This is our fourth weekly blog about CIDP, a rare Inflammatory Neuropathy and autoimmune condition impacting around 600 new people in the UK each year. In previous posts we have looked at diagnosis and symptoms. This week we are looking at the treatments available for CIDP.
Treating CIDP
There is no set treatment for CIDP, but there are a wide range of options available. Most people will receive a treatment called Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg). IVIg is made from donated plasma (from blood) and is infused into your blood stream. It contains healthy antibodies, and normally delivers a positive reaction quickly. If IVIg works for you, then you will likely to receive it regularly (normally every six weeks) in a hospital or clinic. How well it works and the amount you receive will be reviewed regularly.
Some people choose to receive their Ig in a different way, by injecting it under the skin. This is called Sub-Cutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIg). Some people choose this because they can do it themselves at home, and the impact on their life is less.
Sometimes, people may receive something called Plasma Exchange (or Plasmapheresis instead of IVIg. This involves being attached to a machine that removes harmful antibodies from your blood.
Another option that clinicians may consider are Corticosteroids. Treatment using steroids is fairly easy and unintrusive, but can have some longer term side effects. However, it can be very effective for some people.
There are also a number of other treatments and medications that can be considered if the main treatments don’t work or are less effective, and there are some new treatments that are in development.
The treatment that you receive will vary depending on how your CIDP presents, the views of your clinician, and a number of other factors. While there is no set guidance on which treatment should be tried in which order, having a menu of treatments available means that there are options available to get the right result for each patient.
Is there a cure?
Unfortunately, at present there is no cure for CIDP. However, many people are able to manage their condition and live full lives through appropriate ongoing treatment and support. A significant number of CIDP patients will be classed as ‘in remission’ from CIDP, where their CIDP is not progressing, there are no relapses, and when ongoing treatment may no longer be needed.
What other support is available?
In next week’s blog we will look at ongoing management of CIDP, how physiotherapy can help, and the type of support that is available across the community. GAIN is here to support anyone impacted by CIDP. If you want some support, want to discuss your concerns, or want some advice then please get in touch. GAIN are to provide support, raise awareness, and facilitate research in order to benefit the Inflammatory Neuropathies Community, including people impacted by CIDP. To contact GAIN call 01529 469910 or email office@gaincharity.org.uk
