Purpose of review: The purpose of this review article is to discuss the pathogenesis of acute and chronic immune-mediated neuropathies along with the recent advances in their treatment.
Recent findings: Since the first description of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) more than a century ago, there have been numerous forms of immune-mediated neuropathies described expanding the spectrum. Understanding the role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated neuropathies has been an advancement towards the diagnosis and treatment. It is postulated that immune-mediated neuropathies are a group of diseases resulting from autoimmunity towards multiple components of peripheral nervous system. These have a wide range of pathologic mechanisms, defined clinical presentations, electro-diagnostic and laboratory findings which help in diagnosis and management. Although immunosuppression is the common modality of treatment for these disorders, uncovering distinct pathogenic mechanisms can allow for targeted immunomodulation.
Keywords: AIDP; CIDP; Cancer-related neuropathy; IVIg; Immune neuropathy treatment; MMN.