Progressive muscle weakness after high-dose steroids in two children with CIDP

Pediatr Neurol. 2003 Sep;29(3):236-8. doi: 10.1016/s0887-8994(03)00222-4.

Abstract

Corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins belong to the first line of treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. In patients with a progressive course, plasma exchange and immunomodulatory drugs are added to the regimen. To reduce the side effects of long-term oral prednisolone, high-dose pulsatile intravenous methylprednisolone treatment has been advocated. We report two children with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy who, after high-dose intravenous pulsatile methylprednisolone, experienced a significant clinical deterioration with profound loss of muscle strength. Both patients improved after changing treatment to immunoglobulins in one and cyclosporine combined with immunoglobulins and oral prednisolone in the other.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Weakness / chemically induced*
  • Muscle Weakness / pathology
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating / drug therapy*
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating / pathology
  • Steroids / administration & dosage*
  • Steroids / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Steroids