Autoimmune conditions
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
CIDP is an immune-mediated disorder of peripheral nerves and their roots. Damage to myelin can cause progressive or relapsing weakness, altered sensation and difficulty with movement.
Other names and abbreviations
CIDP · chronic immune demyelinating neuropathy · immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy · Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy · Chronic relapsing inflammatory polyneuropathy
Where transplant fits
Autologous transplantation has been used for selected treatment-refractory disease, but is uncommon and adds substantial risk. It returns the patient’s own blood-forming cells after immune-suppressing treatment; an unrelated donor is not needed.
Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, disease stage, prior treatment and the person’s health. These categories are not estimates of donor demand.
Treatment at a glance
- Who it affects
- Usually diagnosed in adults, although childhood disease occurs. Symptoms alone do not distinguish CIDP from other neuropathies.
- Other treatment options
- Immunoglobulin, corticosteroids and plasma exchange are established treatments. Efgartigimod-based treatment is an approved option for adults in the US; choices depend on the confirmed diagnosis and response.
- Cells used for transplantation
- When performed, transplantation uses the patient’s own blood-forming stem cells, usually collected from peripheral blood.
Why the details matter
Refractory symptoms need diagnostic reassessment. Transplant series do not establish superiority over contemporary treatment, and established nerve damage may not reverse.
Questions to bring to your care team
What is the exact diagnosis or subtype? What is the goal of each treatment option? If transplant is being considered, why does it fit this situation, which cells would be used and what are the alternatives?
Sources and further reading
- FDA approves treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in adults
FDA · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Autoimmune Disease
EBMT Handbook · 2024-04-11 - 2025 EBMT practice recommendations for transplantation and CAR-T
EBMT · 2025
Understanding can become action.
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