[Autoimmune neuropathies--current aspects of immunopathologic diagnostics and therapy]

The group of autoimmune neuropathies includes the Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuritis, multifocal motor neuropathy, neuropathies associated with monoclonal gammopathies, and vasculitic neuropathies. This educational review first addresses diagnostic pathways that facilitate more rational diagnostic decisions. Many therapies are effective for treating immune neuropathies. Unfortunately, none of the available therapies are specific. In the acute phase, glucocorticosteroids, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulins play key roles. The list of long-term therapies includes azathioprine, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, and immunoglobulins. The therapeutic mechanisms involved are not clear for most of these compounds. Modern immunotherapy has to consider medical aspects, available therapeutic evidence, and long-term economic burden.