[Chronic inflammatory neuropathies]

The group of chronic inflammatory neuropathies is made up of a variety of neuropathies of autoimmune or infectious origin.

We describe three types of neuropathies and their treatment: demyelinating chronic neuropathy, motor multifocal neuropathy and demyelinating neuropathy associated with monoclonal gammapathy. These three types of neuropathy have uniform characteristics and features, which permit precise identification and suggest that they are separate entities.

In the management of any type of neuropathy it is essential to make the correct diagnosis. Initial investigations should include detailed electrophysiological examination to detect the presence of demyelination, lumbar puncture and, if pleocytosis is found, the possibility of associated acquired immunodeficiency syndrome should be investigated. Also, before immunosuppressive treatment is begun, a systematic medical examination should be done to detect any other coexisting illness which might affect use of the different drugs involved.