[Methylprednisolone pulse in treatment of childhood chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy]

Arch Pediatr. 2010 Sep;17(9):1293-9. doi: 10.1016/j.arcped.2010.06.022. Epub 2010 Aug 14.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in children is rare and treatment is based primarily on intravenous immunoglobulins or oral corticosteroids. Boluses of methylprednisolone (MP) are a possible alternative. We report 3 cases of CIDP in children with good outcome after MP pulse therapy. One male (7 years of age) and 2 females (4 and 5 years of age) presented with recurring episodes of functional impotence of both lower limbs and walking impairment, partially reversible without treatment. Clinical and electrophysiological data and the analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid were compatible with CIDP. MP pulses were administered: the total number of pulses varied from 5 to 8, very satisfactory progression on the clinical and electrophysiological pattern was noted, without recurrence in the 3 cases. Childhood CIDP presents clinical, electrophysiological outcome, and prognostic particularities, recurring readily, and the outcome is good. Boluses of MP are an alternative for treatment of these neuropathies in childhood.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage*
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating / diagnosis
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating / drug therapy*
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating / physiopathology
  • Prognosis
  • Pulse Therapy, Drug / methods
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Methylprednisolone