Key Points about Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyridiculoneuropathy

Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyridiculoneuropathy (AIDP) is characterized by progressive flaccid weakness, usually starting distally and progressing proximally, along with aroflexia and loss of reflexes. The typical clinical vignette involves a patient with a history of antecedent infection, such as diarrheal illness or viral upper respiratory infection. AIDP is caused by autoantibodies that disrupt the myelin sheath, particularly ganglyside antibodies. Physical examination findings include sensory symptoms, parasthesias, relative symmetry of symptoms, and evidence of autonomic dysfunction. Lumbar puncture with increased protein without a concurrent increase in cellularity is a diagnostic test, along with electromyography and nerve conduction studies that show conduction block and decreased compound muscle action potential. The main treatment options are intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and plasma forasis, with monitoring of respiratory status being crucial.