantly differ. Good Practice Points were formulated for supportive criteria and investigations to be considered to diagnose CIDP. The principal treatment recommendations were: (a) intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or corticosteroids are strongly recommended as initial treatment in typical CIDP and CIDP variants; (b) plasma exchange is strongly recommended if IVIg and corticosteroids are ineffective; (c) IVIg should be considered as first-line treatment in motor CIDP (Good Practice Point); (d) for maintenance treatment, IVIg, subcutaneous immunoglobulin or corticosteroids are recommended; (e) if the maintenance dose of any of these is high, consider either combination treatments or adding an immunosuppressant or immunomodulatory drug (Good Practice Point); and (f) if pain is present, consider drugs against neuropathic pain and multidisciplinary management (Good Practice Point).

European Academy of Neurology/Peripheral Nerve Society guideline on diagnosis and treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: Report of a joint Task Force-Second revision

To revise the 2010 consensus guideline on chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Seventeen disease experts, a patient representative, and two Cochrane methodologists constructed 12 Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome (PICO) questions regarding diagnosis and treatment to guide the literature search. Data were extracted and summarized in GRADE summary of findings (for treatment PICOs) or evidence tables (for diagnostic PICOs). Statements were prepared according to the GRADE Evidence-to-Decision frameworks. Typical CIDP and CIDP variants were distinguished. The previous term "atypical CIDP" was replaced by "CIDP variants" because these are well characterized entities (multifocal, focal, distal, motor, or sensory CIDP). The levels of diagnostic certainty were reduced from three (definite, probable, possible CIDP) to only two (CIDP and possible CIDP), because the diagnostic accuracy of criteria for probable and definite CIDP did not significantly differ. Good Practice Points were formulated for supportive criteria and investigations to be considered to diagnose CIDP. The principal treatment recommendations were: (a) intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or corticosteroids are strongly recommended as initial treatment in typical CIDP and CIDP variants; (b) plasma exchange is strongly recommended if IVIg and corticosteroids are ineffective; (c) IVIg should be considered as first-line treatment in motor CIDP (Good Practice Point); (d) for maintenance treatment, IVIg, subcutaneous immunoglobulin or corticosteroids are recommended; (e) if the maintenance dose of any of these is high, consider either combination treatments or adding an immunosuppressant or immunomodulatory drug (Good Practice Point); and (f) if pain is present, consider drugs against neuropathic pain and multidisciplinary management (Good Practice Point).

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: Plasmapheresis or cyclosporine can be good treatment options in refractory cases

Childhood chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare condition, and the optimal treatment strategy is not well established, especially in refractory cases. We analyzed the clinical features and treatment outcomes of 14 cases of childhood CIDP with more than 12 months of follow-up. Of the 14 cases, 10 cases were considered refractory to the conventional first-line treatment. In the monophasic group (n = 6), plasmapheresis resulted in a better treatment response than did IVIG. Monophasic refractory cases (n = 4) were especially responsive to plasmapheresis. In the polyphasic group (n = 8), IVIG and plasmapheresis had comparable effects. Among them six polyphasic patients were refractory to the first-line treatment options and received additional immunosuppressants. Four treatment-refractory polyphasic patients received cyclosporine and achieved successful disease control. With regard to the long-term outcomes, six patients showed minimal symptoms and no relapse within 6 months. Our results suggest that early administration of plasmapheresis in a monophasic course and cyclosporine in a polyphasic course may be effective treatment options for refractory childhood CIDP.

Immune-mediated neuropathies

Since the discovery of an acute monophasic paralysis, later coined Guillain-Barré syndrome, almost 100 years ago, and the discovery of chronic, steroid-responsive polyneuropathy 50 years ago, the spectrum of immune-mediated polyneuropathies has broadened, with various subtypes continuing to be identified, including chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). In general, these disorders are speculated to be caused by autoimmunity to proteins located at the node of Ranvier or components of myelin of peripheral nerves, although disease-associated autoantibodies have not been identified for all disorders. Owing to the numerous subtypes of the immune-mediated neuropathies, making the right diagnosis in daily clinical practice is complicated. Moreover, treating these disorders, particularly their chronic variants, such as CIDP and MMN, poses a challenge. In general, management of these disorders includes immunotherapies, such as corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange. Improvements in clinical criteria and the emergence of more disease-specific immunotherapies should broaden the therapeutic options for these disabling diseases.

History, Diagnosis, and Management of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is probably the best recognized progressive immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy. It is characterized by a symmetrical, motor-predominant peripheral neuropathy that produces both distal and proximal weakness. Large-fiber abnormalities (weakness and ataxia) predominate, whereas small-fiber abnormalities (autonomic and pain) are less common. The pathophysiology of CIDP is inflammatory demyelination that manifests as slowed conduction velocities, temporal dispersion, and conduction block on nerve conduction studies and as segmental demyelination, onion-bulb formation, and endoneurial inflammatory infiltrates on nerve biopsies. Although spinal fluid protein levels are generally elevated, this finding is not specific for the diagnosis of ClDP. Other neuropathies can resemble CIDP, and it is important to identify these to ensure correct treatment of these various conditions. Consequently, metastatic bone surveys (for osteosclerotic myeloma), serum electrophoresis with immunofixation (for monoclonal gammopathies), and human immunodeficiency virus testing should be considered for testing in patients with suspected CIDP. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy can present as various subtypes, the most common being the classical symmetrical polyradiculoneuropathy and the next most common being a localized asymmetrical form, multifocal CIDP. There are 3 well-established, first-line treatments of CIDP-corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin-with most experts using intravenous immunoglobulin as first-line therapy. Newer immune-modulating drugs can be used in refractory cases. Treatment response in CIDP should be judged by objective measures (improvement in the neurological or electrophysiological examination), and treatment needs to be individualized to each patient.

Unconventional treatments for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

This article focuses on the unconventional treatments used in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). First line, evidence-based treatments for CIDP include corticosteroids, immunoglobulins and plasma exchanges. Several unproven treatments are however given in treatment-refractory disease or to reduce requirements in validated therapies for reasons of side effects/practical delivery/cost. Despite methodological issues, IFN-α, azathioprine and methotrexate have not been shown to be useful in randomized controlled trials. Cyclophosphamide, rituximab and, as final resort in highly selected cases, hematopoietic stem cell transplant may be options considered in severely disabled refractory patients. Debatably, azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil are still occasionally used, among others, in milder disease. Physical therapy may be of benefit in CIDP but is not systematically considered as an integral part of management strategies. Current literature relating to unconventional therapies in CIDP is reviewed here and the possible avenues that require consideration in severe refractory disease and less disabling forms are discussed.

Immunomodulatory treatment other than corticosteroids, immunoglobulin and plasma exchange for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a disease that causes progressive or relapsing and remitting weakness and numbness. It is probably caused by an autoimmune process. Immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory drugs would be expected to be beneficial. This review was first published in 2003 and has been updated most recently in 2016.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive agents other than corticosteroids, immunoglobulin, and plasma exchange in CIDP.

SEARCH METHODS

On 24 May 2016, we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 4) in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and LILACS for completed trials, and clinical trial registers for ongoing trials. We contacted the authors of the trials identified and other disease experts seeking other published and unpublished trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We sought randomised and quasi-randomised trials of all immunosuppressive agents, such as azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, ciclosporin, mycophenolate mofetil, and rituximab, and all immunomodulatory agents, such as interferon (IFN) alfa and IFN beta, in participants fulfilling standard diagnostic criteria for CIDP. We included all comparisons of these agents with placebo, another treatment, or no treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We wanted to measure the change in disability after one year as our primary outcome. Our secondary outcomes were change in disability after four or more weeks (from randomisation); change in impairment after at least one year; change in maximum motor nerve conduction velocity and compound muscle action potential amplitude after one year; and for participants who were receiving corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), the amount of this medication given during at least one year after randomisation. Participants with one or more serious adverse events during the first year was also a secondary outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

Four trials fulfilled the selection criteria: one of azathioprine (27 participants), two of IFN beta-1a (77 participants in total) and one of methotrexate (60 participants). The risk of bias was considered low in the trials of IFN beta-1a and methotrexate but high in the trial of azathioprine. None of the trials showed significant benefit in any of the outcomes selected by their authors. The results of the outcomes which approximated most closely to the primary outcome for this review were as follows.In the azathioprine trial there was a median improvement in the Neuropathy Impairment Scale (scale range 0 to 280) after nine months of 29 points (range 49 points worse to 84 points better) in the azathioprine and prednisone treated participants compared with 30 points worse (range 20 points worse to 104 points better) in the prednisone alone group. There were no reports of adverse events.In a cross-over trial of IFN beta-1a with 20 participants, the treatment periods were 12 weeks. The median improvement in the Guy's Neurological Disability Scale (range 1 to 10) was 0.5 grades (interquartile range (IQR) 1.8 grades better to zero grade change) in the IFN beta-1a treatment period and 0.5 grades (IQR 1.8 grades better to 1.0 grade worse) in the placebo treatment period. There were no serious adverse events in either treatment period.In a parallel group trial of IFN beta-1a with 67 participants, none of the outcomes for this review was available. The trial design involved withdrawal from ongoing IVIg treatment. The primary outcome used by the trial authors was total IVIg dose administered from week 16 to week 32 in the placebo group compared with the IFN beta-1a groups. This was slightly but not significantly lower in the combined IFN beta-1a groups (1.20 g/kg) compared with the placebo group (1.34 g/kg, P = 0.75). There were four participants in the IFN beta-1a group and none in the placebo group with one or more serious adverse events, risk ratio (RR) 4.50 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25 to 80.05).The methotrexate trial had a similar design involving withdrawal from ongoing corticosteroid or IVIg treatment. At the end of the trial (approximately 40 weeks) there was no significant difference in the change in the Overall Neuropathy Limitations Scale, a disability scale (scale range 0 to 12), the median change being 0 (IQR -1 to 0) in the methotrexate group and 0 (IQR -0.75 to 0) in the placebo group. These changes in disability might have been confounded by the reduction in corticosteroid or IVIg dose required by the protocol. There were three participants in the methotrexate group and one in the placebo with one or more serious adverse events, RR 3.56 (95% CI 0.39 to 32.23).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Low-quality evidence from randomised trials does not show significant benefit from azathioprine or interferon beta-1a and moderate-quality evidence from one randomised trial does not show significant benefit from a relatively low dose of methotrexate for the treatment of CIDP. None of the trials was large enough to rule out small or moderate benefit. The evidence from observational studies is insufficient to avoid the need for randomised controlled trials to discover whether these drugs are beneficial. Future trials should have improved designs, more sensitive outcome measures relevant to people with CIDP, and longer treatment durations.

Two years' long-term follow up in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment

BACKGROUND

Administration of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIgs) is established for long-term treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Prevention of secondary axonal loss going along with permanent clinical disability and muscular atrophy is a major aim in CIDP therapy. To assess long-term clinical efficacy of IVIg treatment despite heterogenous disease course and variable complaints reported by the patients, long-term electrophysiological monitoring was performed for systematic evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of IVIg.

METHODS

A total of 21 patients with CIDP treated with IVIg 1 g/kg bodyweight every 3-6 weeks were examined electrophysiologically every 12 months over a period of 2 years.

RESULTS

Assessment of clinical symptoms, using the Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) and Hughes functional grading score (F-score) revealed improvement of motor and sensory symptoms over a period of 2 years. As electrophysiological results remained stable, IVIg treatment seems to be suitable to prevent axonal loss in CIDP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms efficacy of IVIg as firstline therapy in CIDP. Doses and frequency of IVIg application should be adapted based on clinical evaluation and analysis of long-term electrophysiological findings.

Subcutaneous immunoglobulin for maintenance treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (The PATH Study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Subcutaneous administration of Ig (SCIg) has gained popularity as an alternative route of administration but has never been rigorously examined in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

METHODS/DESIGN

The primary objective of the PATH study (Polyneuropathy and Treatment with Hizentra) is to determine the efficacy of two different doses of SCIg IgPro20 (0.2 g/kg bw or 0.4 g/kg bw) in a 24-week maintenance treatment of CIDP in comparison to placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint will be the proportion of patients who show CIDP relapse (1-point deterioration on the adjusted Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) disability score) or are withdrawn within 24 weeks after randomization for any reason. IVIg-dependent adult patients with definite or probable CIDP according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society who fulfil the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be eligible. Based on sample-size calculation and relapse assumptions in the three arms, a sample size of 58 is needed per arm (overall sample size will be 350, of which 174 will be randomized). All eligible patients will progress through three study periods: an IgG dependency period (≤12 weeks) to select those who are Ig dependent; an IVIg restabilization period (10 or 13 weeks), which will be performed using the 10 % IgPro10 product; and an SC treatment period (24 weeks, followed by a 1-week completion visit after last follow-up). Patients showing IVIg restabilization will be randomized to demonstrate the efficacy of SCIg IgPro20 maintenance treatment over placebo. After completing the study, subjects are eligible to enter a long-term, open-label, extension study of 1 year or return to their previous treatment. In case of CIDP relapse during the 24-week SC treatment period, IgPro10 rescue medication will be offered. Safety, tolerability, and patients' preference of Ig administration route will be examined.

DISCUSSION

The PATH trial, which started in March 2012, is expected to finish at the end of 2016. The results will increase knowledge about the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of SCIg in maintenance management of CIDP patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01545076 . Registered on 1 March 2012.

Treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is one of the acquired demyelinating neuropathies and is considered to be immune mediated. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical history, neurologic examination, electrophysiologic studies, CSF studies, and pathologic examination. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent irreversible axonal loss and optimize improvement in function. The first-line agents for treatment are intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), corticosteroids, and plasmapheresis, which have all been demonstrated to be effective in controlled studies. Studies have not shown a significant difference between these three treatments, and the initial choice of therapy is often based on availability, cost, ease of administration, and side effect profile. If patients do not respond to one of these agents, they may respond to one of the others and sometimes in combination. If the first-line agents are not effective, chemotherapeutic or immunosuppressive agents may be considered. There are limited controlled studies of these modalities, and they are often used in conjunction with a first-line treatment. The majority of patients require long-term therapy to maintain a response and to prevent relapse.

Treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a sporadically occurring, acquired neuropathic condition of autoimmune origin with chronic progressive or relapsing-remitting disease course. CIDP is a treatable disorder; a variety of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agents are available to modify, impede, and even reverse the neurological deficits and sequelae that manifest in the course of the disease. However, in many cases CIDP is not curable. Challenges that remain in the treatment of CIDP patients are well recognized and include a remarkably individual heterogeneity in terms of disease course and treatment response as well as a lack of objective and feasible measures to predict and monitor the responsiveness to the available therapies. In this chapter an overview of the currently used drugs in the treatment of CIDP patients is given and some important and controversial issues that arise in the context of care for CIDP patients are discussed.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: a treatment protocol proposal

Guidelines for diagnostic criteria and treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) have been proposed by a joint task force of the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society, based on available evidence and expert consensus. These should prove practical for the clinical management of CIDP. Intravenous immunoglobulin followed by corticosteroids should be considered as the initial treatment, however no clear second drug of choice for patients who do not respond to the initial treatment is given. The author reports the long-term therapeutic efficacy of ciclosporin for patients with CIDP who did not show sustained improvement under steroid therapy. Ciclosporin should be tried for patients with intractable CIDP who require repeated intravenous immunoglobulin. An adequate initial dose of ciclosporin is 3 mg/kg/day, with plasma trough concentrations between 100 and 150 ng/ml. If patients respond to ciclosporin, remission can be maintained for 2 years, after which the dose can be slowly reduced over 1 year. Eventual withdrawal should be considered. This review proposes a treatment strategy that includes long-term maintenance therapy for CIDP based on published clinical trials and the author's clinical experience. Current concepts concerning the clinical spectrum of CIDP and diagnostic approaches are also considered.

Immunomodulatory treatment other than corticosteroids, immunoglobulin and plasma exchange for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a disease causing progressive or relapsing and remitting weakness and numbness. It is probably due to an autoimmune process. Immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory drugs would be expected to be beneficial. This review was first published in 2003 and has been most recently updated in 2013.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to review systematically the evidence from randomised trials of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive agents other than corticosteroids, immunoglobulin and plasma exchange for CIDP.

SEARCH METHODS

On 9 July 2012, we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register (July 2012), CENTRAL (2012, Issue 6 in The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (January 1977 to July 2012), EMBASE (January 1980 to July 2012), CINAHL (January 1982 to July 2012) and LILACS (January 1982 to July 2012). We contacted the authors of the trials identified and other disease experts seeking other published and unpublished trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We sought randomised and quasi-randomised trials of all immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, ciclosporin, mycophenolate mofetil, and rituximab and all immunomodulatory agents such as interferon alfa and interferon beta, in participants fulfilling standard diagnostic criteria for CIDP.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected trials, judged their risk of bias and extracted data. We wanted to measure the change in disability after one year as our primary outcome. Our secondary outcomes were change in disability after four or more weeks (from randomisation), change in impairment after at least one year, change in maximum motor nerve conduction velocity and compound muscle action potential amplitude after one year and for those participants who were receiving corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin, the amount of this medication given during at least one year after randomisation. Participants with one or more serious adverse events during the first year was also a secondary outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

Four trials fulfilled the selection criteria, one of azathioprine (27 participants), two of interferon beta-1a (77 participants in total) and one of methotrexate (60 participants). The risk of bias in the two trials of interferon beta-1a for CIDP and the trial of methotrexate was assessed to be low but bias in the trial of azathioprine was judged high. None of these trials showed significant benefit in the primary outcome (measured only in the methotrexate study) or secondary outcomes selected for this review. Severe adverse events occurred no more frequently than in the placebo groups for methotrexate and interferon beta-1a, but participant numbers were low. There was no adverse event reporting in the azathioprine study.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence from randomised trials does not show significant benefit from azathioprine, interferon beta-1a or methotrexate but none of the trials was large enough to rule out small or moderate benefit. The evidence from observational studies is insufficient to avoid the need for randomised controlled trials to discover whether these drugs are beneficial. Future trials should have improved designs, more sensitive outcome measures and longer durations.

[Successful cyclosporine treatment in 2 patients with refractory CIDP, involving monitoring of both AUC(0-4h) and trough levels]

Cyclosporine A (CYA) treatment has been reported to be probably useful for patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) that is resistant to conventional treatment. Although several studies have shown that appropriate area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) monitoring of CYA levels results in improved outcomes for refractory nephrotic syndrome patients, the importance of using AUC analysis for CIDP remains unclear. In this study, we measured both trough and AUC from 0 to 4 h (AUC(0-4 h)) levels of CYA in 2 patients with CIDP and compared the findings for the clinical parameters. On the basis of the CYA dosing recommendations for patients with nephrotic syndrome, we used a CYA concentration of 150 ng/ml for the trough level and an AUC(0-4 h) value of 2,500 ng/(ml·h). Patient 1 showed a significant increase in grip strength and a prolonged remission period. Patient 2 showed improvement in the modified Rankin scale and manual muscle test (MMT) scores. Monitoring both AUC(0-4 h) and trough levels of CYA seems to be a better option than monitoring the trough level alone because it leads to improved estimation of the efficacy and safety of CYA treatment in the case of CIDP patients.

Standard and escalating treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired, immune-mediated polyradiculoneuritis that is progressive or relapsing over a period of at least 8 weeks. Although the exact pathogenesis is unclear, it is thought to be mediated by both cellular and humoral immune reactions directed against the peripheral nerve myelin or axon. CIDP also involves spinal nerve roots. Early medical treatment of CIDP is important to prevent axonal loss. Only three treatment regimens for CIDP have demonstrated benefit in randomized, controlled studies: corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg). Approximately 25% of patients respond inadequately to corticosteroids, plasma exchange or IVIg. Large placebo-controlled trials with alternative immunosuppressive compounds, e.g. mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, or monoclonal antibodies, are lacking.

Immunomodulatory treatment other than corticosteroids, immunoglobulin and plasma exchange for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy is a disease causing progressive or relapsing and remitting weakness and numbness. It is probably due to an autoimmune process. Immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory drugs would be expected to be beneficial.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to review systematically the evidence from randomised trials of cytotoxic drugs and interferons other than corticosteroids, immunoglobulin and plasma exchange for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialised Register (May 2010), The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 2), MEDLINE (January 1977 to May 2010), EMBASE (January 1980 to May 2010), CINAHL (January 1982 to May 2010) and LILACS (January 1982 to May 2010). We contacted the authors of the trials identified and other disease experts seeking other published and unpublished trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We sought randomised and quasi-randomised trials of all immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, ciclosporin A, mycophenolate mofetil, and rituximab and all immunomodulatory agents such as interferon alfa and interferon beta in participants fulfilling standard diagnostic criteria for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected trials, judged their methodological quality and extracted data. We wanted to measure the change in disability after one year as our primary outcome. Our secondary outcomes were change in disability after four or more weeks (from randomisation), change in impairment after at least one year, change in maximum motor nerve conduction velocity and compound muscle action potential amplitude after one year and for those participants who were receiving corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin, the amount of this medication given during at least one year after randomisation. Participants with one or more serious adverse events during the first year was also a secondary outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

Four trials fulfilled the selection criteria, one of azathioprine (27 participants), two of interferon beta-1a (77 participants in total) and one of methotrexate (60 participants). None of these trials showed significant benefit in the primary outcome or secondary outcomes selected for this review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence from randomised trials does not show significant benefit from azathioprine, interferon beta-1a or methotrexate but none of the trials was large enough to rule out small or moderate benefit. The evidence from observational studies is insufficient to avoid the need for randomised controlled trials to discover whether these drugs are beneficial. Future trials should have improved designs, more sensitive outcome measures and longer durations.

Treatment in inflammatory neuropathies

This review focuses on recent developments in the treatment of inflammatory neuropathies arising from immune dysregulation, rather than from infectious causes. The dysimmune inflammatory neuropathies are diseases of the peripheral nerves that have varying etiologies and may respond to immunomodulatory therapies. They are characterized by inflammatory changes in the nerve with associated destruction of myelin and axons. The underlying immune mechanisms are better understood in some of these conditions than others. Correct diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent clinical progression. Randomized controlled trials of some treatments in the more common inflammatory neuropathies have clarified their effectiveness; however, there are still groups of patients who are resistant to currently available treatments and for whom little effective treatment is available. Newer, targeted biologics and larger controlled trials of existing and novel therapies in these conditions offer promise of improved morbidity and mortality in this group of diseases.

From bench to bedside--experimental rationale for immune-specific therapies in the inflamed peripheral nerve

Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy are autoimmune-mediated inflammatory diseases of the PNS. In recent years, substantial progress has been made towards understanding the immune mechanisms that underlie these conditions, in large part through the study of experimental models. Here, we review the available animal models that partially mimic human Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and discuss the wide range of therapeutic approaches that have been successfully established in these models of inflammatory neuropathies. Transfer of this preclinical knowledge to patients has been far less successful, and inflammatory neuropathies are still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We will summarize successful therapeutic trials in human autoimmune neuropathies to provide a vantage point for the transfer of experimental treatment strategies to clinical practice in immune-mediated diseases of the peripheral nerve.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies: Current treatment strategies

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy (CIDP), considered an immune-mediated disease, is likely under-recognized and under-treated due to its heterogeneous presentation and the limitations of clinical, serologic, and electrophysiologic diagnostic criteria. Despite these limitations, early diagnosis and treatment is important in preventing irreversible axonal loss and improving functional recovery. Primary treatment modalities include intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis, for which there is randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled evidence. In addition, despite less definitive published evidence of efficacy, corticosteroids are considered standard therapies because of their long history of use. Studies have failed to demonstrate a difference in efficacy among these three treatments; consequently, the choice is usually based on availability and side-effect profile. A number of chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agents have also shown to be effective in treating CIDP but significant evidence is lacking; therefore, these agents are primarily used in conjunction with other modalities. Regardless of the treatment choice, long-term therapy is required to maintain a response and prevent relapse.

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

In 1975, clinical, electrodiagnostic, and pathologic features defined chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Subsequent reports have made it clear that demyelination is a cardinal feature of teh disorder. Over the past 30 years, variants have been described and associated systemic disorders identified. There continues to be discussion, however, as to how best to define CIDP and classify the disorders that are chronic, acquired, immune mediated, and demyelinating. Understanding the disorders allows clinicians to make appropriate treatment decisions. Some disorders originally considered as variants now are shown to have characteristic features that make them distinct from CIDP. It is imperative to recognize the differences between these disorders.

Rituximab therapy in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy with anti-SGPG IgM antibody

We report a patient with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) who showed high titers of anti-sulfated glucuronyl paragloboside (SGPG) IgM antibody without M-protein in serum. The patient was resistant to corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, but after administration of rituximab, clinical symptoms improved and the patient remained in a stable state for approximately 10 months. Rituximab may be a potent therapeutic option for refractory cases of CIDP irrespective of detectable M-protein in either serum or urine.

[Treatment options for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP)]

Limits of treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating poly(radiculo)neuropathies (CIDP) patients are better known thanks to recent Cochrane reviews. (1) Randomized controlled trials have only focused on short-term effects, but most patients need long-term therapy, (2) There are three proven effective treatments available (prednisone; intravenous immunoglobulin or IVIg and plasma exchange or PE) which are useful in more than 60 p. 100 of patients, (3) New open studies indicated possible efficacy for mycophenolate, rituximab, etanercept, ciclosporine and interferons, and (4) Whether CIDP variants need specific treatment is still unknown. Many CIDP patients need treatment for years. The fear of side effects during long-term steroid treatment, the high costs of IVIg, the necessity for specialized equipment and the invasive nature of PE, are important factors determining the choice for one of these treatments. In most up-to-date treatment options, patients are initially treated with IVIg at a dosage of 2 g/kg administered for 25 days, clinical improvement can be judged within 10 days. The percentage of patients responding seems to be approximately 70 percent, with a very high chance (approximately 85 percent) that repeated administration of IVIg will be necessary, explaining why most neurologists add an immunosuppressive drug at this stage, but there is no consensus concerning the best drug to be used. Combinations of drugs are most likely to be useful in the next future, using IVIg, prednisone, and a immunosuppressor agent, such as mycophenolate, rituximab, etanercept, or ciclosporine. General measures to rehabilitate patients and to manage symptoms like fatigue and other residual findings are important.

Cyclosporine in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

This study demonstrates the efficacy of cyclosporine included in a regimen for the treatment of steroid-resistant chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy in two children. Clinical response was characterized by either decreased frequency of recurrent weakness or normalized motor function. Nerve conduction studies and monitoring of cyclosporine levels were included in the serial follow-up evaluations, and their results were used in formulating a treatment plan. One of the two children, who had been monitored for 56 months since the onset of the disease, was able to maintain normal muscle strength without recurrent weakness for 39 months, with 5 mg/kg daily of cyclosporine. The other child, who had been taking prednisolone 0.3 mg/kg daily and cyclosporine 5 mg/kg daily, regained ambulation without support while demonstrating a reduction of recurrent weakness. None had adverse effects caused by cyclosporine therapy. We conclude that cyclosporine is an effective drug in the treatment of children with steroid-resistant chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

Treatment of immune-mediated, dysimmune neuropathies

This review focuses on the actual status and recent advances in the treatment of immune-mediated neuropathies, including: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) with its subtypes acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, acute motor axonal neuropathy, acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy, Miller Fisher syndrome, and acute pandysautonomia; chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) with its subtypes classical CIDP, CIDP with diabetes, CIDP/monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), sensory CIDP, multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy or Lewis-Sumner syndrome, multifocal acquired sensory and motor neuropathy, and distal acquired demyelinating sensory neuropathy; IgM monoclonal gammopathies with its subtypes Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, myelin-associated glycoprotein-associated gammopathy, polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes syndrome, mixed cryoglobulinemia, gait ataxia, late-onset polyneuropathy syndrome, and MGUS. Concerning the treatment of GBS, there is no significant difference between intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), plasma exchange or plasma exchange followed by IVIG. Because of convenience and absent invasiveness, IVIG are usually preferred. In treating CIDP corticosteroids, IVIG, or plasma exchange are equally effective. Despite the high costs and relative lack of availability, IVIG are preferentially used. For the one-third of patients, who does not respond, other immunosuppressive options are available. In MMN IVIG are the treatment of choice. Inadequate response in 20% of the patients requires adjunctive immunosuppressive therapies. Neuropathies with IgM monoclonal gammopathy may respond to various chemotherapeutic agents, although the long-term effects are unknown. In addition, such treatment may be associated with serious side effects. Recent data support the use of rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against the B-cell surface-membrane-marker CD20.

Treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome and CIDP

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating poly-(radiculo)neuropathy (CIDP) are immune-mediated disorders with a variable duration of progression and a range in severity of weakness. Infections can trigger GBS and exacerbate CIDP. Anti-ganglioside antibodies are important, but there is debate on the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) have shown that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange (PE) are effective in both GBS and CIDP. Most CIDP patients also improve after steroid therapy. Despite current treatment options, many patients have residual deficits or need to be treated for a long period of time. Therefore, new treatment trials are highly indicated. This review focuses on the current and possible new treatment options that could be guided by recent results from laboratory experiments.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy – update on pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria and therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a treatable but possibly underdiagnosed disorder of the peripheral nerve. This review covers the growing literature of the past years that deals with the pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria and treatment of CIDP.

RECENT FINDINGS

The recent development of a biphasic animal model of experimental autoimmune neuritis may provide further insights into the pathogenesis of inflammatory demyelination of the peripheral nerve, such as in CIDP, and may allow the development of further innovative therapeutic strategies. In patients, the contribution of immune processes to the dysfunction in hereditary polyneuropathies and the association of hereditary neuropathy and CIDP has been described. Commonly used therapies remain corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis; however, newer immunosuppressant approaches using mycophenolate mofetil or cyclosporin A, or immunomodulating therapies using monoclonal antibodies or interferons are presently under investigation.

SUMMARY

The growing body of knowledge on the pathogenesis of CIDP and further diagnostic differentiation of subforms may help to develop more-effective therapies for CIDP in the next few years.

Cytotoxic drugs and interferons for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy is a disease causing progressive or relapsing and remitting weakness and numbness. It is probably due to an autoimmune inflammatory process. Immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory drugs would be expected to be beneficial.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to review systematically the evidence from randomised trials concerning cytotoxic drugs and interferons for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group trials register (searched May 2004), MEDLINE (searched January 1977 to May 2004), EMBASE (January 1980 to May 2004), CINAHL (searched January 1982 to December 2001) and LILACS (searched January 1982 to December 2001). We contacted the authors of the trials identified and other disease experts seeking other published and unpublished trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We sought randomised and quasi-randomised trials of all immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, cyclosporin A, mycophenolate mofetil, and rituximab and all immunomodulatory agents such as alpha interferon and beta interferon in participants fulfilling standard diagnostic criteria for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two of us independently selected the trials which met our criteria, judged their methodological quality and extracted the data onto specially designed forms. We wanted to measure the change in disability after one year as our primary outcome measure.

MAIN RESULTS

We found one parallel group open trial of azathioprine for nine months involving 27 participants and another of interferon beta involving 10 participants in a double blind crossover trial with each treatment period lasting 12 weeks. Neither trial provided our primary outcome measure and neither showed a significant beneficial effect on any of the outcome measures selected by the authors or ourselves in the protocol for this review.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence is inadequate to decide whether azathioprine, interferon beta or any other immunosuppressive drug or interferon is beneficial in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.