CIDP Mimics study

Background:
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a disease of the peripheral nerves. These nerves provide the connection between the brain, the muscles and skin. We do not know exactly how CIDP arises. The idea is that an immune reaction against the nerves arises due to an unknown cause. This causes gradual loss of strength, loss of sensation and sometimes pain. The treatment is aimed at slowing down this inflammation with immunoglobulins, corticosteroids or plasmapheresis. CIDP is a progressive disease, and it is important for proper treatment that CIDP is recognized as soon as possible.

The diagnosis of CIDP is made based on the signs and symptoms, in combination with blood tests and nerve conduction studies (EMG). In addition, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is sometimes examined, or a nerve ultrasound is made to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Diagnosing CIDP sometimes proves to be difficult in clinical practice because there is a wide variety of complaints and symptoms with which the disease can present itself. There are many conditions that can resemble CIDP (‘CIDP mimics’). Unfortunately, there is currently no single test that can directly distinguish between CIDP and CIDP mimics and misdiagnosis is common.

Aim:
The CIDP Mimics study aims to improve the diagnosis of CIDP. To this end, we collect detailed data about patients with CIDP and patients with a CIDP mimic. With this information, we can make a better and faster distinction between CIDP and other diseases in the future, to be able to provide better treatment and care for our patients.

With the permission of patients, we collect information about their complaints and the findings of the neurological examination, laboratory research and nerve conduction studies performed. If blood or cerebrospinal fluid has been taken for diagnostic purposes, we will request that residual material for research. No additional investigations will be performed for research only.

Situation:
The CIDP Mimics study was initiated by the Albert Schweitzer Hospital (Dordrecht), the HagaZiekenhuis (The Hague) and the Erasmus MC (Rotterdam). It is carried out in collaboration with neurologists from other hospitals in the Netherlands. As of June 2024, 90 patients have been included in the study.

Schedule:
To learn about the differences between CIDP and CIDP mimics, we need many participants. The plan is to continue including patients for the time being. The goal is to gather at least 200 participants.

Participation:
All patients suspected of having CIDP can in principle participate in the CIDP mimics study, provided that they are still in the diagnostic phase of the disease and their own neurologist has consulted with the CIDP expertise centre at Erasmus MC (if the centre is not an official centre yet).