Guillain Barre and CIDP

Question 1

What is Guillain Barre?

Answer 1

Immune mediated demyelination of peripheral nervous system

Question 2

What triggers Guillain Barre?

Answer 2

Often infection
Classically campylobacter jejuni
EBV, CMV

Question 3

What is the presentation of Guillain Barre?

Answer 3

Progressive weakness of all 4 limbs- classically ascending, proximal muscles first
Few sensory signs
Absent reflexes

Question 4

What investigations are done for GB?

Answer 4

Bloods- exclude other causes
LP- elevated protein, normal WCC
Nerve conduction studies- decreased conduction velocity
MRI- rile out spinal cord compression

Question 5

What is the management of GB?

Answer 5

Severe- IVIg, plasmapheresis

Supportive

Question 6

What are the complications of GB?

Answer 6

Severe infection
Blood clots
Cardiac arrest

Question 7

What is the prognosis of GB?

Answer 7

60% attain full recovery of motor strength by 1 year

5-10% have prolonged and incomplete recovery

Question 8

What does CIDP stand for?

Answer 8

Chonic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Question 9

What is CIDP?

Answer 9

Chronic immune mediated inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves

Question 10

What is CIDP associated with?

Answer 10

DM

HIV

Question 11

What is the presentation of CIDP?

Answer 11

Early
-Paraesthesia/numbness in extremities
-Leg cramps
-Fasciculations
Proximal and distal muscle weakness
Diminished/absent reflexes
Sensory ataxia

Question 12

What investigations ae done for CIDP?

Answer 12

EMG or nerve conduction studies
LP
Bloods
MRI- rile out other caises

Question 13

What is the management of CIDP?

Answer 13

IVIg
Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants
Plasmapheresis