Updates in Diagnosing and Treating CIDP

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) represents a complex and heterogeneous immune-mediated neuropathy, where an evolving understanding of its immunopathogenesis has transformed approaches to diagnosis and long-term management. Once managed primarily through empiric immunotherapy, CIDP is now recognized as a condition requiring precise phenotypic characterization, biomarker-driven evaluation, and individualized treatment selection.

This CME/CE activity delivers an in-depth examination of CIDP pathophysiology, highlighting innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, macrophage activation, complement involvement, and T- and B-cell dysregulation that contribute to demyelination and progressive nerve injury. Integrating evidence from contemporary studies and 2021 EAN/PNS guideline recommendations, faculty will review advances in immunoglobulin (IG) therapy, including the evolution from intravenous (IVIG) to subcutaneous (SCIG) and facilitated SCIG formulations. Participants will explore strategies to differentiate CIDP from mimicking neuropathies, interpret diagnostic testing, and apply data from pivotal trials such as ICE, PATH, and ADVANCE-CIDP. The program also addresses key clinical uncertainties, including treatment sequencing, dose optimization, and patient-centered transitions between IG formulations.

This activity talks about equipping clinicians with the knowledge and practical strategies to personalize CIDP management, strengthen diagnostic accuracy, and optimize treatment decisions. Through evidence-based and multidisciplinary approaches, it aims to enhance patient function, safety, and overall quality of life.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the underlying pathophysiology of CIDP and recognize key diagnostic challenges that contribute to misdiagnosis and delayed care. 
• Review the history and evolution of immunoglobulin (IG) therapy, including the transition from IVIG to subcutaneous formulations. 
• Differentiate the mechanisms of action, benefits, and limitations of IVIG, conventional SCIG, and facilitated SCIG using comparative insights and animated illustrations. 
• Apply practical considerations such as efficacy, tolerability, patient preferences, and quality of life when selecting IG therapy for individualized patient care.