American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which treatment options are suitable for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy?

1. Physical therapy only

2. Prednisone and immunosuppressive therapies

3. Antibiotics and antiviral drugs

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Prednisone and immunosuppressive therapies

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an autoimmune condition characterized by progressive or relapsing weakness and sensory loss due to inflammation of the peripheral nerves. Treatment typically aims to reduce the autoimmune response and alleviate symptoms. The use of prednisone and immunosuppressive therapies is a standard approach for managing CIDP. Corticosteroids like prednisone help in dampening the immune response and reducing inflammation, which may lead to symptom improvement and possibly remission. Additionally, other immunosuppressive drugs, such as azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil, may also be employed to manage the disease, especially in cases where corticosteroids alone are insufficient or not tolerated. Physical therapy may contribute to rehabilitation and maintenance of function but is not sufficient as the primary treatment for the underlying inflammatory causes of CIDP. Antibiotics and antiviral drugs target infectious processes and are not relevant for CIDP, as it is an autoimmune disorder, not an infection. Therefore, the treatment plan for CIDP should incorporate immunosuppressive strategies, making the combination of prednisone and immunosuppressive therapies the most suitable option.